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Tier One #6
Collateral
After a surprise assault on Task Force Ember’s secret compound in Virginia by Russian covert operators, John Dempsey and his teammates are mourning their dead and trying to put the pieces back together. But in the ever-evolving world of shadow warfare, there is no respite for heroes or victims. Russian spymaster Arkady Zhukov, the mind behind the attack on Ember, is at it again—directing false flag operations to destabilize Ukraine and enable Russia to seize control of the Black Sea.
The American President designates Arkady and his Zetas a clear and present danger to the United States. Dempsey and his team are tasked to systematically eliminate each and every Zeta agent around the globe. But when American and Russian covert operations collide in Kiev, the “new Cold War” goes from a simmer to a boil. Escalation ensues, bringing America and her allies to the brink of world war. Unless Dempsey and Task Force Ember can derail Russia’s secret plans, the collateral damage could bring the world to its knees.
The American President designates Arkady and his Zetas a clear and present danger to the United States. Dempsey and his team are tasked to systematically eliminate each and every Zeta agent around the globe. But when American and Russian covert operations collide in Kiev, the “new Cold War” goes from a simmer to a boil. Escalation ensues, bringing America and her allies to the brink of world war. Unless Dempsey and Task Force Ember can derail Russia’s secret plans, the collateral damage could bring the world to its knees.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
816 people are currently reading
550 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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September 22, 2020
Update 9/1/20: Book is live! Grabbed the audio narrated by Ray Porter. 🥰
Update 9/22/20: Finished the audio. Ray Porter is superb as always. His voices throughout the entire series are consistent and yet distinct. It’s a HUGE cast of characters and personalities that Andrews & Wilson have created and Porter is a master. It’s a terrific book on its own - the audio just brings it to a whole new level.
This is the 6th book in the Tier One series. While each book can technically be read/listened to on its own, readers will definitely enjoy this more if they’ve read the whole series – minimally books 4 & 5 (American Operator & Red Specter). As such, there may be spoilers from those books in this review.
Collateral opens with the remaining Ember operators trying to find cohesiveness after the loss of many beloved teammates. However, there is work to do – and we’re immediately thrust into a non-stop thriller that I found impossible to put down. There were so many perspectives and moving parts in this book yet Andrews & Wilson brought it all together in a cohesive and satisfying way. That’s not to say that I wasn’t surprised, because many of my hunches on where the story would lead me were proven wrong. With the world potentially on the brink of WWIII, Collateral is edge-of-your-seat action, intrigue, espionage, political maneuvering, and operational engagement.
One of the things that I love about this series is how consistent the characters are while still experiencing personal and professional growth. Dempsey, Munn, Grimes, Baldwin, Wang, Jarvis, etc. have their own distinct personalities and mannerisms that give the Tier One books true cohesion. That said, many of them will be taking on new & surprising roles in this book and with more chapters from each character’s POV – we get even more insight into how they think and the decisions they’re making. As always, I appreciate the authors’ commitment to writing strong, intelligent, competent female characters. Grimes & Petra continue to stand out as valuable and respected members of the team.
While the book has a satisfying conclusion – Andrews & Wilson have definitely left the door open for more Ember stories. They’ve recently announced a new series, Sons of Valor, featuring the beloved Tier One secondary character “Chunk” Redman. I’m looking forward to more of both Ember & the SEALS in 2021.
While I received a free advanced review copy of the ebook from the authors, I purchased the audio.
Update 9/22/20: Finished the audio. Ray Porter is superb as always. His voices throughout the entire series are consistent and yet distinct. It’s a HUGE cast of characters and personalities that Andrews & Wilson have created and Porter is a master. It’s a terrific book on its own - the audio just brings it to a whole new level.
This is the 6th book in the Tier One series. While each book can technically be read/listened to on its own, readers will definitely enjoy this more if they’ve read the whole series – minimally books 4 & 5 (American Operator & Red Specter). As such, there may be spoilers from those books in this review.
Collateral opens with the remaining Ember operators trying to find cohesiveness after the loss of many beloved teammates. However, there is work to do – and we’re immediately thrust into a non-stop thriller that I found impossible to put down. There were so many perspectives and moving parts in this book yet Andrews & Wilson brought it all together in a cohesive and satisfying way. That’s not to say that I wasn’t surprised, because many of my hunches on where the story would lead me were proven wrong. With the world potentially on the brink of WWIII, Collateral is edge-of-your-seat action, intrigue, espionage, political maneuvering, and operational engagement.
