Rocket's Red Glare

by James Patterson, Matt Eversmann

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.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Military Fiction

384 pages, Hardcover

Published June 8, 2026

About the author

Official 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.

Reviews

[Leon Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[OutlawPoet]

DNF @ 50%. I liked the political intrigue, but the military banter and acronyms almost killed me.

[Cissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Wendy]

Currently Reading

[Klare · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read.

[adeela_books ❁ཻུ۪۪ · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 •

[Dee Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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..

[William de_Rham · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Stacy DeBroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[John Walthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sandy Quill · Rating 2 out of 5]

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)

[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 5 out of 5]

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📚

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Military and political thrillers aren’t usually my cup of tea. However, with James Patterson’s name on the cover, I picked up Rocket’s Red Glare anyway. I’m glad I did, because this was an exciting and fast-paced read filled with espionage, political intrigue, and plenty of action.

The story centers on Nat Phillips, a former Special Forces operator who now leads an elite team of veterans known as Rocket’s Red Glare. Made up entirely of ex-military personnel, the team is called into action when America faces a serious domestic threat. Their mission is to identify the danger and stop it before the situation spirals further out of control.

When a political event is rocked by both an explosion and an assassination, Nat and his team spring into action. Not only must they prevent further loss of life, but they also have to uncover who is responsible. With a state of emergency declared and the clock ticking, Nat quickly realizes that corruption and conspiracy run much deeper than anyone initially suspected.

Patterson’s books always seem to hold a reader’s attention, and Rocket’s Red Glare is no exception. As the king of short chapters, he knows exactly how to keep the pages turning. Every chapter ends with just enough suspense to make it impossible not to read one more. If this is the beginning of a new series, I’m all in. After spending a few hours with Nat Phillips and his team, I’ll definitely be lining up to read the next installment.

Many thanks to little, Brown and Company, and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rocket's Red Glare was a fast-paced, action-packed, political thriller that will hook its claws into you right from the start! But, UGH, I did not know that this story was the start of a series. That cliffhanger of an ending left me quite frustrated. The plot and storyline play out just like a movie portraying a domestic attack on a US government official and having a specialized group of soldiers trying to save the day. It was certainly captivating, but there were a few flaws that kept me from giving a stellar rating. The characters were only there on the surface. I would have loved to have more back story on a few of them or on their group as a unit in order to form more of a connection. Due to this lack of development, I felt no emotion whatsoever towards any of them. There were also moments of choppy writing and military lingo that I didn't quite understand. With that being said, I respect that a former Army ranger co-authored this novel and that these moments of confusion for me are normal language for him. Despite the flaws, I still really enjoyed it, and I look forward to the next book to come. And, ironically, I am writing this review on Memorial Day, so I would like to thank and show appreciation to Matt Eversmann for his years of service to our country.

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for gifting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Julie Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a departure from James Patterson's usual mystery books, but I absolutely loved it. Don't get me wrong, it's still a mystery, it just has more of a spy thriller/espionage/covert ops feel to it. It also introduces a new character, Nat Phillips, and an "elite roster of special operators," who are all ex-Special Forces, in various fields, with a variety of skill sets. They form a team that usually works overseas, but is now called upon to work with the government, on US soil, when a presidential candidate is assassinated. The group vows to get to the bottom of this, as well as some other mysteries that they find are related to the assassination. They are going to find themselves involved in espionage and shifting alliances, and even betrayal closer to home.

I love these new characters as they are very easy to connect with and relate to. I also liked that they are more flawed and human than I was expecting. The plot was interesting and the book was well written, as are most of James Patterson's books. I commend his cowriter, Matt Eversmann, for this as well. The pacing was spot on, and the ending was satisfactory and satisfying.

All in all, I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it.

5/5 stars

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company, James Patterson and Matt Eversmann for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely sped through the pages of this book and still could not satisfy my desire to get to the end fast enough! This is a military thriller with a lot of suspense and drama, espionage and covert operations. The leader of the covert group for which the book is entitled is Nat Phillips. All of his operatives are prior military and have specialties like communications, intelligence and weapons, which are all needed in the domestic terrorism group that was created just for them. They are tasked with taking down the bad guys and have to put their lives on the line constantly, working in total sync to spot danger and neutralize the threats. The short chapters kept me engaged and the action kept me reading lost past my bedtime. I cheered for their victories, cried over the defeats and was incensed over the fact that there was more than one traitor in the book. This bullet-fast thrill ride had me at the first chapter and kept me captivated until the end, with mostly likable characters (except for the traitors), more than a few twists and surprises and an all-around riveting read. Fans of military thriller authors like Tom Clancy will thoroughly enjoy this book and want more of the story as fast as it can be written.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette via Netgalley as well as a hard copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Emerald Maple · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always excited to see a new series from Patterson and the concept of this one intrigued me compared to the usual political thrillers, but the book just left too much to be answered in future books to be a five star read. That being said, I will definitely read the next one (assuming there is one, it felt like a sequel is needed) and expect that now that the series is set up well, the future installments will fill those plot holes and unanswered questions.

