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Jack Ryan, Jr. #9
Tom Clancy Duty and Honor
Jack Ryan, Jr., is caught in the crosshairs of a would-be tyrant in the latest novel in Tom Clancy's New York Times bestselling series.
DUTY AND HONOR
Jack Ryan, Jr., is on his own. He's been ousted from his position at the Campus, the off-the-books intelligence agency that was set up by his father, the President. As if that's not bad enough, someone is out for Jack's blood. The police think that he was just the victim of a mugging, but he knows a professional assassin when he kills one.
Using clues found on his would-be dispatcher, Jack launches his own shadow campaign to uncover the brutal truth about a world-renowned philanthropist and human rights advocate--and a long-running false-flag war of terror that has claimed thousands of lives...
DUTY AND HONOR
Jack Ryan, Jr., is on his own. He's been ousted from his position at the Campus, the off-the-books intelligence agency that was set up by his father, the President. As if that's not bad enough, someone is out for Jack's blood. The police think that he was just the victim of a mugging, but he knows a professional assassin when he kills one.
Using clues found on his would-be dispatcher, Jack launches his own shadow campaign to uncover the brutal truth about a world-renowned philanthropist and human rights advocate--and a long-running false-flag war of terror that has claimed thousands of lives...
416 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2016
1517 people are currently reading
3914 people want to read
About the author
Grant Blackwood
48 books351 followersThe New York Times bestselling author of the Briggs Tanner series, (END OF ENEMIES, WALL OF NIGHT, and ECHO OF WAR) Grant Blackwood is also the co-author of the Fargo Adventure Series (SPARTAN GOLD, LOST EMPIRE, and THE KINGDOM) with Clive Cussler, as well as the co-author of the #1 NYT bestseller, DEAD OR ALIVE, with Tom Clancy, and the upcoming thriller, THE KILL SWITCH, with James Rollins.
A U. S. Navy veteran, Grant spent three years aboard a guided missile frigate as an Operations Specialist and a Pilot Rescue Swimmer.
Grant lives in Colorado, where he is working his own standalone series starring a new hero.
A U. S. Navy veteran, Grant spent three years aboard a guided missile frigate as an Operations Specialist and a Pilot Rescue Swimmer.
Grant lives in Colorado, where he is working his own standalone series starring a new hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 483 reviews
June 17, 2016
For someone who loves the Tom Clancy Ryanverse, I was really disappointed with Duty and Honor. I thought this book seriously lacked character development and substance. Jack Ryan Jr. Has become an annoying character in this story line.
As much as Tom Clancy is surely missed, I have really enjoyed Mark Greaney's interpretations. I hope this is Grant's last attempt with the Jack Ryan series. I hold on hope that Mark can correct course for December's release.
As much as Tom Clancy is surely missed, I have really enjoyed Mark Greaney's interpretations. I hope this is Grant's last attempt with the Jack Ryan series. I hold on hope that Mark can correct course for December's release.
June 20, 2016
Jack Ryan jr is on a forced sabbatical from his secret intelligence role at “The Campus”. He is attacked and almost killed so, of course, he ignores the fact he is the son of the President and has friends who are lethal Operatives, and investigates himself. And as things get more dangerous and complicated, he always takes the stupid route. There are some self-doubting nods about maybe calling it in, but no, the answer is always to carry on. The plot is utterly daft and not supported by overly good writing or characterisation
Nothing in this to recommend it and just demonstrates how much this series needs Mark Greaney at the helm, throwing books at lesser authors is reducing the credibility of carrying on past Tom Clancy. The Clancy Estate should be treating the readers with more respect and with better quality control.
Nothing in this to recommend it and just demonstrates how much this series needs Mark Greaney at the helm, throwing books at lesser authors is reducing the credibility of carrying on past Tom Clancy. The Clancy Estate should be treating the readers with more respect and with better quality control.
June 17, 2016
I almost feel this is sacrilegious, but if you removed the Jack Ryan name, this was just another storyline. I've devoured everything with the Clancy name since Red October. This book, while pretty good, just seems to miss all the points that would historically made it a great Clancy read.