One of the things that I love about this series is how consistent the characters are while still experiencing personal and professional growth. Dempsey, Munn, Grimes, Baldwin, Wang, Jarvis, etc. have their own distinct personalities and mannerisms that give the Tier One books true cohesion. That said, many of them will be taking on new & surprising roles in this book and with more chapters from each character’s POV – we get even more insight into how they think and the decisions they’re making. As always, I appreciate the authors’ commitment to writing strong, intelligent, competent female characters. Grimes & Petra continue to stand out as valuable and respected members of the team.
While the book has a satisfying conclusion – Andrews & Wilson have definitely left the door open for more Ember stories. They’ve recently announced a new series, Sons of Valor, featuring the beloved Tier One secondary character “Chunk” Redman. I’m looking forward to more of both Ember & the SEALS in 2021.
While I received a free advanced review copy of the ebook from the authors, I purchased the audio.
February 22, 2025
A good book with some action and similarities to real world..I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book.
September 1, 2020
Decorated Navy Veterans and authors, Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson are back with their sixth Tier One novel, Collateral. The writing duo have created this series that is six novels deep, a novella series centered around each prominent member in the series in their younger days. And a new series featuring fan favorite Navy Seal Lieutenant Commander Keith “Chunk” Redman called Sons of Valor is coming soon.
Ember, America’s premier black ops task force was attacked, many died. That was towards the end of last year’s Red Specter, one of the best thrillers of 2019. John Dempsey was hunting Zeta Prime, Valerian. What he wasn’t aware of though is that Spetsgruppa Zeta, Ember’s evil Russian twin was hunting them as well. Utilizing a highly placed mole, Russian spymaster Arkady Zhukov was quite successful attacking Ember HQ and killing many of their members.
Dempsey, Munn, Martin, and Grimes, the four surviving members of Ember SAD, are neck deep into their current mission, which is getting rid of Spetsgruppa Zeta. With a certain advantage on their side, similar to the type Arkady Zhukov had in Red Specter which gave his Zeta’s the insight into attacking Ember. Dempsey and team are hunting Zeta’s around the world, but what they really want to do is kill the head of the snake, Arkady Zhukov.
The new Zeta Prime, Gavriil Osinov is tasked with a new mission. He adopts a new legend, having infiltrated Ultra, an extreme Ukrainian right-wing nationalist group that have some very ambitious political destabilizing goals. He ensures their goals are met and due to some creative and cruel planning by the Russian President, President Vladimir Petrov, Russia is also made to look like a victim. Utilizing those views, he sends his Navy into the region and “peace keeping” troops that are tasked with anything but peace keeping.
While Russia is surrounding Ukraine with its Navy and sending troops into their cities with orders to destabilize the region, nothing is as it seems. No one is who they pretend to be. With official Ukraine military and law enforcement uniforms easily procured, anyone and everyone can be a hostile. While Dempsey and team is sent into the heart of Ukraine to rescue a small team of CIA analysts working under a the disguise of a logistics company. Leaving those seven souls is not an option, absolutely no one wants another Benghazi on their watch.
Collateral is full of small unit battles, large scale naval warfare on the horizon, and aerial battles to achieve air superiority. comparable to New York Time bestselling novel, Red Metal by Mark Greaney and Retired USMC Lieutenant Colonel Rip Rawlings. With World War III imminent, all the players in place, the only thing that stands in the way is Ember and their former Director, Kelso Jarvis, who reluctantly got himself another promotion.
A Lima Charlie review scale tops out at a Nuclear Bomb! But Collateral is something out of this world, therefore, this review is one of a kind. Damage equivalent to a global catastrophe. The only thing that comes to mind is an Armageddon causing asteroid hitting earth. This novel, this series is an absolute must read.
Ember, America’s premier black ops task force was attacked, many died. That was towards the end of last year’s Red Specter, one of the best thrillers of 2019. John Dempsey was hunting Zeta Prime, Valerian. What he wasn’t aware of though is that Spetsgruppa Zeta, Ember’s evil Russian twin was hunting them as well. Utilizing a highly placed mole, Russian spymaster Arkady Zhukov was quite successful attacking Ember HQ and killing many of their members.
Dempsey, Munn, Martin, and Grimes, the four surviving members of Ember SAD, are neck deep into their current mission, which is getting rid of Spetsgruppa Zeta. With a certain advantage on their side, similar to the type Arkady Zhukov had in Red Specter which gave his Zeta’s the insight into attacking Ember. Dempsey and team are hunting Zeta’s around the world, but what they really want to do is kill the head of the snake, Arkady Zhukov.