It does feel like this one is more Matt Eversmann compared to Patterson’s usual format. The writer clearly understands the military and private contractor world but it was missing a little of Patterson’s magic for me. There are so many characters and not much development, so when one dies, you are not invested enough to care. I was expecting a twist that never came from the jail setup at the beginning.

I do think this would make a great movie/series though. Plenty of characters to work on and lots of shoot/blow them up action plus the various politicians from all sides of the spectrum all working on their various angles. The whole contractors working on American soil is an interesting change and Nantucket is far from the usual backdrop for terrorism. But unanswered questions bug me and if there isn’t a sequel, the book feels flat.

Thanks to Little, Brown & Co for the advance copy for review through Netgalley.

[Carolyn Comings · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for inviting me to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

I have given the book 3 stars because it breaks two of my personal rules, and each breakage loses a star. What are those broken rules? One, ending the book at a cliffhanger such that the reader has to wait heaven only knows how long to read what comes next. Personally, I will likely give up on this book.

The second broken rule is the abomination of "alright." No, it isn't. Do we say "alwrong?" Nope. And thus, neither should we use "alright." The correct term is "all right."

Onward. This book is a high-action story that includes international intrigue, special forces, lots of people getting killed, and a whole lot of F-bombs (which I do not personally care for). I was interested in the story enough to get to the last page--where I discovered that the story does not end there, and the reader will have to make a choice to either wait for the next book or give up on the grounds that by the time the next book is released (and we don't know when that will be) the reader will have forgotten much of the story and have to re-read the first book to get back up to speed. I honestly don't think I will participate. Others' mileage of course can and will vary. My own reactions to this book are exactly that... my own.

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson's latest collaboration is with Matt Eversmann, a retired First Sargent. They have written another one previously. ROCKET"S RED GLARE has lots of military elements that show authenticity that Matt Eversmann brought to this thriller.
The title comes the ex-Special Forces group put together to fight a probable internal terrorist threat rather than an external one. Nat Phillips is the leader of the group where action suddenly notches up with an unexpected death of a prominent politician. Nat and his group deal with issues in a variety of locations. It get so hard to know who are the bad guys supposedly part of many illegal activities and who may not be a good guy or gal. The twists and turns keep you guessing. The book has the shorter chapters that are trademarks in most of Patterson's novels. By the end I felt a lille breathless and exhausted, but satisfied. The ending lent itself to a possible sequel which I would read.
ROCKET"S RED GLARE is probably marketed more to men. As someone who has watch a wide variety of military and/or spy programs, It was very engaging. If you like fast paced action, I would recommend the recent streaming program series "The Terminal List: Dark Wolf.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of books that are action-packed, fast moving and with a political terrorism edge to them - this could be your book!! Nat Phillips and his team have returned to the United States after a mission outside of Baghdad and jump from the pan right into the fire when a dangerous attack happens in Nantucket. Nat and his crew work for a security and training company designed to keep others safe in high-level dangerous situations but keep a low-profile as they do it. Now they have been asked to form an operations network that could be called up within the United States when a national crisis may occur, and it would be called Rocket's Red Glare. With a quick moving plot, threats to US politicians from an unknown source, and people working both sides of the situation, the action is ever evolving into murder, espionage, and deceit. The ending of the book is a cliff-hanger letting us know that the next book will bring the same type of drama and terror to Nat's team as they try to figure out who is behind this complicated act of terrorism and how far it will take them before they are able to put a stop to it. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read and review this copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #RocketsRedGlare

