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Tier One #5
Red Specter
It’s strike—and counterstrike—as John Dempsey takes the fight to the Russians in a riveting Tier One Thriller by the Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of American Operator.
When shadow warrior and former Tier One Navy SEAL John Dempsey goes undercover to meet with a Vory arms dealer, he thinks he’s laying the groundwork to penetrate the Russian criminal underground. Instead, he walks into a trap orchestrated by Zeta, the secret Russian task force behind a recent assassination attempt on the US President. For Dempsey and his team, the only way out is to lay waste to the Russians, putting a target on Ember’s back.
With Ember pitted against Zeta, a dangerous game of strike and counterstrike ensues—sanctioned in the halls of the Kremlin and the White House but disavowed to the world. As the line between espionage, counterterrorism, and spec op blurs, Ember is ordered to eliminate their ultimate adversary, which means taking the fight against Zeta to Russian soil. But like a phoenix risen from the Cold War embers, Zeta is more capable than anyone imagines, and the Russians retaliate with an operation that will find Dempsey and task force Ember battling for survival.
When shadow warrior and former Tier One Navy SEAL John Dempsey goes undercover to meet with a Vory arms dealer, he thinks he’s laying the groundwork to penetrate the Russian criminal underground. Instead, he walks into a trap orchestrated by Zeta, the secret Russian task force behind a recent assassination attempt on the US President. For Dempsey and his team, the only way out is to lay waste to the Russians, putting a target on Ember’s back.
With Ember pitted against Zeta, a dangerous game of strike and counterstrike ensues—sanctioned in the halls of the Kremlin and the White House but disavowed to the world. As the line between espionage, counterterrorism, and spec op blurs, Ember is ordered to eliminate their ultimate adversary, which means taking the fight against Zeta to Russian soil. But like a phoenix risen from the Cold War embers, Zeta is more capable than anyone imagines, and the Russians retaliate with an operation that will find Dempsey and task force Ember battling for survival.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
856 people are currently reading
1064 people want to read
About the author
Brian Andrews
36 books1,133 followersBrian is a US Navy veteran, nuclear engineer, and former submarine officer. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in psychology, holds a Master's in business from Cornell University, and is a Park Leadership Fellow. He is a principal contributor at Career Authors, a site dedicated to advancing the careers of aspiring and published writers: www.careerauthors.com.
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2025:
- DARK RISING: (APRIL)
- SONS OF VALOR 4: (7/22)
- THE ADVERSARY: Tier One #9 (11/4)
- EXECUTIVE POWER (11/25)
In addition to their novels, Andrews & Wilson have multiple projects under development for film and television with major motion picture studios including Tier One, Dark Intercept, 4 Minutes, Portal, Glitch, and The In Between.
Find Brian online at:
Web: www.andrews-wilson.com
Instagram: @andrewsandwilson
Twitter: @BAndrewsJWilson
Sign-up for his newsletter at www.andrews-wilson.com to stay informed about all his new releases or "Follow" his Amazon Author page!
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2025:
- DARK RISING: (APRIL)
- SONS OF VALOR 4: (7/22)
- THE ADVERSARY: Tier One #9 (11/4)
- EXECUTIVE POWER (11/25)
In addition to their novels, Andrews & Wilson have multiple projects under development for film and television with major motion picture studios including Tier One, Dark Intercept, 4 Minutes, Portal, Glitch, and The In Between.
Find Brian online at:
Web: www.andrews-wilson.com
Instagram: @andrewsandwilson
Twitter: @BAndrewsJWilson
Sign-up for his newsletter at www.andrews-wilson.com to stay informed about all his new releases or "Follow" his Amazon Author page!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
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August 21, 2024
4.0 Solid Stars for Tier One #5 - "Red Specter"
This was my first book by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, and what an excellent example of its genre it is!
A super secret 'black-ops' group, "Ember", comprised mainly of former US Navy SEALS, versus an equivalent, equally super secret Russian group, "Zeta", with lots of super secret, high-tech, and agreeably plausible action.
Of special note is the outstanding narration by Ray Porter. Porter's characterisations, accents and interpretations are absolutely first-class. Throughout the book, Porter maintains his different vocal portrayals of all the main identities, contributing to an excellent listening experience.
This was my first book by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, and what an excellent example of its genre it is!
A super secret 'black-ops' group, "Ember", comprised mainly of former US Navy SEALS, versus an equivalent, equally super secret Russian group, "Zeta", with lots of super secret, high-tech, and agreeably plausible action.
Of special note is the outstanding narration by Ray Porter. Porter's characterisations, accents and interpretations are absolutely first-class. Throughout the book, Porter maintains his different vocal portrayals of all the main identities, contributing to an excellent listening experience.
January 18, 2025
Excellent book with lots of action and some new toys for ember to play with.
August 31, 2020
Tier One series is amongst my top favorite book series, going strong with 6 books as of yet. The reason for this obsession is that the books are phenomenal when it comes to tactically sound action sequences, and plotlines encompassing some swift espionage and black ops elements based in more non-fiction than fiction settings. Just when I thought the authors had reached the pinnacle of excellence in their novels, Red Specter comes on top of even the best in the Tier One series that precede Red Specter. Red Specter is a stunning action thriller with brutal action, cold war elements lending it a classy spy novel vibe with a modern reincarnation, and continually evolving characters whose arcs take beautiful leaps in character development. Looking for a read that engages your brain to think some as well as bask in the glory of spectacular shootouts and a brutally satisfying climax hand-to-hand sequence of good vs evil? Red Specter is IT.
