Chain Reaction

by Russ Stone

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2026

Reviews

[Viking Jam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review: Delta Travis....er, Travdel is a retired Navy SEAL and elite loner assassin with special ops trained night kung flurk judoku skills. CHOP! Why he can smell your fear and track the stench deep into the Phillipines and use his jungle-foo fighting against the Millie n' Vanilli cult. Luckily for the east coast of Murica, his dickus is more biggus. Why sometime's Mr. Delta wonders why he wanders a paved road in a black T-shirt towards a volcano. We all do. Of course, his GF is hotter than popcorn farts in a sauna, is a genius in AI development, expert chef and aches for Delta boner. Delta Mcdickus even has a better spy network than the fuking CIA, NRO and NSA. Riiiiight.

While swimming 2 miles in open water, hauling 55 lbs. of gear, running 14 miles (7 up a mountain) and taking out 15 terrorists our hero barely has a hair out of place. After meeting his submarine, he eats 20 eggs and a huge steak while explaining his caloric deficit to anyone that gives a shjt. See, Delta Dawn McDickus has a characterization problem. He has a psychopath's personality, totally lacking in any form of empathy. To wit he is a bland narcissist riding a well-worn story line. How many times have I read the same shtick that starts with: Scientist Kidnapped, CIA, Captain America Super Delta Operative activated, World level threat with Christian terrorists based in Idaho. More than you would think. Just change the names and GTG. Oh, and as for the Desert Eagle Handgun being the most powerful in the world, a reminder that it is the cartridge not the gun.

This novel had constant movement yet very little character development. The author's consistent use of Christians to parlay an oft replicated novel into something unique was more a literary convenience than creative license. Most authors that sling shjt at Idaho are usually east coast (NY, NJ) libterds. Lucky for us our author is a 10th level watercolor master in Taekwon flong jitsu whom can save us with management level financial advice and Ivory Tower acumen. You know, cause there is nothing like self-promotion (see Chad Robichaux). This novel was beyond smug.

I received this ARC for an honest review.

1.4/5

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with the abduction of Zhao, a Chinese nuclear engineer, by an unknown party. This is followed up by the kidnapping of the U.S. Ambassador of the Philippines by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. They demand a ransom and if not received, then the Ambassador would be killed. The time that the ransom arrives and since it wasn't paid, the Ambassador was beheaded. As a result of this action, Delta is brought into the picture. Delta is successful in the mission and then it is discovered that 3 nuclear weapons have been taken from Pakistan. He is now given the mission to locate and destroy the bombs. Zhao has been kidnapped so that he could provide the info as to how to arm them.

Read along and follow Delta as well as Liv Zumwald, his girlfriend, as they try to discover where the bombs are located and why they were taken. Discover what item forced Zhao to cooperate and how everything eventually played out.

The story will definitely keep your interest and is well worth reading, don't miss out!

[Carolyn Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis Delta is tucked away on his property in Alaska taking wildlife pictures with his top of the line equipment while an ambassador is being murdered. The call comes, the plane is dispatched sending Travis to deal with the incident. On his way home, he is redirected to Washington DC as a scientist is missing and could they be connected.

Enter Liv and the super AI computer and the plane is back in the air. There are religious fanatical groups claiming to follow God’s will, missing nukes and the mystery of where is everything and how do all the moving parts fit together. Then the challenge of putting Travis on the task of stopping a possible disaster.