First, the only character is Ryan, Jr. There is a sense of family I get from reading about all the others in a complicated storyline. While the storyline makes sense from having Jack go off and find himself, it just doesn't have the hallmarks of former novels. There was a reason that Tom Clancy novels were sometimes 500-600 pages. He really explained things- took you deep in the story. This book, at 423 pages, could have been so much better with another 100 pages of storyline.
With another book already scheduled for January release, I worry that the Clancy genre is just turning into a factory churning assembly line of so-so stories. If this wasn't a Clancy book I'd give it 2 stars. But since I'm a bit of a Clancy homer, it gets average marks. This one just missed the mark, in my opinion.
First, the only character is Ryan, Jr. There is a sense of family I get from reading about all the others in a complicated storyline. While the storyline makes sense from having Jack go off and find himself, it just doesn't have the hallmarks of former novels. There was a reason that Tom Clancy novels were sometimes 500-600 pages. He really explained things- took you deep in the story. This book, at 423 pages, could have been so much better with another 100 pages of storyline.
With another book already scheduled for January release, I worry that the Clancy genre is just turning into a factory churning assembly line of so-so stories. If this wasn't a Clancy book I'd give it 2 stars. But since I'm a bit of a Clancy homer, it gets average marks. This one just missed the mark, in my opinion.
June 17, 2016
Disappointed
I was disappointed with this book. I have read every Tom Clancy book and this book is not up to standard for Tom Clancy.
Very disappointed. I wish I could get my money back.
I was disappointed with this book. I have read every Tom Clancy book and this book is not up to standard for Tom Clancy.
Very disappointed. I wish I could get my money back.
July 12, 2016
I think I will just stick to the Mark Greaney Clancy novels. this was weak!
December 29, 2016
Frankly, stories like these bore me. They began okay, but continue to delve into minutia with each subsequent novel. I may try one last story before completely giving up this series. 2 of 10 stars
February 23, 2017
This gets a 1 because that's as low as I can go. The Jack Ryan Jr. series was never as good as the original, but it had some good characters and decent storylines. This has abandoned all the good characters and focused on a whiny, narcissistic Jack Ryan with a plot that plods on and on and on. After tripping over itself a few times it abruptly ends which I was actually grateful for. I listened to this book and the narration was good enough to carry me through, but from now on all "Clancy" books need to be free or very cheap.
June 21, 2016
There is a noticeable difference between Blackwood and Greaney. While we get more of the Tom Clancy "feel" from Greaney, Mr. Blackwood's entries in the Clancyverse feel more like one-shots that, if the Tom Clancy brand were stripped from them and a name or two changed, they could be any other spy thriller in the book store.
That said, his writing is adequate here, if just only.
The concept of Jack Jr. being put in the role of leader while dealing with partners who jump the gun and run on emotion rather than a plan is an interesting bit of getting a taste of his own medicine. I can't help but feel that if the novel had been expanded beyond just focusing on Jack Jr., and it is laser focused (no alternating chapters focused elsewhere), this would have been more than a color by numbers thriller. There are no surprises, the supporting cast is forgettable, and the ending is exactly what you'd expect.
I hope in the future Grant Blackwood fleshes out his stories a bit more than what we have here. Tom Clancy has never been a "this happened, then this happened, etc" writer. It's all about the multiple points of view, the gruelingly detailed scenes, and a mostly likeable cast of characters. This novel has none of that.
I'd say read it if only to make sure that, if there is a reference to the events here, you'll be in the know.
That said, his writing is adequate here, if just only.
The concept of Jack Jr. being put in the role of leader while dealing with partners who jump the gun and run on emotion rather than a plan is an interesting bit of getting a taste of his own medicine. I can't help but feel that if the novel had been expanded beyond just focusing on Jack Jr., and it is laser focused (no alternating chapters focused elsewhere), this would have been more than a color by numbers thriller. There are no surprises, the supporting cast is forgettable, and the ending is exactly what you'd expect.