Red Specter picks up very shortly after the events of the previous book, The American Operator. With a Russian black ops team that is essentially a mirror image of Team Ember playing a tricky game of chess against her American counterpart, who is still in the dark about the existence of the Russian black ops team. Team Ember is reeling from the events of the last book where US President was ambushed and almost executed by the enigmatic Russian version of Team Ember, John Dempsey and his team of lethal and trained soldiers are hot on the trail of the Russians, playing catch up when Russians are planning something massive. With Team Ember closing in on its Russian counterpart, it becomes a standoff with readers kept on the edge of their seats to see which will prevail.
The action in Red Specter takes the level of Tier One action a notch or two higher. Tier One series are known amongst readers for their accurate technical and tactical descriptions of weapons, gear, equipment and such when it comes to military hardware, and Red Specter keeps up that tradition. The action is berserk, with bloody and adrenaline pumping shootouts taking place frequently throughout the book. I always yearn for books that provide an intimate and personal showdown between the protagonist and the antagonist, and I was extremely delighted with Jack Dempsey vs Zeta Prime. The badassness of the entire sequence is off the charts. Hats off to the authors for pulling it off so well!
Another amazing aspect of Tier One books is the impeccably handled character developments of each and every member of Team Ember as well as other characters in the book. John Dempsey is anxious to get his hands-on Valerian, Zeta Prime, an evil twin of Dempsey. Their brief but bloody shootout in The American Operator has both parties fueled up for a rematch. Dempsey’s guilt about leaving an Iranian double agent behind the enemy lines factors in heavily and unexpectedly in this due to a mind boggling plot twist hinted in the narrative. I also enjoyed the character of Elizabeth Grimes, a lethal overwatch rightfully called Mother as she protects her team with her exquisite sniper rifle. She is given her moments in the spotlights to shine as an essential member of the team and she shines bright. While the events of the book do not give Dempsey and Grimes a lot of time to get in touch with any flirtatious feelings between them, they have a subtle moment towards the end that hints at something more coming up in future books for them.
The narrative feels like a blend of old school cold war thrillers with the more technical action and fast paced of contemporary novels and it works flawlessly. I was at the edge of my seat trying to think two steps ahead of the plot, only to fall back to square zero when the plot takes an ingenious turn. Red Specter shows that no character is ever truly safe in such a violent confrontation between two blacker than black op teams. There are some shocking fatalities and casualties that depict the high and personal stakes of the narrative, making it feel real and plausible. Red Specter is a superb read and it sets up the pathway for an even more extraordinary entry that is Collateral.
Red Specter picks up very shortly after the events of the previous book, The American Operator. With a Russian black ops team that is essentially a mirror image of Team Ember playing a tricky game of chess against her American counterpart, who is still in the dark about the existence of the Russian black ops team. Team Ember is reeling from the events of the last book where US President was ambushed and almost executed by the enigmatic Russian version of Team Ember, John Dempsey and his team of lethal and trained soldiers are hot on the trail of the Russians, playing catch up when Russians are planning something massive. With Team Ember closing in on its Russian counterpart, it becomes a standoff with readers kept on the edge of their seats to see which will prevail.
The action in Red Specter takes the level of Tier One action a notch or two higher. Tier One series are known amongst readers for their accurate technical and tactical descriptions of weapons, gear, equipment and such when it comes to military hardware, and Red Specter keeps up that tradition. The action is berserk, with bloody and adrenaline pumping shootouts taking place frequently throughout the book. I always yearn for books that provide an intimate and personal showdown between the protagonist and the antagonist, and I was extremely delighted with Jack Dempsey vs Zeta Prime. The badassness of the entire sequence is off the charts. Hats off to the authors for pulling it off so well!
Another amazing aspect of Tier One books is the impeccably handled character developments of each and every member of Team Ember as well as other characters in the book. John Dempsey is anxious to get his hands-on Valerian, Zeta Prime, an evil twin of Dempsey. Their brief but bloody shootout in The American Operator has both parties fueled up for a rematch. Dempsey’s guilt about leaving an Iranian double agent behind the enemy lines factors in heavily and unexpectedly in this due to a mind boggling plot twist hinted in the narrative. I also enjoyed the character of Elizabeth Grimes, a lethal overwatch rightfully called Mother as she protects her team with her exquisite sniper rifle. She is given her moments in the spotlights to shine as an essential member of the team and she shines bright. While the events of the book do not give Dempsey and Grimes a lot of time to get in touch with any flirtatious feelings between them, they have a subtle moment towards the end that hints at something more coming up in future books for them.
The narrative feels like a blend of old school cold war thrillers with the more technical action and fast paced of contemporary novels and it works flawlessly. I was at the edge of my seat trying to think two steps ahead of the plot, only to fall back to square zero when the plot takes an ingenious turn. Red Specter shows that no character is ever truly safe in such a violent confrontation between two blacker than black op teams. There are some shocking fatalities and casualties that depict the high and personal stakes of the narrative, making it feel real and plausible. Red Specter is a superb read and it sets up the pathway for an even more extraordinary entry that is Collateral.
December 1, 2019
Jack Demsey and his elite team of seals and special force team. This was a giveaway book I won for my review. I don't read many of this type of book but so glad I won this and got to meet these characters in this team. They were very synchronized when on an infiltration operation. I could see minds working together without many words. The intense vendetta the best on our side and on the Russians side was intense. When they finally met for their fight to the death I could envision every move, every motion; I was there! The battle doesn't end here and I look forward to reading more of this series by the author.
August 10, 2022
This is a Spy Thriller and it is book #5 in the Tier One series. I like pretty much everything about this series...the MC, the other characters, the story lines, the dialogue, the humor, the action, the chase, and much more.
Now with that said, this one wasn't my favorite. I still liked it but some elements seemed too convenient and orchestrated. I don't mind that occassionally but in this one, it seemed like a pandemic of epic proportions. So 3.5 stars.
Now with that said, this one wasn't my favorite. I still liked it but some elements seemed too convenient and orchestrated. I don't mind that occassionally but in this one, it seemed like a pandemic of epic proportions. So 3.5 stars.
January 17, 2020
Wow. What a fantastic series, and made even better by Ray Porter. He's the reason for the five stars, really. He takes a great story and makes it amazing. I'm convinced the guy knows kung fu and can shoot a peanut M&M from 500 yards.
With this latest story from John Dempsey, crazy, cool stuff happens and tragedy strikes (again). Traitors are outed. Camping takes on a whole new meaning. John is cool under pressure and in the slow process of accepting his new identity, has some wins. Over the series he's matured and come to grips with his own reality. He's a good leader turning into a great one. Here, he borders on reckless. There are as many unanswered questions at the end of this book as there are answered ones. I hate that I have to wait for the next book.
Hurry up, Brian and Jeff. We need more John Dempsey stat.
With this latest story from John Dempsey, crazy, cool stuff happens and tragedy strikes (again). Traitors are outed. Camping takes on a whole new meaning. John is cool under pressure and in the slow process of accepting his new identity, has some wins. Over the series he's matured and come to grips with his own reality. He's a good leader turning into a great one. Here, he borders on reckless. There are as many unanswered questions at the end of this book as there are answered ones. I hate that I have to wait for the next book.
Hurry up, Brian and Jeff. We need more John Dempsey stat.
September 10, 2019
Red Specter, the fifth in the Tier One series by two decorated veterans and talented authors, Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson. A quick recap, the series started with Tier One (2016). “In a world violated by terror, the old lines have blurred. Meet the next generation of covert ops.” Followed by, War Shadows (2017). “From the deserts of Iraq, through the jungles of Guatemala, to the streets of suburbia, Dempsey and his Ember team race against time to stop a series of horrific and devious attacks against the homeland.” The third in the series, Crusader One (2017). “Racing from Tel Aviv to Tehran, the elite American warrior and his formidable Israeli counterpart must forsake their backup in a capture-or-kill gambit that could turn into a suicide run.” Next, the novel which introduced me to this series, American Operator, (2018). “An explosive, high-stakes thriller of espionage and counterterrorism.” This novel earned itself a Blast Radius of a Dirty Bomb! (9.25/10) on our review scale and turned me into a big fan of these two authors.
Ember, America’s premier black-ops task force, operating in the shadows with an almost unlimited budget, led by former Navy SEAL John Dempsey. ‘Dempsey use to be a tool of the Joint Special Operations Command, fulfilling a role as one of America’s most lethal special operators. Now, he was a tactical spook, an operator playing dress-up and taking on the identity the mission demanded.’ This sounds very cool, what could go wrong in a world where such task force exists and are running around the globe preventing attacks and taking out bad guys.
What if there was another similar entity, nothing like ideological terrorists they’ve hunted majority of their lives, but someone organized, well-funded, led by a tactician, a man living in shadows, hasn’t been heard of in decades or photographed. This individual would be the worlds most dangerous adversary. This man, Arkady Zhukov is the man behind Spetsgruppa Zeta. The evil Ember twin, with matching resources, capabilities, and autonomy. This is the group responsible for the failed attack on the American base in Turkey that targeted the nuclear silo, this group was behind the kidnapping and torture of Amanda Allen, and it was them who attempted to assassinate the President of the United States and the Director of National Intelligence. With a group of highly trained operators, or Zeta’s. Top in their ranks, is Zeta Prime. Valerian Kobak, aka Malik, the legend he was currently occupying.
Red Specter picks up about a month after the events of American Operator and nothing new is on task force Ember’s agenda, their sole mission is finding Malik. Grasping at straws and utilizing questionable means to get to him see’s Dempsey and crew get into a jam that almost cost them their lives. Adopting a known legend themselves and meeting with an arms dealer with close ties to Malik has Red Specter opens with a dangerous fire fight. With spectacular action, and movie like action sequence that has you at the edge of your seat. The biggest highlight however is Grimes, call sign God, behind the scope of her Heckler & Koch M110A1 sniper rifle she preferred. This Compact Semi-Auto Sniper System (CSASS) has a 16-inch-long barrel and weighs in at 8.7 pounds, it utilizes a 7.62×51 NATO round and has an effective range of 800 meters and muzzle velocity of 783 meters per second. Grimes utilized her known skills and sends some death down range in this battle.
Next we have Zeta Prime, Valerian. Currently running around as Malik, his adopted legend. He’s described as Dempsey’s twin. Formidable, strong, fast, and just as determined. As Zeta Prime, he’s the best of the best, as this designator isn’t handed out, it’s earned. It took him ten years to ascend to the top of the field operations hierarchy. In this organization, there are others who are yearning for the top spot. Valerian makes it clear he wouldn’t give it up as long as his heart is beating but being Zeta Prime is the top of their food chain and there are always people wanting that crown. What makes Andrews and Wilson stand out among other thriller writers is their perspective on the bad guy. In the Tier One series, you get to know the bad guys just as intimately as the good guys. You know what drives them, what their goal is, what their personal lives are almost as if they were the main character. In Red Specter, Malik is an emotional mess. Having been bested by Dempsey, he’s working under a renewed determination to beat the American Operator that made him come apart, psychologically and emotionally.