[Katinka Steyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rocket's Red Glare is the codename for a special operations unit so classified it doesn't even exist. And former Special Forces operative Nathan Phillips is the leader. The unit was brought into existence to respond when national security collapses.
So, when senator Coleman Harrison is killed, Nat and his team are called into action. Many characters are introduced in the first part of the book which seemingly have no connection to each other, but, in true James Patterson fashion, as the plot unfolds, it all starts coming together. The hunt for the killer of Coleman quickly escalates and a full scale conspiracy network is uncovered that leaves Nat and his team no time for even catching a breath. From Colemans' wife to the senator of Colorado, Nat leaves no stones unturned. Until they come to the realization that they have a double agent in the mix. Will they ever find Coleman's killer? Is it even relevant in the bigger scheme of things? As the plot thickens, Nat and his team literally have to fight for their lives. A fast-paced political drama that will have you turning pages faster than you can read!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes! This one was different than the usual James Patterson novel as it read more like a spy novel than a crime thriller. That is not to say I did not immensely enjoy it, but it was different. Prepare yourself because this one is deep. There are a lot of characters and a lot of moving parts, as well as a lot of military and tactical lingo. Even as I had to use my brain to keep up with everyone and everything, I was fully immersed in the world of covert ops and special missions with highly trained individuals. You know the kind of people you want on your side.

The short, snappy chapters and non-stop action are present, which is something that I always love in a book written by this author. This was especially helpful in this book because of the technical language and large amount of characters.

I suggest you put your thinking cap on and find a comfy place to sit before you start reading because it is definitely a one sitting read.

The ending left me slack-jawed and screaming a little, but I guess that was by design.

Thank you to Little Brown and Company and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley, #JamesPatterson, #MattEversmann, and #LittleBrownandCompany for a copy of this book.

Rocket's Red Glare is a fast-paced legal and political thriller that kept me turning pages. After an attack on the island of Nantucket and the kidnapping of a U.S. senator, an elite group of former military operatives who happen to be on the island spring into action. Their response is immediate and effective, but they quickly find themselves operating in a legal gray area since they have no authority to conduct military-style operations on American soil. As they push the boundaries of the law, the stakes rise and the story becomes increasingly compelling.

I was fully invested in the plot and enjoyed the suspense throughout most of the novel. Unfortunately, the ending left me disappointed. I don't mind when a series leaves a few threads unresolved to set up the next book, but I prefer a story to provide some sense of closure. Instead, this novel seemed to stop abruptly, leaving major questions unanswered. Because of that, I could only give it 3 stars.

It's a shame, because up until the final pages I was thoroughly enjoying the ride.

#RocketsRedGlare

[Naomi Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Patterson’s Rocket's Red Glare is exactly the kind of high-octane thriller that keeps you saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. Nat, a former military operative now working in private security, is a strong, capable lead whose loyalty and instincts make him easy to root for. When a sitting senator and likely presidential candidate is kidnapped after a shocking explosion on Nantucket, Nat and his elite team Rhino are thrust into their first covert mission on U.S. soil under the chilling code name Rocket’s Red Glare.

The story moves at a breakneck pace with nonstop action, political intrigue, and plenty of twists that keep the tension high from beginning to end. Patterson delivers short, punchy chapters that make the novel incredibly hard to put down. The Nantucket setting adds an unexpected contrast to the dangerous operations unfolding behind the scenes. Fans of military thrillers and fast-paced suspense will devour this one. It’s an exciting, adrenaline-filled read that delivers exactly what thriller lovers want.

[Reading Xennial · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a classic Patterson. I had to look up Matt Eversmann assuming he was an author, but found out he was a real soldier involved in the battle of Mogadishu and was in Black Hawk Down. I assume he was a large part in helping give a soldier’s/special forces POV in this story.

This isn’t a normal book that I would choose to pick up, but this was offered by the publisher and I like to try different things when prompted. I have read Patterson before and I’ve seen a few adaptations based on his books. So when I read a book like this I go into it with a different lens. It was as expected, as in it was high action, explosions, special forces, political intrigue, and some more thoughtful topics like the stress and weight of working with this burden to keep people safe. This is a very action movie type book and it’s fun to jump into this genre once in a while. I do recommend this book if this sounds like your thing.

Thank you, NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.

[Theresa Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rocket's Red Glare hooked me from page one and never let go. I really liked this book, so much that I stayed up far too late because I simply couldn’t walk away from Nat Phillips. He’s the kind of character who grabs you immediately: sharp, relentless, and driven by a moral core that reminds me strongly of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp. 
Nat Phillips is the standout of the entire story. His voice, his instincts, and his grit pulled me in deeper with every chapter. Patterson and Everson crafted a hero who feels both fresh and familiar, and I found myself rooting for him from the start.
The pacing is classic Patterson: fast, tight, and addictive. Every chapter pushes you forward, and before you know it, you’re turning pages long after you meant to stop. The action is crisp, the stakes are high, and the tension never dips.
By the time I reached the end, one thought was clear, I hope there will be more books to follow Nat Phillips. He’s a character with plenty of room to grow, and I’d happily stay up too late again to see where his story goes next.