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Ryan Drake #7

Shadow Conflict

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Ryan Drake is incarcerated at a Black Site in an unknown location. Bruised, naked and freezing on the floor, he has nothing left. His plot to assassinate the treacherous Marcus Cain – the Deputy Director of the CIA and now his captor – failed, and Drake must face the consequences.
But Cain needs information even more than he wants to take Drake’s life. The whereabouts of the mysterious Anya are unknown, and therefore she remains a threat, both to herself, and to Cain’s ruthless ambitions at Langley and beyond. He knows she’ll give everything to get Drake free, but can he know what – or rather who – she’s ready to take?
Taking in Paris, Poland, Pakistan and Prague, before sweeping to a pulsatingly powerful conclusion, Shadow Conflict shows Will Jordan at the very height of his storytelling powers. It is a relentlessly twisting and exciting novel, and perfect for fans of Chris Ryan, Vince Flynn or Lee Child.

457 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2017

70 people are currently reading
182 people want to read

About the author

Will Jordan

22 books669 followers
Will Jordan was born in Fife, Scotland in 1983. He is best known as the author of the RYAN DRAKE series of action thrillers, and for his YouTube alter-ego, THE CRITICAL DRINKER, amassing well over a million followers and quickly becoming one of the most popular movie critics on the internet. Having always enjoyed a passion for storytelling, he began writing short stories from a young age, eventually moving up to full-length novels and the publication of his first Ryan Drake novel in 2012.

His works to date include:

Redemption (Ryan Drake 1) - 2012
Sacrifice (Ryan Drake 2) - 2013
Betrayal (Ryan Drake 3) - 2014
Black List (Ryan Drake 4) - 2015
Deception Game (Ryan Drake 5) - 2015
Second Chances (Ryan Drake novella) - 2016
Ghost Target (Ryan Drake 6) - 2016
Shadow Conflict (Ryan Drake 7) - 2017
Deadly Cargo (Co-written with James Patterson) - 2017
Trial by Fire (Ryan Drake novella) - 2018
Downfall (Ryan Drake 8) - 2019
Something to Die For (Ryan Drake 9) - 2020
Dark Harvest (2022)

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5 stars
213 (51%)
4 stars
156 (37%)
3 stars
36 (8%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
154 reviews14 followers
August 7, 2017
Thanks to Will Jordan and Canelo for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The thing about war is, it does only work when both sides believe they are the good guys…

One of the central themes in Will Jordan’s Ryan Drake series has always been the conflict between the enigmatic Anya and the ruthless CIA Deputy Director Marcus Cain. In SHADOW CONFLICT their struggle finally reaches a boiling point, which will not only change their perception of each other’s actions but also the reader’s perspective on past events forever… In the most shocking way imaginable. And for readers fearing that Ryan Drake himself could merely become a footnote in this war, rest assured he has never been more dangerous or more lethal!

Will Jordan really pulled out all the stops for this one! From the shocking opening in a CIA black-site prison to the heart stopping climax in “the city of spies”, there is breathless action, betrayal and tear-worthy character drama on almost every page. The characters – whether good or bad – are so real that one can almost touch them, the action will make your pulse race and the twists – especially near the end – almost made my heart stop.

The most astonishing thing tough, is that Jordan’s story was so brilliantly conceived from the very beginning that the reader still doesn’t know all about what really triggered the events leading up to SHADOW CONFLICT and yet every new revelation makes totally sense and leaves the reader wanting to know more.

When Cain and Anya finally come face to face, the reader can sense that this might really be the end with the only question remaining who will wind up on top… Or is it? Well you will have to read the book to find out for yourself. But make sure you read all other Ryan Drake books beforehand. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! This is not only the darkest and most intense Ryan Drake novel to date!
Profile Image for Tammy.
2,237 reviews81 followers
September 16, 2021
Finally, the mysterious past between Cain and Anya is out. Now, I see Cain in a different light. While I understand their hatred I couldn’t help but roll my eye a bit, you know. It was a tragic story, their past, but to turn out to be this epic? Anyway, I like that at least in this action/thriller espionage story each character is not black and white or even grey. Every players (especially MC like Ryan, Anya and Cain) evolve from their past experience…not totally in neither good nor bad way. They portray real human; thought, action, emotion and life's path. The opening scene was a shock, seriously, I almost had a heart attack. And the confrontation scene was ….so emotional. That’s it….I have 2 more books left and I think I’ll just review the last book as the whole series.
46 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2017
Well played Will Jordan, well played. One of the problems with an ipad as your reader is that, unlike a hard copy book, you can’t see how close you are to the end unless you sneak a peak at the progress bar, which I never do. I was totally engrossed and was wondering how things would end when I came to the end.

My first reaction was “Oh Crap”. My second reaction was “I’ve got to get the next one.” Well played Will Jordan, well played.
116 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2017
Quit Reading Reviews and Click the Buy it Now button NOW!!

This is one of the best military thrillers that I have ever read. The series itself is incredible but this latest installment is the best of all then. But do yourself a favor and go back to beginning and buy all seven books in the series. We will not be disappointed. Fans of Brad Thor, Vince Flynn and Tom Clancy will be more than pleasantly surprised that Will Jordan has written a series that may top them all. Well done sir, well done.
77 reviews
September 8, 2017
I seldom give out 5 star reviews based on GR's rating system, but Will Jordan's writing seems to get better and better. Every chapter is tightly written. I found myself disappointed when I knew I was nearing the end of the book, because that means having to wait for his next release. If you like the Ryan Drake series, and especially the mysterious Anya, then this one definitely is a must read.
Profile Image for Katie.
44 reviews7 followers
September 6, 2017
I got the copy of the book on Netgalley.

Shadow Conflict is a part of the Ryan Drake series (which I did not know until I read the book whoops). I may not have understood all the background that led to the events happening in the book, but I never felt like I needed to read the entire series before this book. A lot of past events were at least partially explained, and the book flowed well.

The beginning already pulls the reader in, as Ryan Drake is imprisoned in the black-site prison by the CIA’s Marcus Cain where they try to force him to give the information about his ally Anya, Cain’s ex and the only member of the team that escaped from the assassination attempt on Cain.

The characters are very real, if not relatable (how could they be relatable to us, the ‘normal’ reader who has never experienced such things), and you never know which side is the good one. I mean, Cain does not look good, but the other side did some truly bad things as well.

At the end, there’s a stand-off with Cain and Anya, which has some surprising resolution. The actual ending, however, is even more intriguing and will make you want to read more of this series!

Originally posted on https://katiejudgesbooks.wordpress.co...
Profile Image for Jannelies (living between hope and fear).
1,308 reviews194 followers
September 4, 2017
I’ve received this book through Canelo and NetGalley.

After reading my first Will Jordan book (Blacklist) in 2015, I wrote in my review (published on Hebban.nl) that I was wondering why the Will Jordan books were never translated in Dutch. They are still not and I would like to say that it is a pity that people who only read Dutch have to miss this series.
That being said, I must explain why I gave Blacklist 5 stars and Shadow Conflict only 4. I am a fan of these kind of thrillers, where rogue agent take it on to the world, where government conspiracies play a large role, where nobody is what they seem and where there is, amidst all the violence, a place for humor and even a little romance.
So, this book left me breathless from all the action but a little puzzled with the background. I missed out on book 5 and 6 but I had the distinct feeling I was reading a sequel to book 4. So what happened? Does this mean there was too much in book 4 of the story or not enough in 5 and 6? And even in part 7 there are some very unexpected revelations that could lead… everywhere.
I really liked the beginning of the book where we find our hero almost tortured to death in a secret prison, because you know he will find a way to escape. And escaping is an art Ryan Drake mastered very well. On the other hand, there was just a touch too much violence in this book. There were moments I feared Will Jordan was planning to kill all major characters, to end the series.
After all that happened in Shadow Conflict , I hope Will Jordan will find a way to keep this series interesting and not just a repetition of the first seven books. I’m looking forward to his next book.
Profile Image for Darryle B..
301 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2021
This amazing spy thriller continues with riveting twists and turns, suspense and action that does not let up. The intensity of the story, the adversaries and the allies make this Ryan Drake saga a page turner that is hard to put down. As with the last novel, I kept reading until I saw what happened next. My heart went out to Drake as I saw his team decimated in the previous novel. As he found the mission to take down CIA Deputy Director Marcus Cain unravel to complete and total failure, this novel is where he finds himself now a prisoner of Cain and at the mercy of Cain's deadly mercenaries led by a trigger happy, bloodthirsty Hawkins who has his own agenda and is itching for a rematch against Anya. I won't lie. Hawkins is precisely the type of bad guy I desire to meet their demise so badly. He is an awful, disgusting and evil person but also the right kind of villain for this story along with Cain. For as good as Drake is, in them, he meets his match. I loved the surprises particularly in story and when they occurred, I wanted to cheer and at the same time saddened as any victory wrought by Drake came at a high price.