The fifth novel in the Tier One series by Andrews and Wilson is their best one yet, earning itself a Blast Radius of a Nuclear Bomb! Red Specter starts with immediate action and it never stops. With fire fights, close quarters combat, hand to hand fights all over the world, including Russia and the U.S. Utilizing new, state of the art gear, suspense, action, surprises and top-notch writing. Red Specter is among the very best thrillers 2019 has to offer, I highly recommend you pre-order this gem and add it to your reading list. While it works just fine as a standalone novel, the series as whole is fantastic and if you haven’t read them yet, you would be in for a treat.
Ember, America’s premier black-ops task force, operating in the shadows with an almost unlimited budget, led by former Navy SEAL John Dempsey. ‘Dempsey use to be a tool of the Joint Special Operations Command, fulfilling a role as one of America’s most lethal special operators. Now, he was a tactical spook, an operator playing dress-up and taking on the identity the mission demanded.’ This sounds very cool, what could go wrong in a world where such task force exists and are running around the globe preventing attacks and taking out bad guys.
What if there was another similar entity, nothing like ideological terrorists they’ve hunted majority of their lives, but someone organized, well-funded, led by a tactician, a man living in shadows, hasn’t been heard of in decades or photographed. This individual would be the worlds most dangerous adversary. This man, Arkady Zhukov is the man behind Spetsgruppa Zeta. The evil Ember twin, with matching resources, capabilities, and autonomy. This is the group responsible for the failed attack on the American base in Turkey that targeted the nuclear silo, this group was behind the kidnapping and torture of Amanda Allen, and it was them who attempted to assassinate the President of the United States and the Director of National Intelligence. With a group of highly trained operators, or Zeta’s. Top in their ranks, is Zeta Prime. Valerian Kobak, aka Malik, the legend he was currently occupying.
Red Specter picks up about a month after the events of American Operator and nothing new is on task force Ember’s agenda, their sole mission is finding Malik. Grasping at straws and utilizing questionable means to get to him see’s Dempsey and crew get into a jam that almost cost them their lives. Adopting a known legend themselves and meeting with an arms dealer with close ties to Malik has Red Specter opens with a dangerous fire fight. With spectacular action, and movie like action sequence that has you at the edge of your seat. The biggest highlight however is Grimes, call sign God, behind the scope of her Heckler & Koch M110A1 sniper rifle she preferred. This Compact Semi-Auto Sniper System (CSASS) has a 16-inch-long barrel and weighs in at 8.7 pounds, it utilizes a 7.62×51 NATO round and has an effective range of 800 meters and muzzle velocity of 783 meters per second. Grimes utilized her known skills and sends some death down range in this battle.
Next we have Zeta Prime, Valerian. Currently running around as Malik, his adopted legend. He’s described as Dempsey’s twin. Formidable, strong, fast, and just as determined. As Zeta Prime, he’s the best of the best, as this designator isn’t handed out, it’s earned. It took him ten years to ascend to the top of the field operations hierarchy. In this organization, there are others who are yearning for the top spot. Valerian makes it clear he wouldn’t give it up as long as his heart is beating but being Zeta Prime is the top of their food chain and there are always people wanting that crown. What makes Andrews and Wilson stand out among other thriller writers is their perspective on the bad guy. In the Tier One series, you get to know the bad guys just as intimately as the good guys. You know what drives them, what their goal is, what their personal lives are almost as if they were the main character. In Red Specter, Malik is an emotional mess. Having been bested by Dempsey, he’s working under a renewed determination to beat the American Operator that made him come apart, psychologically and emotionally.
The fifth novel in the Tier One series by Andrews and Wilson is their best one yet, earning itself a Blast Radius of a Nuclear Bomb! Red Specter starts with immediate action and it never stops. With fire fights, close quarters combat, hand to hand fights all over the world, including Russia and the U.S. Utilizing new, state of the art gear, suspense, action, surprises and top-notch writing. Red Specter is among the very best thrillers 2019 has to offer, I highly recommend you pre-order this gem and add it to your reading list. While it works just fine as a standalone novel, the series as whole is fantastic and if you haven’t read them yet, you would be in for a treat.
October 17, 2019
This is a brilliant series that has really captured my attention. Besides having a great plot, it’s the characters that make this such a good read. I’ve really enjoyed following John Dempsey through each of the 5 books in the series, and I especially like that there is always something happening throughout this story. It’s quite easy to lose a couple of hours amongst the pages. Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson have that special talent in being able to explain each scene in such a way that you can picture yourself there. Great entertainment.
Russia wasn’t happy about the American sanctions and trying to kill off the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline, all because the US didn’t want Russia to have a monopoly on the natural gas throughout Europe. Now Petrov the Russian President wants Arkady Zhukov to stop the US, Lithuania and any other countries that are in its way to control the oil and natural gas in this side of the world. Task Force Ember has its own plans on how to stop Russia, but they didn’t count on how determined Zeta, the secret Russian task force were on in achieving their goal. John Dempsey and his team aren’t about to go down without a fight. From start to finish this was a fabulous story. Easily worth the 5/5 Star Rating.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book for an unbiased review.
Russia wasn’t happy about the American sanctions and trying to kill off the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline, all because the US didn’t want Russia to have a monopoly on the natural gas throughout Europe. Now Petrov the Russian President wants Arkady Zhukov to stop the US, Lithuania and any other countries that are in its way to control the oil and natural gas in this side of the world. Task Force Ember has its own plans on how to stop Russia, but they didn’t count on how determined Zeta, the secret Russian task force were on in achieving their goal. John Dempsey and his team aren’t about to go down without a fight. From start to finish this was a fabulous story. Easily worth the 5/5 Star Rating.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book for an unbiased review.