The new Zeta Prime, Gavriil Osinov is tasked with a new mission. He adopts a new legend, having infiltrated Ultra, an extreme Ukrainian right-wing nationalist group that have some very ambitious political destabilizing goals. He ensures their goals are met and due to some creative and cruel planning by the Russian President, President Vladimir Petrov, Russia is also made to look like a victim. Utilizing those views, he sends his Navy into the region and “peace keeping” troops that are tasked with anything but peace keeping.
While Russia is surrounding Ukraine with its Navy and sending troops into their cities with orders to destabilize the region, nothing is as it seems. No one is who they pretend to be. With official Ukraine military and law enforcement uniforms easily procured, anyone and everyone can be a hostile. While Dempsey and team is sent into the heart of Ukraine to rescue a small team of CIA analysts working under a the disguise of a logistics company. Leaving those seven souls is not an option, absolutely no one wants another Benghazi on their watch.
Collateral is full of small unit battles, large scale naval warfare on the horizon, and aerial battles to achieve air superiority. comparable to New York Time bestselling novel, Red Metal by Mark Greaney and Retired USMC Lieutenant Colonel Rip Rawlings. With World War III imminent, all the players in place, the only thing that stands in the way is Ember and their former Director, Kelso Jarvis, who reluctantly got himself another promotion.
A Lima Charlie review scale tops out at a Nuclear Bomb! But Collateral is something out of this world, therefore, this review is one of a kind. Damage equivalent to a global catastrophe. The only thing that comes to mind is an Armageddon causing asteroid hitting earth. This novel, this series is an absolute must read.
September 6, 2020
Excellent!
I loved it! JD and his team are the best. All the internal politics and Jarvis now in his new position can only mean many more great adventures.
Can't wait for the next one!
Ray Porter does an excellent job of narrating.
I loved it! JD and his team are the best. All the internal politics and Jarvis now in his new position can only mean many more great adventures.
Can't wait for the next one!
Ray Porter does an excellent job of narrating.
November 30, 2020
Things are coming to endgame. Dempsey is killing off Russian Zeta operators, while the head of the program, and the Russian dictator have their own plans in motion. The Russian dictator is trying to take over more of Ukraine with a series of false flag operations.
Despite being low on manpower, Ember group has to stop the Russians, and the spymaster. Meanwhile the head of Ember has to deal with his own unwanted promotion.
Very tense.
Despite being low on manpower, Ember group has to stop the Russians, and the spymaster. Meanwhile the head of Ember has to deal with his own unwanted promotion.
Very tense.
September 8, 2020
In this installment, we see team Ember at its lowest. The team has to work together in ways it has yet to experience, and open themselves to new members as well.
This novel continues a story arc that was started several books ago. We get the epic “battle royal” in this as Ember continues the epic gridlock against their equals. Will we possibly see the start of World War III?
This is a faced pace read, with heart pounding action, and amazing technical fight scenes. We even get an intricate battle scenes on a Navy warship to name one epic scene! An absolute must read, and let me just say that cliffhanger was jaw dropping! Andrews and Wilson sure know how to hook readers!
This novel continues a story arc that was started several books ago. We get the epic “battle royal” in this as Ember continues the epic gridlock against their equals. Will we possibly see the start of World War III?
This is a faced pace read, with heart pounding action, and amazing technical fight scenes. We even get an intricate battle scenes on a Navy warship to name one epic scene! An absolute must read, and let me just say that cliffhanger was jaw dropping! Andrews and Wilson sure know how to hook readers!
November 17, 2020
What an amazing opening scene and the rest of the book was full of nail-biting suspense. Perfect mix of action, humor, and banter. It was a bit poignant after what happened in last book. My heart ached for the Ember team. I was happy to see Chunk and his SEAL Team again join forces with John Dempsey and the rest of the gang.
Also, that ending! Ugh, can't wait for why that decision was called and are we getting a spin off? :)
Also, that ending! Ugh, can't wait for why that decision was called and are we getting a spin off? :)
September 6, 2020
Another winner
These guys hit every book out of the park. How they are able to each write a few chapters at a time separately and have it read in a single voice boggles the mind. It's bananas.
These guys hit every book out of the park. How they are able to each write a few chapters at a time separately and have it read in a single voice boggles the mind. It's bananas.
August 20, 2022
This one was a Spy Thriller and it is #6 in the Tier One series. I've enjoyed this series so far. And I have to give a shout out to the narrator of the audio....he is fantastic. I think that adds even more to the enjoyment factor.
There is much to like in this series: the characters, the action, the humor, unexpected twists and turns, relationships, dialogue, tension, suspense, and I'm sure there is more...this is just what comes to mind immediately. Definitely worth the read. So 4 stars.