The author Will Jordan is one heck of a writer and he does a tremendous job driving these stories, and while you root for Drake and Anya to win their personal wars against Cain and her mercenaries, it is also great to see the heroes like Drake, his allies and his adversaries well developed so that they become tangible, bringing the stories to life. I am already looking forward to diving into the next novel because I cannot wait to see what happens next. As always, the Ryan Drake saga comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Profile Image for Keshav Nair.
298 reviews
March 18, 2021
Action Packed Thriller

A brilliant, mind-blowing action-packed cliff-hanger in the seventh edition of the Ryan Drake series by Will Jordan. Ever since the first volume, I have never been let down in this series and this too was no exception. After a failed attempt to assassinate the corrupt and ruthless CIA Dy. Director, Marcus Cains, Ryan Drake is detained and tormented by his ex-colleague and right-hand man of the CIA director, Hawkins. With Ryan's shepherd operative colleague Cole Mason dead, Kiera Frost in captivity, Samantha Fox's deception, and the enigmatic Anya's escape from Islamabad's action, Ryan desperately needs to plan his escape, if he wants his revenge. In a parallel timeline, Anya is hatching a plan to compel Cain to release Drake and Frost.  With the help of a computer geek, she kidnaps Cain's daughter and negotiates a deal with Cain in exchange for Ryan. Meanwhile, Ryan escapes from the custody but is chased by Hawkins and his undercover agents. What follows next is an action-packed, high octane roller coaster chases and hide & seek sequences. The final stand-off between Cain and Anya is jaw-dropping and suspenseful, although I was saddened by the collateral damage of innocent life. This book was by far one of the best thrillers in the Ryan Drake series and now eagerly waiting to lay my hands on the next one in the series. Brilliantly authored by Will Jordan. A perfect 5-star rating and a must-read for thriller lovers. Recommend to read all of them in the series and you will not be disheartened.
Profile Image for Zane Abbey.
69 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2025
The seventh installment in the series, intensifies the narrative as Drake and his team of fugitives confront a new crisis. A CIA operative is tragically killed in a car bomb falsely linked to Drake, setting the stage for a global pursuit that spans Rio, Tunisia, and Afghanistan. The pursuit targets a hidden adversary orchestrating chaos across the globe.

The story is a masterclass in storytelling, with Jordan’s relentless pace and intricate plotting captivating the reader from beginning to end. The vivid action sequences, from desert skirmishes to high-stakes infiltrations, maintain a gripping momentum throughout the novel. Drake’s unwavering loyalty to his team, fighting for truth as if for family, resonates deeply with my own appreciation for faith and freedom, grounding the narrative in meaningful themes.

Beyond its thrilling plot, Shadow Conflict also delves into the complexities of private military operations, prompting me to conduct research on their impact. This exploration enhances the reader’s engagement with the novel and adds depth to its themes.

The conclusion of Shadow Conflict delivers a resonant and satisfying ending, reinforcing the series’ strength with its focus on loyalty and resilience. I am grateful for a novel that not only entertains but also celebrates enduring bonds, making it an integral part of the series. For those seeking a sophisticated thriller that honors human connection, Shadow Conflict is a compelling choice, setting the stage for an epic and satisfying grand finale.
Profile Image for S.J. Saunders.
Author 26 books18 followers
December 9, 2020
This one just baaarely missed out on five stars, for me.

The characters and story take some much-needed turns to retain interest (including the return of a favorite of mine from the fourth installment), revitalizing the series for the final push toward the finish line. And *almost* all of it works.