March 27, 2022
This one was one of my favorites so far. Eerily accurate given what is happening in the actual world currently. Scary how authors can sometimes predict what will happen in the world so much better than anyone else. As Embers gears shift towards Russia, a lot comes to light. New team members are added, some leave. Great story and JD does not disappoint! And was that Eleanor?!?!?!?
December 29, 2020
This epic Clancy-esque military techno action thriller epic brings back John Dempsey and Taskforce Ember against their Russian counterpart Zeta in a personal battle of wits and brawn.
The book ends in a big tragedy for the protagonists to continue the story arc in Collateral, but the final showdown in Red Specter is the work of legend in the action thriller genre. The book opens with a cinematic tough action sequence and the tension doesn't let up till the end. The villains were exciting and fun in twisted and entertaining ways to be a worthy adversary to EMBER. The drama between the wide cast of characters, the amazing techno devices, the weaponized tactical detail, the comedy, and the badass fights make this series a classic which will appeal to everyone who values the grim and fun action-thriller genre.
The book ends in a big tragedy for the protagonists to continue the story arc in Collateral, but the final showdown in Red Specter is the work of legend in the action thriller genre. The book opens with a cinematic tough action sequence and the tension doesn't let up till the end. The villains were exciting and fun in twisted and entertaining ways to be a worthy adversary to EMBER. The drama between the wide cast of characters, the amazing techno devices, the weaponized tactical detail, the comedy, and the badass fights make this series a classic which will appeal to everyone who values the grim and fun action-thriller genre.
November 12, 2021
Book Review - According to my Coast Guard son who has borrowed most, if not all of my Tier One books by authors Brian Andrews & Jeff Wilson, “Red Specter” is his favorite, cover image included. Although most of the Tier One books can be read as stand-alones, my son and I both agree that the series should be read in order for better feel of the character development and how some have started out where previous books have left off. Andrews & Wilson have done a fabulous job in writing numerous books that keep you coming back for more, especially in the sometimes overly crowded action thriller genre. Red Specter’s action is plentiful and the storyline is so real and relatable for some of our veterans and our military personnel. Book #5 is just as good if not better than the previous four. Glad I could turn my military son onto an awesome action thriller series. I’ll continue to share my paperbacks with him but not my hardcovers. Anxiously awaiting Andrews & Wilson new book Dark Intercept, which is out in September as a hardcover. Sorry son, you know I don’t lend out my hardcovers!
November 5, 2019
This book is even better than the previous ones in this series. I was absolutely blown away.
The book picks up immediately with John Dempsey and Ember trying to hunt down Valerian/Malik, the protagonist from the previous book operating behind the scenes. This time around, Dempsey and crew go on the offense. The action explodes ride from the get go. It doesn't stop.
While Dempsey and Ember are trying to hunt down Valerian, Valerian and his group, Spetzgruppa Zeta (a Russian version of Ember) are hunting down Dempsey and Ember. It is a masterful hunter vs hunted, with the two often flip flopping at breakneck pace. Ember is forced to pool its resources like never before. Dig deep, never quit and never accept defeat.
All the while Director Jarvis has to conduct a mole hunt within his own organization while all of this is happening and deal with his own medical issues as only a former SEAL can do.
The damage that takes place will forever change the face of Ember. If you don't shed a tear by the end of the book, you might be heartless. These guys have the best characters and I will leave it at that.
This is an absolute thrill ride a minute. The hits keep on coming. This dynamic duo know how to write. This series in my all time favorite.
The book picks up immediately with John Dempsey and Ember trying to hunt down Valerian/Malik, the protagonist from the previous book operating behind the scenes. This time around, Dempsey and crew go on the offense. The action explodes ride from the get go. It doesn't stop.
While Dempsey and Ember are trying to hunt down Valerian, Valerian and his group, Spetzgruppa Zeta (a Russian version of Ember) are hunting down Dempsey and Ember. It is a masterful hunter vs hunted, with the two often flip flopping at breakneck pace. Ember is forced to pool its resources like never before. Dig deep, never quit and never accept defeat.
All the while Director Jarvis has to conduct a mole hunt within his own organization while all of this is happening and deal with his own medical issues as only a former SEAL can do.
The damage that takes place will forever change the face of Ember. If you don't shed a tear by the end of the book, you might be heartless. These guys have the best characters and I will leave it at that.
This is an absolute thrill ride a minute. The hits keep on coming. This dynamic duo know how to write. This series in my all time favorite.
May 8, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A black ops team goes up against its Russian doppelganger. Both teams take some casualties, but the more information is found on the Russian group. There are some science fictional devices, a lot of combat, and a lot of tension. Very good.
I didn't realize these were the same guys that wrote the Nick Foley series. That concept might be a tough sell in today's COVID 19 environment, but I enjoyed those books as well.
A black ops team goes up against its Russian doppelganger. Both teams take some casualties, but the more information is found on the Russian group. There are some science fictional devices, a lot of combat, and a lot of tension. Very good.
I didn't realize these were the same guys that wrote the Nick Foley series. That concept might be a tough sell in today's COVID 19 environment, but I enjoyed those books as well.
January 29, 2020
Never had I expected this to be one of the best reads I'd have in a very long time!
What a roller coaster of action, emotions, and plot!
What a roller coaster of action, emotions, and plot!
March 5, 2020
Excellent!
