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Rocket's Red Glare
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Expected 8 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
2 days and 11:27:19
25 copies available
U.S. only
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
Expected publication June 8, 2026
83 people are currently reading
10426 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
986 books357k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
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, and Michael Crichton, 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
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
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, and Michael Crichton, 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
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
I recently had the absolute pleasure of immersing myself in James Patterson and Matt Eversmann's "Rocket's Red Glare," and I must say, it was an utterly phenomenal experience from start to finish. From the moment I turned the first page, I was immediately drawn into an electrifying narrative that unfolded like a blockbuster movie.
The authors masterfully crafted a story overflowing with intense action sequences and ingenious tactical maneuvers, ensuring that the pace never once faltered. Observing Nat and his formidable team navigate their way through one perilous scenario after another was heart pounding! Beyond the suspense, a significant highlight for me was the brilliant, often laugh out loud banter shared among these seasoned ex-special forces members. Their quick wit and authentic camaraderie injected energy into the narrative, making the characters feel incredibly real and relatable.
While the plot maintained a gripping, serious tone that had me holding my breath right up to the final moments, these perfectly timed injections of humor served as more than just comic relief. They provided a human element, accentuating the unbreakable bonds forged under extreme pressure and ultimately enriching the story.
This book has left a lasting impression, and I'm already eagerly anticipating what comes next for Nat and his team!
The authors masterfully crafted a story overflowing with intense action sequences and ingenious tactical maneuvers, ensuring that the pace never once faltered. Observing Nat and his formidable team navigate their way through one perilous scenario after another was heart pounding! Beyond the suspense, a significant highlight for me was the brilliant, often laugh out loud banter shared among these seasoned ex-special forces members. Their quick wit and authentic camaraderie injected energy into the narrative, making the characters feel incredibly real and relatable.
While the plot maintained a gripping, serious tone that had me holding my breath right up to the final moments, these perfectly timed injections of humor served as more than just comic relief. They provided a human element, accentuating the unbreakable bonds forged under extreme pressure and ultimately enriching the story.
This book has left a lasting impression, and I'm already eagerly anticipating what comes next for Nat and his team!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rocket's Red Glare is a fast paced thriller that is gripping from start to finish.
It a relentless mix of secrets, lies and jaw dropping twists.
The book is white knuckled and so intense.
The stakes are high for Nat Phillips and his team .
A presidential candidate is brutally murdered .
Somehow the unknown enemy is one step ahead of Nat's team at all times.
Who can you trust.
Bodies are piling up, the pressure is on as the clock is rapidly ticking and Nat's team is in danger. One is missing, others wounded.
James Patterson and Matt Eversmann are a force to be reckoned with: James Patterson's storytelling and Matt Eversmann's military background this book reads like a Tom Clancy.
The ending was jaw dropping and I wanted more.
Hopefully we will see a sequel to Rocket's Red Glare.
Buckle up, catch your breath: its a roller coaster of a ride.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for the privilege of reading and reviewing the high octane thriller Rocket's Red Glare.
It a relentless mix of secrets, lies and jaw dropping twists.
The book is white knuckled and so intense.
The stakes are high for Nat Phillips and his team .
A presidential candidate is brutally murdered .
Somehow the unknown enemy is one step ahead of Nat's team at all times.
Who can you trust.
Bodies are piling up, the pressure is on as the clock is rapidly ticking and Nat's team is in danger. One is missing, others wounded.
James Patterson and Matt Eversmann are a force to be reckoned with: James Patterson's storytelling and Matt Eversmann's military background this book reads like a Tom Clancy.
The ending was jaw dropping and I wanted more.
Hopefully we will see a sequel to Rocket's Red Glare.
Buckle up, catch your breath: its a roller coaster of a ride.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for the privilege of reading and reviewing the high octane thriller Rocket's Red Glare.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fabulous new series that will capture your interest from page one.
Nathan is a former Special Forces operator, now working as the leading operative in a friend's covert agency who is called upon to find the people who ordered and carried out the murder of a sitting US Senator and presidential candidate..
Nat and his fellow operatives, now working within the US with specified government authority, set out to find the Senator's killer/s and what the plot really is. And find a traitor among the ranks, at the same time.
Riveting story with absolutely fascinating characters and suspense that is amazingly non stop.
Patterson and Eversmann have an absolute gold star winner with this series.
And I do believe that is just the start of our exposure to Nat and his all star domestic covert adventures.
Five star read all the way.
Nathan is a former Special Forces operator, now working as the leading operative in a friend's covert agency who is called upon to find the people who ordered and carried out the murder of a sitting US Senator and presidential candidate..
Nat and his fellow operatives, now working within the US with specified government authority, set out to find the Senator's killer/s and what the plot really is. And find a traitor among the ranks, at the same time.
Riveting story with absolutely fascinating characters and suspense that is amazingly non stop.
Patterson and Eversmann have an absolute gold star winner with this series.
And I do believe that is just the start of our exposure to Nat and his all star domestic covert adventures.
Five star read all the way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well, I'm not quite sure what to say about Rocket's Red Glare. It is definitely the beginning of a series (or at least book 2) and I must admit, I want to see what happens, so I will read book 2, but the overall quality of the writing felt a bit underwhelming. I love James Patterson and most of his co-authored books, but this one had so many unrealistic pieces that it felt a bit amateurish. It was definitely action packed, and there were so many twists and turns and things happening that you kept reading just to see what comes next. But, once finished and you look back, you realize that some of the "actions" were so ludicrous they could not possible happen in real life. And, I guess that is the point of a fiction book. So, if you want to read a somewhat unbelievable, but thoroughly engaging book, then this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Military, espionage, assassination so many great things about this book! Action from the beginning to the end plus it definitely is gonna be another series-it has to!! Love James Patterson short quick chapters and add in someone with extensive military background and knowledge and it just makes for a great story. Nat will definetly be back to finish his job. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc to read and review!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Felt like I was on a rocket speeding through the action in this novel! Lots of intrigue and betrayal as several plots unwind around the world. A very abrupt ending leaves a door wide open for more of this madness.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read this ARC.
April 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this one, especially after reading a lot of non-genre stuff lately. something like this is a Snickers bar, pure entertainment that I can smash through quickly.
However, now I'm reeling because the book finished on a cliffhanger and I have no idea when the next book is coming out!
However, now I'm reeling because the book finished on a cliffhanger and I have no idea when the next book is coming out!
April 30, 2026
Simply the Best
Another worldy from the master. As always keeps you gripped from start to finish. Descriptive writing makes you feel like you are there. Nobody does it better. Fact.
Another worldy from the master. As always keeps you gripped from start to finish. Descriptive writing makes you feel like you are there. Nobody does it better. Fact.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Now that is what a call an excellent thriller. Lots of action and plenty of intrigue. The book is well written. Kept my interest and up too late reading what happens next. If you like James Patterson book this is one not to miss.
Review of advance copy
Took me a few chapters to get into this one, but then I quite enjoyed it. With how it ended wondering if a 2nd book is coming?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fast paced action packed military style thriller sure to keep you on your toes. As always with Patterson’s books the short chapters had me flying through this one and based on the ending I think we will be seeing more of Nat and his crew, hopefully soon!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow! This book is filled with adventure, suspense, strategy and great characters. I can't wait for the next book in this great series to come out.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews