Tom Clancy The Coldest War

Jack Ryan Universe (Publication Order) #46

by M.P. Woodward, Tom Clancy

A Russian plan to open a strategic passage above the Arctic Circle poses a direct threat to the United States and to President Jack Ryan in the latest electrifying entry in this #1 New York Times bestselling series.

The U.S. Navy rules the seas--not only above the waters but below. A large factor in that sovereignty is a network of undersea listening devices scattered around the worlds oceans. Through these devices the Americans have been able to track every move the Russians make for years. 

Now the Russians have found a solution--create a new ocean or at least ocean passage that only they can use. To this end, they have harnessed nuclear power to melt an icy passage above the Arctic Circle. Not only will this allow Russian ships and submarines to travel undetected, it will shift the balance of power among the navies of the world. 

President Jack Ryan is faced with a insoluble problem. Any attack on the Russian icebreakers will be an act of war, and maybe even worse, because of the nuclear material being used, could lead to an environmental calamity of epic proportions.

544 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication November 24, 2026

About the author

Michael Patrick Woodward is the New York Times bestselling author of nine thriller novels, including four set within the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan universe. A former U.S. Navy intelligence officer, Woodward conducted operational and strategic analysis in the Middle East and Pacific theaters. His next novel, The Fourth Option (co‑authored with Jack Carr), releases this May, followed by The Coldest War, a Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Sr. thriller, in the fall. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Reviews

[John]

The Coldest War, M.P. Woodward's latest novel kept me up till 5am, so don't start reading this action thriller after 9pm. The book was an amazing ride, great cast of characters, a really great plot, and a lot of action. The book is really intense at times and will raise your heart rate. I was never a Tom Clancy fanboy, but I have become one, with the help of Andrews & Wilson and M.P. Woodward.
Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for ARC. I highly recommend this book and it comes out on Nov. 24th.

[G Newman]

President Jack Ryan is back again. M.P. Woodward is becoming a favorite author and he does a masterful job as a Clancy writer. He channels Clancy's way of using multiple storylines and weaving them together to a successful climatic scene and solution. I like the inclusion of the Ryan children moving into places of leadership and daring. It seems Dad's penchant for finding trouble flows down to his kids. I think including Clark and members of the Henley Group was great. I found myself waiting for Jack, Jr to appear, but also was glad he was off on some other adventure when the story finished.
The Arctic Circle is one of the last places to conquer and so little is known of just what it holds for most people. This storyline with the major powers seeking to establish their claims to the unknown brings home the potential for conquest and change. It is a very plausible story. Tom Clancy had a grip on future events as we saw story become factual. Woodward makes me think the same could happen in our future. This was adventure at its finest with a lot of thriller thrown in!

[Bob]

I am always amazed at how the Ryanverse franchise keeps putting out stories as if Tom Clancy is still doing the writing. In the 40 years since Red October, Jack Ryan has seen and done it all, and his supporting cast of characters are unsurpassed. In The Coldest War (the title is almost as good as the book), M.P. Woodward brings the reader to the sidelines of the Superbowl. A front seat view that's so stunning, you will find yourself shivering. President Ryan must once again rely on his experience and gut, along with Jack Clark and Mary Pat Foley not to miss guess America's enemies. Jack's daughter Katie, does not disappoint becoming the new hero of the Ryanverse.Lots of action, fast paced if you bring the story to bed, wear pajamas. A must read of Tom Clancy fans and those on the precipice of becoming one.

[Clayton]

When does Jack Ryan's presidency run out???????

Kidding, but kind of not.

Thank you to M.P. Woodward, Putnam, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Let me start by saying thank you for switching to writing Ryan Sr. books instead or the Jr series. I had not really liked the previous installments by Woodward for Jack Jr, but that seems to be ongoing, no matter the author for me, but this right here reminded me of the OG. A Clancy novel from the golden era of Jack Ryan. Global intrigue, military maneuvers, geopolitics.

The old guard is still here; Ryan, MaryPat, Clark, van Damm, and Ding. Katie Ryan continues to follow her father's arc of "I'm just an analyst". This was very well written and thought out. Fast pacing and plenty of action. I really hope MP Woodward can continue with this.

Very enjoyable. 5 Stars

[Amy Escobar]

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love a good Tom Clancy book and I always impressed when one of the recent ones published under his name (with another author) really feels like the originals.
This one was fast paced, engaging and engrossing. I had to force myself to stop reading to get back to my actual life. Even then, I still thought about the characters and story.
I am curious to see what this author would write if not under the tom Clancy umbrella. Either way, I am a huge fan!

[David Jonescu]

Once again, I will always read the next book in the Jack Ryan series. Regardless if they all follow a similar story line, they are all great. How long has Jack Ryan been president? Who cares. Love how each story brings the present geo political issues into the present but with the twist of the Ryan kids. Overall a great story and read!

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindsey Barger]

The Coldest War delivers a tense, timely Ryanverse thriller with high-stakes Arctic strategy, sharp geopolitical intrigue, and a standout role for Katie Ryan. M. P. Woodward’s intelligence background brings convincing detail to the action, while the NATO dynamics broaden the scope. I wanted more resolution after the final battle, and the animal cruelty was difficult to read, but the novel still earned 5 stars for its suspense, characters, and modern Cold War premise.