Wow! This was a great read. It made me feel like I was in the middle of the action. Read it!
Wow! This was a great read. It made me feel like I was in the middle of the action. Read it!
March 13, 2021
Red Specter
After reading the first four books in the series I didn’t believe this one could get any better, but it did. Now locking horns with the Russians and his nemesis from the last book, Dempsey and the team are in a new and totally different battle. But things don’t go to plan. This book is full of action and in points I was saying, ‘No, this can’t happen.’ I was reading faster and just couldn’t put the book down. If you’ve read the other books you already know there’s a Russian mole. But is there another? I have said it in all my previous reviews, this series and Dempsey is just as good, if not better, than Lee Child’s Reacher series. I look forward to reading the next in the series and the continued fight with the Russians. It will also be interesting to see how Ember move forward after events within this book. A definite 5 out of 5 from me. Start at book number 1 and read them all.
After reading the first four books in the series I didn’t believe this one could get any better, but it did. Now locking horns with the Russians and his nemesis from the last book, Dempsey and the team are in a new and totally different battle. But things don’t go to plan. This book is full of action and in points I was saying, ‘No, this can’t happen.’ I was reading faster and just couldn’t put the book down. If you’ve read the other books you already know there’s a Russian mole. But is there another? I have said it in all my previous reviews, this series and Dempsey is just as good, if not better, than Lee Child’s Reacher series. I look forward to reading the next in the series and the continued fight with the Russians. It will also be interesting to see how Ember move forward after events within this book. A definite 5 out of 5 from me. Start at book number 1 and read them all.
January 20, 2020
OUT FREAKING STANDING!
This is the fifth book in the Tier 1 series I’ve read about the Tier 1 operators in the ultra black unit “Ember”. In this one Team leader John Dempsey finds out that the Russians have the same type of unit and their coming for Ember! This is an Outstanding series that just keeps getting better! I can’t wait for number 6.
This is the fifth book in the Tier 1 series I’ve read about the Tier 1 operators in the ultra black unit “Ember”. In this one Team leader John Dempsey finds out that the Russians have the same type of unit and their coming for Ember! This is an Outstanding series that just keeps getting better! I can’t wait for number 6.
November 21, 2025
another winner
February 23, 2020
Creo que le faltó al final, pero creo que es un excelente libro
November 27, 2019
"Like a firefighter running toward a burning building, Dempsey charged toward the threat." I'm a fireman... therefore, I am American Operator Jack Dempsey. Ha! Now who else needs saving?
Thanks for writing fella's.
Thanks for writing fella's.
October 20, 2020
John Dempsey is one tough son of a gun. i don't need to say more. Chapters close for certain characters in this book 5 though the war is not over! Book was emotional at times. Had good banter moments in other situations. This book had a ton of action. the final part of this book was a just a page turner. I couldn't put it down. I honestly don't know what to expect in Book 6 should i prepare myself for an ending to this series or will it start another journey. With 615 pages its going to be exciting to find out. Read this book!
December 17, 2019
If you’ve read any of the Tier One series from Jeffrey Wilson and Brian Andrews you know that John Dempsey has become a mainstay on Ember as a complete spec ops soldier! As a former SEAL he finds a way to bring the bad guys to justice but what if there was an equally capable force but they weren’t for the betterment of the world.
What if the bad guys bring the fight to your front steps? What if you are too far away to help stop an attack?
This was an amazing read and I can’t believe how much Andrews and Wilson have to offer to the thriller community!! This is a must read and hope that we get to see more Ember in the future. Don’t pass this one up!!!
What if the bad guys bring the fight to your front steps? What if you are too far away to help stop an attack?
This was an amazing read and I can’t believe how much Andrews and Wilson have to offer to the thriller community!! This is a must read and hope that we get to see more Ember in the future. Don’t pass this one up!!!
February 18, 2020
I received a digital copy of the book for free by winning a GoodReads Giveaway. I have enjoyed every book in the series so far and this was no exception. I would have purchased an audiobook version if I had not won the giveaway but I was glad that I had the opportunity to read instead of listen.
September 1, 2021
A terrific spy novel
One of the books that grabs you and doesn’t let go even when you turn the last page. Brings back a lot of memories of books of the Cold War from the great storytelling of the past. You will not be able to put it down.
One of the books that grabs you and doesn’t let go even when you turn the last page. Brings back a lot of memories of books of the Cold War from the great storytelling of the past. You will not be able to put it down.
September 3, 2020
Wow. Just wow.
I need to process before I can even think of writing a review.
Wow.
October 27, 2019
Okay. I’ve had some time to process everything that happened in Red Spector, along with the feelings that it provoked in me so I’m going to try to see if I can somehow put into words something that will make some semblance of everything I just experienced.
One of the things that I have loved about this series is how relevant the plots have been to actual things that are occurring in our world today, both politically and globally. That, more than anything else, is what makes these scenarios so - the first word I was going to use was worriesome, but then that does not do it any justice - so I think better words would be ‘completely terrifying’. Yep, much better!
With out spoiling anything this book is, in my opinion, the best book so far in this series. Due to the amazing ability of the writers to create characters that are completely relatable - yet flawed (aren’t we all?) - the reader is put through an emotional roller coaster, actually, several emotional roller coasters. Come to think about it - the whole last third of the book just grabs you and doesn’t let go.. There is so much going on that it is hard to take a breath. The minute we do get a moment to try to come to grips emotionally with the latest developments....we are then thrown right back in to the terror of hoping and praying that things aren’t as bad as they seem.