Great story. The author does a good job of creating characters you really like and then ones you can hardly wait for them to get what is co ing to them. This book has a great ending so you really should read it. and his associates are ones you enjoy and look forward to following in future books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series very much. I find it incredibly fast paced and highly entertaining. One reviewer gave it a scathing review and limited their comments. First he had a steak and 3 eggs not 20. And I have read many similar type books and the endurance of these elite operatives and SEALs by comparison is impressive. If you don’t like reading about kidnapped officials and/or scientists and CIA type rescue missions why bother accepting an ARC for review. Simply say…mmm. Not my thing and move on. However to those considering this book if CIA rescue missions are your thing this will probably be very enjoyable for you. I always enjoy the witty/sarcastic humor thrown in the mix. Looking forward to more books in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[The Bookish Lumpia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's like watching an action movie! ✨

What really worked for me was the constant sense of urgency. There’s very little downtime, and the plot unfolds like falling dominoes, one decision triggering the next, with no easy way out. The atmosphere stays tight and suspenseful, making it hard to put down once you’re locked in.
That said, a few moments felt slightly predictable, which kept this from being a full five stars for me. I also wished some character arcs had a bit more depth to match the intensity of the plot.
Still, this was an engaging, adrenaline-fueled read that delivers solid twists and a satisfying payoff.

Overall it's a must read! :)

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read a fast-paced novel featuring Travis Delta, and if you like action that puts you at the edge of your seat, I think you would really enjoy it.

The story follows Delta as he uncovers a connection between a missing US Ambassador and a Chinese nuclear scientist. He soon realizes they are both part of a larger plot by a religious cult to "cleanse" the world and remake it in their own image. It is an engaging thriller that follows his race against time to stop them and administer justice along the way.

I highly recommend giving it a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a non-stop action thriller. Travis Delta must act fast to save millions of people from a nuclear weapon in this book. Religious maniacs are the terrorists claiming to do God's work by destroying the current USA political structure. Don't read this if you are squeamish about bold political statements and Bible verses used to justify violence.

I love the main character Travis and hope someone like him really exists in today's world, someone trying to save our crazy world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alan Melnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, Great series!

Like all of the books in this amazing series, the plot was very plausible, realistic and was obviously thoroughly researched by the author. I believe that the plots in this series are without a doubt the most authentic of any thriller series out there today, and I read a lot of thrillers.

There was also plenty of action, and the story moved at a very fast pace to a satisfying conclusion.

Highly recommended to anyone who wants to read a great thriller with plenty of action and a plot that has the ring of authenticity to it.

[Robert Foland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Chain Reaction" is another solid addition to the world of Travis Delta. Russ Stone has woven a new mission for Delta. Fast-paced, exciting, and attention grabbing. It is once again Delta against the world. The world has no chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book opens with the kidnapping of Zhao, who is a Chinese nuclear engineer. Then a US Ambassador of the Philippines is kidnapped. The terrorist group Abu Sayyaf has taken responsibility and demand a ransom. When the Ambassador is killed Delta was brough in and discovers three nuclear weapons. Things move fast and it's an action packed book. Must Read.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this is book 4 and it’s still as good a read as the first one.
Full of action and suspense and with nuclear bombs in this one the stakes are even higher for Travis and it was an edge of you seat action read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does a kidnapped U.S. Ambassador and a kidnapped Chinese scientist have in common? That's what Travis and Liv have to figure out before it's too late for millions of people.
A wild ride from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another entertaining read in the series. A group of Christian fundamentalists have stolen some nuclear warheads as well as kidnapping a scientist with the aim of setting off a tsunami to devastate the east coast of the US. Travis is tasked with stopping them.

This was a fast-paced non-stop thriller where I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. The tsunami plan was not the only part of the plan so there was plenty of action yet to come even after you think things are nearly resolved. I look forward to reading more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis Delta lives on the edge while trying to save millions of people from a certain death if he fails. I enjoyed the constant thrilling action this book offers it's a page turner for sure and the ending is the best part for me.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excillerating

Another a outstanding with Travis Delta as the black operative attempting to defuse three nuclear bombs that would wipe the East Coast from Maine to Florida and killing millions of Anerican. A thrilling read....

[Kim Hammork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast, hard hitting nonstop action. Chain Reaction by Russ Stone kept me hooked the whole time — definitely a solid thriller. Awesome read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Benny Mullinax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting thriller full of action, great plots and characters.