There's a phenomenon especially prevalent in classic Doctor Who serials involving the cycle of a character or characters being captured, escaping, and being captured again, usually to pad the running time. That's kind of what the bulk of one of the character's plot threads felt like. Little, if anything, seemed to be gained from the character's time of freedom to advance the overall plot, which made the whole interlude feel a bit pointless. In fact, their objective was only reached once they were recaptured.

That said, I love me some classic Who, and there was more than enough going on with the story and characters otherwise to keep things moving along. And, once again, Jordan proves that he's not at all trigger shy about offing characters. That's not always necessarily a positive, but it's hardly overdone, instead leveraged just enough to keep a poor reader concerned about the fate of their imaginary friends.
Profile Image for Michele.
47 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2017
First, I would like to thank NetGalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Now that I have finished reading, I'm still not sure I understand who loved whom. I would have liked to see more developed characters and histories. While several relationships were implied, I didn't find myself rooting for them because in effect, I still didn't really know them. This book is aimed at readers that like action, particularly inter-personal combat described in detail. If that is the motivation for reading, the book is pretty good at ratcheting up the pace and intensity. As someone that preferred Casino Royale over all other Bond movies, I prefer exotic locals where the terrain itself helps shape the story and the characters are as vulnerable or complex as they are powerful. Anya's background is hinted at, but we really don't experience anything through Anya's eyes that make us really sympathetic to her. I think this book spins good action and adventure, but I would stop short of calling it a thriller.
16 reviews
April 16, 2021
Enjoyable as always but feels contrived at times

Book 7 in the series continues with the usual cast of characters. Some more history and back story is provided to flesh out the characters even more. My only complaint is how certain characters appear at just the right moment. It makes sense that the characters would be there. Still an enjoyable read. Onto book 8
320 reviews
May 8, 2021
Another great entry into the drake series and oh my God it was heart pumping.

Drake and frost are held captive and being tortured for information about Anya. Anya is trying a hail Mary to get them set free.

Its so good that honestly i can't say anything without spoilers so just read the book if you've made it this far.
Profile Image for Calvin.
254 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2023
Adrenaline rush from start to finish

Holy twists and turns Batman. Every book in this series has been awesome and this fits right in. Drake's desperate attempts to escape, Anya's secret mission to release him, and the final act of the book were all action packed and thrilling. I absolutely love this series and cannot wait to dig in to the next one
1,568 reviews
February 1, 2018
A non stop action story based around the underside of the spy industry. Lots of violence with a tentative soft thread running through. Well described characters which brought the story to life. Tremendous climax, with lots of death and destruction and an unexpected conclusion.
804 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2022
This is a gripping series some of the books are better than other but definitely worth a read. Keeps you guessing as there are mysteries that don’t get revealed until many books into the series. Read the series in order!
Profile Image for Amlan Chakraborty.
94 reviews
May 3, 2025
This one was slightly better than the previous installment. Or was it really ? Maybe I over read a chapter as an entire book ? Or maybe I am intrigued by the build up to the end, coz I am a sucker for such things. Looking forward to the ENDING.
Profile Image for Patty Stacy.
11 reviews
November 3, 2025
Absolutely Spellbinding!

This is one of those hard to put down books. I lost precious sleep with this one, because I was up all hours of the night reading. I just couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend!
123 reviews
September 8, 2018
4.5 stars from me for this latest little adventure. Hawkins needs to go down!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mark Carter.
12 reviews
September 15, 2018
A series that has run past its best

Having just read everything that Mark Dawson has to offer, it was a real disappointment to return to this jaded series...
Profile Image for Ellisha M.
246 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2025
This one was weird and I really don't feel it was needed in the series. It was a way to add some pieces but now that I have finished the series, it didn't add anything.
8 reviews
October 17, 2025
not so great

It was way too confusing and I hated the ending. I will not be reading any more books by this author
9 reviews
March 5, 2022
Things are spiraling out of control as the conflicts the series have been steadily building come to a boiling point and start having a momentum of their own, with no one around able to stop it any longer. In this exhilarating ride masks are discarded and old wounds torn wide open as we are presented with the maybe most vicious and energetic book in the series yet. I love how Will Jordan treats his characters, and though I’m certainly no expert on Shakespeare I’d describe this as a Shakespearean tragedy in a modern high octane action movie style. The series just keeps getting better!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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