I hope in the future Grant Blackwood fleshes out his stories a bit more than what we have here. Tom Clancy has never been a "this happened, then this happened, etc" writer. It's all about the multiple points of view, the gruelingly detailed scenes, and a mostly likeable cast of characters. This novel has none of that.
I'd say read it if only to make sure that, if there is a reference to the events here, you'll be in the know.
June 28, 2016
I have long been a fan of Tom Clancy, and in particular the Jack Ryan books. I am grateful that authors like Grant Blackwood and Mark Greaney are taking on the task of continuing the stories in the Jack Ryan universe.
However, there is a difference in the writing. Tom Clancy would always have 50 different balls in the air at once, with extremely complex story lines which would take the entire length of the book to reveal exactly how they were interwoven. It was very detailed, skillful storytelling.
This book has one plotline and follows only the perspective of Jack Ryan, Jr. While it was an interesting and entertaining story, it lacked the complexity that I am used to in a Tom Clancy novel. Events for the main character seemed a little too easy. It didn't show more of how he puzzled through the tracking of the bad guys, etc. I would have like a little more struggle, or conflict, throughout to make it more believable. There are also some significant supporting characters who are not defined as well as they should be.
However, there is a difference in the writing. Tom Clancy would always have 50 different balls in the air at once, with extremely complex story lines which would take the entire length of the book to reveal exactly how they were interwoven. It was very detailed, skillful storytelling.
This book has one plotline and follows only the perspective of Jack Ryan, Jr. While it was an interesting and entertaining story, it lacked the complexity that I am used to in a Tom Clancy novel. Events for the main character seemed a little too easy. It didn't show more of how he puzzled through the tracking of the bad guys, etc. I would have like a little more struggle, or conflict, throughout to make it more believable. There are also some significant supporting characters who are not defined as well as they should be.
June 17, 2016
I need to learn that when new authors pick up an existing series\character the quality can be uneven.
This book in no way resembles Tom Clancy's writing, depth of character and technical\tactical details.
One star for being readable and passing the time
This book in no way resembles Tom Clancy's writing, depth of character and technical\tactical details.
One star for being readable and passing the time
December 17, 2017
Typical action adventure, readable if you like that type of book. Jack Ryan, the Presidents son is on a leave of absence from his job and while stopping at market at night he is attacked by what seems to be a homeless man. He manages to fight off the attacker who runs into the path of a semi. Jack does not report the attack, but heads on home. This attack begins a tale of more attacks and the search for the reason for them and for the person behind them. Reaching form the US to Europe and Africa Jack and a young freelance reporter follow clues and try to stay out of harms way.
June 20, 2016
Weakest entry in the posthumous Clancy era. Very little plot or geopolitical intrigue and only Jack Jr as a recognizable tie to the franchise. Felt like an interlude. However, very quick-paced and an easy summer read.
June 20, 2016
Very disappointed
I normally like this series. This one was boring and the plot made no sense. I almost stopped reading it before finishing. But managed to struggle through to the end
I normally like this series. This one was boring and the plot made no sense. I almost stopped reading it before finishing. But managed to struggle through to the end
November 6, 2016
The reviews seemed very mixed on THIS book. I really enjoyed the roller coaster ride this book gave the reader. I feel if you are a fan of Clancy/Ryan you will find this to be enjoyable!
May 13, 2023
This is my first entry into the Jack Ryan Jr universe and what an entrance. This book propelled what I had heard about this series unto another level. The characters (both the good and the shady ones) were beautifully written so that I felt I had eaten dinner with them the night before. The world that they lived in was vivid with detail and portrayed the story well. A constant looming threat of danger ensured that every time the book was set down, you needed to come back for a few more chapters. I was unsure of a 4 or 5 for this fantastic work from Grant Blackwood but a 5 is in order for this excellent thriller. An intelligent and well rounded story.