In a completely random piece of info - today the American public got the news that US forces had launched a successful mission and killed the leader of ISIS. Personally, as happy as that made me - I was thinking, don’t forget about Russia guys - don’t take your eyes off THAT ball. But we have to take courage and have faith that our leaders know much more than I do about the things going on behind the scenes in the world.
Anyway, sorry to stray off topic. This book was AWESOME. It made me FEEL. Those feelings were at times, all over the place, but they were there and they were strong.
I am curious though where the authors are going to go from here. The set up is going to make for a dangerous, difficult journey...but I for one am up for the ride and cannot wait to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and I have to say - not many books leave me speechless when the last page is finished. Good work guys.....can’t wait for the next installment :)
No pressure.....
Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC of the latest installment of an amazing series. I have provided an honest review of this book.
I need to process before I can even think of writing a review.
Wow.
October 27, 2019
Okay. I’ve had some time to process everything that happened in Red Spector, along with the feelings that it provoked in me so I’m going to try to see if I can somehow put into words something that will make some semblance of everything I just experienced.
One of the things that I have loved about this series is how relevant the plots have been to actual things that are occurring in our world today, both politically and globally. That, more than anything else, is what makes these scenarios so - the first word I was going to use was worriesome, but then that does not do it any justice - so I think better words would be ‘completely terrifying’. Yep, much better!
With out spoiling anything this book is, in my opinion, the best book so far in this series. Due to the amazing ability of the writers to create characters that are completely relatable - yet flawed (aren’t we all?) - the reader is put through an emotional roller coaster, actually, several emotional roller coasters. Come to think about it - the whole last third of the book just grabs you and doesn’t let go.. There is so much going on that it is hard to take a breath. The minute we do get a moment to try to come to grips emotionally with the latest developments....we are then thrown right back in to the terror of hoping and praying that things aren’t as bad as they seem.
In a completely random piece of info - today the American public got the news that US forces had launched a successful mission and killed the leader of ISIS. Personally, as happy as that made me - I was thinking, don’t forget about Russia guys - don’t take your eyes off THAT ball. But we have to take courage and have faith that our leaders know much more than I do about the things going on behind the scenes in the world.
Anyway, sorry to stray off topic. This book was AWESOME. It made me FEEL. Those feelings were at times, all over the place, but they were there and they were strong.
I am curious though where the authors are going to go from here. The set up is going to make for a dangerous, difficult journey...but I for one am up for the ride and cannot wait to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and I have to say - not many books leave me speechless when the last page is finished. Good work guys.....can’t wait for the next installment :)
No pressure.....
Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC of the latest installment of an amazing series. I have provided an honest review of this book.
October 28, 2019
Wow. Just wow.
I need to process before I can even think of writing a review.
Wow.
October 27, 2019
Okay. I’ve had some time to process everything that happened in Red Spector, along with the feelings that it provoked in me so I’m going to try to see if I can somehow put into words something that will make a bit of semblance with everything I just experienced.
One of the things that I have loved about this series is how relevant the plots have been to actual things that are occurring in our world today, both politically and globally. That, more than anything else, is what makes these scenarios so - the first word I was going to use was worriesome, but then that does not do it any justice - so I think a better words would be ‘completely terrifying’. Yep, much better!
With out spoiling anything, this book is, in my opinion, the best book so far in this series. Due to the amazing ability of the writers to create characters that are completely relatable - yet flawed (aren’t we all?) - The reader is put through an emotional roller coaster, actually, several emotional roller coasters. Come to think about it - the whole last third of the book just grabs you and doesn’t let go.. There is so much going on that it is hard to take a breath, The minute we do get a moment to try to come to grips emotionally with the latest developments....we are then thrown right back in to the terror of hoping and praying that things aren’t as bad as they seem.
In a completely random piece of info - today the American public got the news that the US forces had launched a successful mission and killed the leader of ISIS. Personally, as happy as that made me - I was thinking, don’t forget about Russia guys - don’t take your eyes off THAT ball. But we have to take courage and faith that our leaders know much more than I do with the things going on behind the scenes in the world.
Anyway, sorry to stray off topic. This book was AWESOME. It made me FEEL. Those feelings were at times, all over the place, but they were there and they were strong.
I am curious though where the authors are going to go from here. The set up is going to make for a dangerous, difficult journey...but I for one am up for the ride and cannot wait to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and I have to say - not many books leave me speechless when the last page is finished. Good work guys.....can’t wait for the next installment :)
No pressure.....
Thank you to Net Galley for letting me read an ARC of this latest installment for an honest review.
I need to process before I can even think of writing a review.
Wow.
October 27, 2019
Okay. I’ve had some time to process everything that happened in Red Spector, along with the feelings that it provoked in me so I’m going to try to see if I can somehow put into words something that will make a bit of semblance with everything I just experienced.
One of the things that I have loved about this series is how relevant the plots have been to actual things that are occurring in our world today, both politically and globally. That, more than anything else, is what makes these scenarios so - the first word I was going to use was worriesome, but then that does not do it any justice - so I think a better words would be ‘completely terrifying’. Yep, much better!
With out spoiling anything, this book is, in my opinion, the best book so far in this series. Due to the amazing ability of the writers to create characters that are completely relatable - yet flawed (aren’t we all?) - The reader is put through an emotional roller coaster, actually, several emotional roller coasters. Come to think about it - the whole last third of the book just grabs you and doesn’t let go.. There is so much going on that it is hard to take a breath, The minute we do get a moment to try to come to grips emotionally with the latest developments....we are then thrown right back in to the terror of hoping and praying that things aren’t as bad as they seem.