Anyone who likes an action filled, assassin dodging, terrorist stopping tale would enjoy greatly. Can't wait to hear what this world has in store for Jack Ryan Jr and the gang at the Campus.
Anyone who likes an action filled, assassin dodging, terrorist stopping tale would enjoy greatly. Can't wait to hear what this world has in store for Jack Ryan Jr and the gang at the Campus.
June 26, 2016
This was one of the lazier books written in the Clancy world in quite some time. I should have known that something like this would happen with the way that the last one ended. If you want to turn your brain off and just let the ridiculousness wash over you this summer, this book might be a good place to turn.
I don't think Jack Jr. is half as interesting as his father and this book, with barely a mention of the members of the Campus, really makes that obvious. This book felt like one of the bad "monsters of the week" episodes of the X-Files--it didn't fit into the ongoing storyline or add any character development and didn't really need to be made.
Summary: Even without the other members of The Campus backing him up, Jack Ryan Jr. is able to save the day mostly on his own, even with non-professionals tagging along for the ride.
I don't think Jack Jr. is half as interesting as his father and this book, with barely a mention of the members of the Campus, really makes that obvious. This book felt like one of the bad "monsters of the week" episodes of the X-Files--it didn't fit into the ongoing storyline or add any character development and didn't really need to be made.
Summary: Even without the other members of The Campus backing him up, Jack Ryan Jr. is able to save the day mostly on his own, even with non-professionals tagging along for the ride.
June 24, 2016
Weak attempt at a Jack Jr story. I kept waiting for it to get good, but it never did. Mark Greaney does a great job at continuing the Clancy legacy, but Under Fire and now Duty and Honor lack intrigue and story telling by Grant Blackwood. The style seemed abridged.
June 19, 2016
Bad...Bad...Bad
I love Tom Clancy and all of his books and this one does him no justice. The story was too convoluted and only had Jack Ryan Jr for known characters.
I love Tom Clancy and all of his books and this one does him no justice. The story was too convoluted and only had Jack Ryan Jr for known characters.
December 20, 2017
Jack Ryan, Jr. is on a forced leave from his position with the Campus. Taking stock of his life, and trying to figure out the best direction forward, Ryan is almost caught off guard when a man tried to kill him while Ryan is bringing groceries to his car.
There is a second man at the scene. A back-up in case the first guy couldn't do the job? Ryan isn't sure. More importantly, he has no idea why someone would want him dead in the first place.
Teaming up with the young son of a once-famous journalist, Ryan and Effrem begin to piece together a sinister plot. Something big is about to go down. The problem is the two have no idea what that something big is, where it is going to happen, or who is behind the plan.
Deciding they need more evidence before going forward to the authorities, the duo work closely as they fit together the odd-shaped pieces of the puzzle.
An absolutely riveting read! From start to finish the book is explosive. It is a little more cut - and - dry when compared to the overly complex "Tom Clancy" novels most fans may be used to. I for one enjoyed the reprise of 1,000 Russian names that all sound alike, and the double and triple agents that leave my head spinning. Duty and Honor was more of a straight forward thriller. And I loved it!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of Absolute Zero
and Damn the Dead
There is a second man at the scene. A back-up in case the first guy couldn't do the job? Ryan isn't sure. More importantly, he has no idea why someone would want him dead in the first place.
Teaming up with the young son of a once-famous journalist, Ryan and Effrem begin to piece together a sinister plot. Something big is about to go down. The problem is the two have no idea what that something big is, where it is going to happen, or who is behind the plan.
Deciding they need more evidence before going forward to the authorities, the duo work closely as they fit together the odd-shaped pieces of the puzzle.
An absolutely riveting read! From start to finish the book is explosive. It is a little more cut - and - dry when compared to the overly complex "Tom Clancy" novels most fans may be used to. I for one enjoyed the reprise of 1,000 Russian names that all sound alike, and the double and triple agents that leave my head spinning. Duty and Honor was more of a straight forward thriller. And I loved it!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of Absolute Zero
and Damn the Dead
November 7, 2017
Een onderhoudende thriller, die nergens echt weet te pieken. Mijn recensie op Samenlezenisleuker:
https://samenlezenisleuker.wordpress....
https://samenlezenisleuker.wordpress....
March 30, 2020
3/5
I rarely ever review novels, but I gotta say, the story was good, but the storytelling was so bad I have to say the writing is fucking annoying. If the writer had ever been given the chance to describe Socrates’ execution, it would go something like this: with his bony hands, and frail fingers, he grasped the small wooden cup, that was produced from the trees in the mountain next to his red-timber cabin, he lifted the cup from the table, and slowly raised it, and then faster raised it, it touched his beard, his white beard, he placed its tip on his mouth, his shivering mouth, his red-lips mouth...
The point I’m trying to make, he ruined it mostly by given vague and too intensive detail. He simply made it boring with too much unnecessary description. He even started describing some high street names and different routes, like why?
I rarely ever review novels, but I gotta say, the story was good, but the storytelling was so bad I have to say the writing is fucking annoying. If the writer had ever been given the chance to describe Socrates’ execution, it would go something like this: with his bony hands, and frail fingers, he grasped the small wooden cup, that was produced from the trees in the mountain next to his red-timber cabin, he lifted the cup from the table, and slowly raised it, and then faster raised it, it touched his beard, his white beard, he placed its tip on his mouth, his shivering mouth, his red-lips mouth...
The point I’m trying to make, he ruined it mostly by given vague and too intensive detail. He simply made it boring with too much unnecessary description. He even started describing some high street names and different routes, like why?
June 23, 2016
As a devout Tom Clancy fan, I would have to say this is the weakest post Clancy effort to date. That is not to say this is a bad novel, it is pretty good and if the character names were changed I would have found this an enjoyable summer read. I have a higher bar set for the Clancy franchise and this one did not measure up. I hope we are not seeing a trend here
June 8, 2019
Another walking the dogs audiobook. As always these Jack Ryan novels get my blood flowing and pulse elevated. This was another high energy ride. Two attempts to kill Jack get him involved with a crazy German billionaire. I'll stop there so I don't spoil it. It involves a Belgium journalist and a missing French soldier.
October 28, 2017
[RECENSIE] Tom Clancy, Plicht en eer van Grant Blackwood
Goed maar komt tekort aan Clancy
Oorspronkelijke titel: Tom Clancy Duty and Honor
ISBN: 9789400509146
Uitgeverij: A.W. Bruna
Pagina’s: 400
Beoordeling: 3 sterren
Tom Clancy is niet alleen een naam van een, inmiddels overleden en sterk tot de verbeelding sprekende wereldberoemde auteur van talloze politiek getinte actiethrillers maar inmiddels ook een merk waar (ghost-)auteurs hun verhalen voor schrijven. Grant Blackwood is een naam die we terugzien in enkele avonturen van Clive Cussler, James Rollins maar ook in enkele avonturen van Jack Ryan. Zijn laatste bijdrage is in de Jack Ryan-serie, Duty and Honor of in het Nederlands, Plicht en eer.
Jack Ryan jr. is door Gerry Hendley uit de Campus gezet en op zichzelf aangewezen. Evaluerend over zijn laatste opdracht is hij er nog niet uit dat hij wel wil terugkeren. Bij een supermarkt raakt hij in een gevecht met een crackverslaafde en al snel beseft hij dat het geen normale vechtpartij is maar een mislukte moordpoging op hem. Ryan heeft geen idee wie er op hem jaagt en ook niet waarom. Via een hotelkeycard die hij bij de dader vindt probeert Ryan op de hotelkamer de eerste sporen te vinden in de lange weg naar de opdrachtgever die hem uit de weg wil ruimen.
Het verhaal in Plicht en eer is feitelijk één grote jachtpartij naar daders en motieven. Na het vinden van de eerste zichtbare en bruikbare sporen maakt hij kennis met Effrem Likkel, een jonge Belgische journalist die zijn eigen reden heeft om het spoor van iemand te volgen die toevallig ook in hetzelfde zoekgebied zit als het spoor dat Ryan volgt. Ze besluiten de krachten te bundelen en een nieuw gelegenheidsduo is geboren.