In a completely random piece of info - today the American public got the news that the US forces had launched a successful mission and killed the leader of ISIS. Personally, as happy as that made me - I was thinking, don’t forget about Russia guys - don’t take your eyes off THAT ball. But we have to take courage and faith that our leaders know much more than I do with the things going on behind the scenes in the world.
Anyway, sorry to stray off topic. This book was AWESOME. It made me FEEL. Those feelings were at times, all over the place, but they were there and they were strong.
I am curious though where the authors are going to go from here. The set up is going to make for a dangerous, difficult journey...but I for one am up for the ride and cannot wait to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and I have to say - not many books leave me speechless when the last page is finished. Good work guys.....can’t wait for the next installment :)
No pressure.....
Thank you to Net Galley for letting me read an ARC of this latest installment for an honest review.
November 13, 2019
Audible. You can borrow book & audio via KU. Love this series so much I go ahead and buy the Audible as soon as they’re released. It’s actually less expensive to buy the ebook for $5.99 & add the audio for $1.99 for less than the cost of a credit.
Ray Porter is phenomenal as a narrator ~ seamlessly switches between accents, personalized voices, genders, etc. With a cast of characters as large as this ~ it’s quite the achievement. He also maintains the same voice for each character across all the books, you can listen to them back to back and it’s like he recorded them in a continuous stream.
I cannot believe it ~ but this was even better than the four previous installations, which were all fantastic. Each book can technically be read/listened to on it's own, but there's definitely a larger story arc over books 1-3. Then a new one starting with book 4, continuing through this one, and presumably being wrapped up during book 6. But this absolutely does not suffer from being the central book in a trilogy in terms of action, suspense, or characters. Ember is facing it's Russian equivalent in the group Zeta and Dempsey specifically battles with his doppelganger, Zeta Prime ("not-Malik" from American Operator.
*** SPOILER-ish ***
The attack on Ember from Shane Smith's POV was incredibly emotional and heart wrenching.
*** END SPOILER ***
Andrews and Wilson continue to entertain with relatable characters, heart-pounding suspense, amazing tech, and complete mission immersion. My only complaint is how long we're going to have to wait for book 6.
Ray Porter is phenomenal as a narrator ~ seamlessly switches between accents, personalized voices, genders, etc. With a cast of characters as large as this ~ it’s quite the achievement. He also maintains the same voice for each character across all the books, you can listen to them back to back and it’s like he recorded them in a continuous stream.
I cannot believe it ~ but this was even better than the four previous installations, which were all fantastic. Each book can technically be read/listened to on it's own, but there's definitely a larger story arc over books 1-3. Then a new one starting with book 4, continuing through this one, and presumably being wrapped up during book 6. But this absolutely does not suffer from being the central book in a trilogy in terms of action, suspense, or characters. Ember is facing it's Russian equivalent in the group Zeta and Dempsey specifically battles with his doppelganger, Zeta Prime ("not-Malik" from American Operator.
*** SPOILER-ish ***
The attack on Ember from Shane Smith's POV was incredibly emotional and heart wrenching.
*** END SPOILER ***
Andrews and Wilson continue to entertain with relatable characters, heart-pounding suspense, amazing tech, and complete mission immersion. My only complaint is how long we're going to have to wait for book 6.
December 31, 2019
This is #5 in the Tier One series and certainly one of the best. While rather deep into the series, the authors does a nice job in quickly providing the reader with enough background to get into the story. They go on to add here and there and it could be a standalone read.
The opening is indeed a ‘thriller’. The US super-secret Ember (which include a number of former SEALs) is hunting the person who attempted an assassination on the US President. Russia is involved and attempting to affect the upcoming US election. Plus, a Putin-like character wants more natural gas revenues and is planning attacks in the Baltic. Ember has its hands full – also trying to ferret out a mole – while the super-secret Russian counterpart of Ember, Zeta, simultaneously plans to annihilate it.
I found the book well written and very, VERY exciting. Wow! … The SEAL ethos is awe inspiring. “I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.”
The opening is indeed a ‘thriller’. The US super-secret Ember (which include a number of former SEALs) is hunting the person who attempted an assassination on the US President. Russia is involved and attempting to affect the upcoming US election. Plus, a Putin-like character wants more natural gas revenues and is planning attacks in the Baltic. Ember has its hands full – also trying to ferret out a mole – while the super-secret Russian counterpart of Ember, Zeta, simultaneously plans to annihilate it.
I found the book well written and very, VERY exciting. Wow! … The SEAL ethos is awe inspiring. “I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.”
Read
November 25, 2019Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson’s Red Specter holds a reader’s interest like few other books. From beginning to end the reader is glued to the page with fear for the Tier One operators fighting the enemy. In the Tier One series, red refers to communist Russia and its predecessor, the Soviet Union. We readers think we know who the traitor is, but US government officials do not know for sure, which increases dramatic tension. Andrews and Wilson not only entertain their audience but they write well.
September 29, 2019
Another awesome book in the Tier One series by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson.
John Dempsey is back with a vengeance. A secret Russian task force out to stop Ember, and Ember, out to stop the Russian task force, the battle is on both Russian and American soil.
This book is an emotional roller coaster for fans of the series. If you haven't read the first 4 books in the Tier One series now is the time to get caught up, this one will grab you and doesn't let go.
John Dempsey is back with a vengeance. A secret Russian task force out to stop Ember, and Ember, out to stop the Russian task force, the battle is on both Russian and American soil.
This book is an emotional roller coaster for fans of the series. If you haven't read the first 4 books in the Tier One series now is the time to get caught up, this one will grab you and doesn't let go.
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