Het contrast tussen beide heren, voor Ryan geoefend en ervaren en voor Likkel jong en onervaren, is regelmatig aanleiding voor gevaarlijke situaties waar meestal wel een of meerdere dodelijke slachtoffers vallen. Eigenlijk moet de lezer blij zijn met deze move want het verhaal zelf is flinterdun. Ook manoeuvreert Blackwood zichzelf enkele keren in situaties waarmee hij de toch al magere geloofwaardigheid snel doet afnemen. Als voorbeeld zijn er een aan PTSS-lijdende veteraan en een zwaargewonde persoon uit het kamp Ryan, die ondanks hun zware beperkingen toch haarscherp kunnen blijven functioneren. Dat geeft dan wel te denken. Al met al moeten de nazaten van Tom Clancy zich achter de oren krabben om de geweldige reputatie van deze grote auteur voortdurend te beschadigen met producten, die door de meester zelf waarschijnlijk in de prullenbak gedeponeerd zouden worden, toch te blijven uitgeven.
Eindoordeel: 3 sterren
Spanning: 2 sterren
Plot: 3 sterren
Leesplezier: 3 sterren
Schrijfstijl: 3 sterren
Originaliteit: 3 sterren
Psychologie: 3 sterren
Goed maar komt tekort aan Clancy
Oorspronkelijke titel: Tom Clancy Duty and Honor
ISBN: 9789400509146
Uitgeverij: A.W. Bruna
Pagina’s: 400
Beoordeling: 3 sterren
Tom Clancy is niet alleen een naam van een, inmiddels overleden en sterk tot de verbeelding sprekende wereldberoemde auteur van talloze politiek getinte actiethrillers maar inmiddels ook een merk waar (ghost-)auteurs hun verhalen voor schrijven. Grant Blackwood is een naam die we terugzien in enkele avonturen van Clive Cussler, James Rollins maar ook in enkele avonturen van Jack Ryan. Zijn laatste bijdrage is in de Jack Ryan-serie, Duty and Honor of in het Nederlands, Plicht en eer.
Jack Ryan jr. is door Gerry Hendley uit de Campus gezet en op zichzelf aangewezen. Evaluerend over zijn laatste opdracht is hij er nog niet uit dat hij wel wil terugkeren. Bij een supermarkt raakt hij in een gevecht met een crackverslaafde en al snel beseft hij dat het geen normale vechtpartij is maar een mislukte moordpoging op hem. Ryan heeft geen idee wie er op hem jaagt en ook niet waarom. Via een hotelkeycard die hij bij de dader vindt probeert Ryan op de hotelkamer de eerste sporen te vinden in de lange weg naar de opdrachtgever die hem uit de weg wil ruimen.
Het verhaal in Plicht en eer is feitelijk één grote jachtpartij naar daders en motieven. Na het vinden van de eerste zichtbare en bruikbare sporen maakt hij kennis met Effrem Likkel, een jonge Belgische journalist die zijn eigen reden heeft om het spoor van iemand te volgen die toevallig ook in hetzelfde zoekgebied zit als het spoor dat Ryan volgt. Ze besluiten de krachten te bundelen en een nieuw gelegenheidsduo is geboren.
Het contrast tussen beide heren, voor Ryan geoefend en ervaren en voor Likkel jong en onervaren, is regelmatig aanleiding voor gevaarlijke situaties waar meestal wel een of meerdere dodelijke slachtoffers vallen. Eigenlijk moet de lezer blij zijn met deze move want het verhaal zelf is flinterdun. Ook manoeuvreert Blackwood zichzelf enkele keren in situaties waarmee hij de toch al magere geloofwaardigheid snel doet afnemen. Als voorbeeld zijn er een aan PTSS-lijdende veteraan en een zwaargewonde persoon uit het kamp Ryan, die ondanks hun zware beperkingen toch haarscherp kunnen blijven functioneren. Dat geeft dan wel te denken. Al met al moeten de nazaten van Tom Clancy zich achter de oren krabben om de geweldige reputatie van deze grote auteur voortdurend te beschadigen met producten, die door de meester zelf waarschijnlijk in de prullenbak gedeponeerd zouden worden, toch te blijven uitgeven.
Eindoordeel: 3 sterren
Spanning: 2 sterren
Plot: 3 sterren
Leesplezier: 3 sterren
Schrijfstijl: 3 sterren
Originaliteit: 3 sterren
Psychologie: 3 sterren
September 10, 2020
I wasn't a fan of Blackwood's previous Jack Ryan Jr. book and hadn't exactly been looking forward to diving into Duty and Honor as a result. Frankly, this book was about what I expected, which is to say it's pretty damn basic all around.
Blackwood doesn't inject much excitement or tension into the proceedings, which sees Jack targeted by assassins for unknown reasons while he's on sabbatical from The Campus following the events in Under Fire. Of the two Tom Clancy estate authors writing in the Jack Ryan Universe - Blackwood and Mark Greaney - I've found Blackwood's entries to be the lesser installments, and Duty and Honor is no exception.
This is a surprisingly dull read, and Blackwood does little to convince me here that Jack Jr. is an interesting enough character to headline his own series, let alone operate as a solo agent independent of The Campus and more seasoned spec ops veterans like John Clark and Ding Chavez. In Blackwood's hands, Jack Jr. is the epitome of a cardboard cutout - thin, flimsy, and bland.
The good news is, Duty and Honor marks the last time Blackwood gets to play in the Jack Ryan Universe sandbox, as the Jack Jr. series get handed off to fresh blood for the next installment. Hopefully Mike Maden proves more adept at crafting a better thriller when we next meet up with Jack again in Point of Contact.
Blackwood doesn't inject much excitement or tension into the proceedings, which sees Jack targeted by assassins for unknown reasons while he's on sabbatical from The Campus following the events in Under Fire. Of the two Tom Clancy estate authors writing in the Jack Ryan Universe - Blackwood and Mark Greaney - I've found Blackwood's entries to be the lesser installments, and Duty and Honor is no exception.
This is a surprisingly dull read, and Blackwood does little to convince me here that Jack Jr. is an interesting enough character to headline his own series, let alone operate as a solo agent independent of The Campus and more seasoned spec ops veterans like John Clark and Ding Chavez. In Blackwood's hands, Jack Jr. is the epitome of a cardboard cutout - thin, flimsy, and bland.
The good news is, Duty and Honor marks the last time Blackwood gets to play in the Jack Ryan Universe sandbox, as the Jack Jr. series get handed off to fresh blood for the next installment. Hopefully Mike Maden proves more adept at crafting a better thriller when we next meet up with Jack again in Point of Contact.
May 31, 2018
The 21st book of 25 (so far) in this long and epic series finds Jack Ryan Jr. on forced leave from Hensley and associates and from the very first narrative where he narrowly escapes with his life, he is thrust into a deep web of suspense and develops unlikely but useful associations to defeat yet another bad guy in this fast paced thriller.
March 29, 2024
Man on man this could have used another 100 pages to really get this story across. For me this went in the opposite direction of Mark Greaney and too much information. This was not enough and by the time the story started to flow it was over in 10 pages. Rough.
March 11, 2018
A good read (better than I expected). Recommended.
December 1, 2018
Enjoyed this as an audiobook during a cross country road trip with my dad. Safe to listen to with a parent! :) Have to buy into the story, but a good distraction for a long journey.
June 17, 2023
Wat een vervelend boek om te lezen. Heel onduidelijk en ik kwam er echt niet door heen. Het einde was echt heel saai, er was een klein beetje actie maar het voelde een beetje als we schieten hem door hoofd en klaar. Erg jammer normaal schrijft Tom Clancy echt goede boeken
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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