There is much to like in this series: the characters, the action, the humor, unexpected twists and turns, relationships, dialogue, tension, suspense, and I'm sure there is more...this is just what comes to mind immediately. Definitely worth the read. So 4 stars.
September 4, 2020
Collateral is a phenomenal follow-up to Red Specter in terms of World War 3 level stakes, brutal and well-crafted action, and some crafty plot twists and turns that hit readers like a freight train out of nowhere. Having dived in to Collateral very shortly after Red Specter, the entire experience felt like a grand narrative of epic proportions while maintaining the grounded shock and awe elements of high stakes.
Collateral picks up shortly after Red Specter, with Task Force Ember reeling in from the gut wrenchingly-devastating ending of Red Specter. With a personal vendetta against Zetas, the Russian equivalent of Task Force Ember, John Dempsey is a force to be reckoned with. While John Dempsey was already amped up to get Zetas in Red Specter, Collateral sees Dempsey as a dark knight of vengeance taking out zetas with his trusty Sig pistol and Sig rifle. The tactically stunning action sequences are in abundance, this time infusing the retribution of Task Force Ember against the Zetas. The shootouts are written with the clarity and tactical prowess that Tier One series is famous for. Not only John Dempsey, but each member of Task Force Ember (who survived the events of Red Specter) holds a serious grudge against the Zetas, resulting in the Team viscously and brutally taking out their adversaries. The narrative goes from 0 to 100 in no time, with Ember going on the offensive this time. With Arkady, the leader of Zetas, planning a risky hatchet to overthrow the Russian President in a crazy turn of events that pit US and Russian Navy against each other in an anxious standoff, there is literally no time to breathe easy with this book. The change of dynamics with respect to characters taking on unexpected duties and new faces to cope with the staff changes of Task Force Ember brings a whiff of freshness that breathes new life into Task Force Ember quite literally.
One of the major highlights of Collateral was the pleasant turn of events in Elizabeth Grimes’ arc. While Grimes has been a lethal overwatch for the past couple of books, Collateral puts her in situations where she has to kick in doors as well. There is a mind-blowing twist towards the end with Grimes that left me speechless. It is a testament to the foundation of Grimes not only as a kickass sniper and warrior, but also a more central cog in the heart of the Tier One series.
Collateral excels with showcasing the fight not just on the ground with Ember against Zetas, but on the sea as well as the air. The aerial combat sequences involving American F35s and F22s against Russian SU25s and SU30s were as beautifully written as the shootouts with small arms and long rifles. I could feel the g-forces the pilots felt while maneuvering the awesome fighter jets in sharp banks and turns. Cinematic and authentic!
The naval sequences were just as stunning. The authors portrayed the dilemma of serving at sea during a time of crisis with World War 3 a blink of an eye away with such captivating authenticity that I felt I was reading more of a non-fiction narrative than fiction. The environment in the ship and the camaraderie of the sailors along with the burden of duty and safe keeping of the lives of the sailors on the Captain’s shoulders could not have been written so well by someone who hasn’t been in a similar situation.
I went into Collateral with the mindset that the best Tier One book was Red Specter, but Collateral dissuaded that notion fairly quickly. With a fast-paced high stakes narrative, amazing and anxiety inducing action, and some plot twists and turns, in particular the cliffhanger, that just left my jaw on the ground, Collateral is an absolute must-read!!
Collateral picks up shortly after Red Specter, with Task Force Ember reeling in from the gut wrenchingly-devastating ending of Red Specter. With a personal vendetta against Zetas, the Russian equivalent of Task Force Ember, John Dempsey is a force to be reckoned with. While John Dempsey was already amped up to get Zetas in Red Specter, Collateral sees Dempsey as a dark knight of vengeance taking out zetas with his trusty Sig pistol and Sig rifle. The tactically stunning action sequences are in abundance, this time infusing the retribution of Task Force Ember against the Zetas. The shootouts are written with the clarity and tactical prowess that Tier One series is famous for. Not only John Dempsey, but each member of Task Force Ember (who survived the events of Red Specter) holds a serious grudge against the Zetas, resulting in the Team viscously and brutally taking out their adversaries. The narrative goes from 0 to 100 in no time, with Ember going on the offensive this time. With Arkady, the leader of Zetas, planning a risky hatchet to overthrow the Russian President in a crazy turn of events that pit US and Russian Navy against each other in an anxious standoff, there is literally no time to breathe easy with this book. The change of dynamics with respect to characters taking on unexpected duties and new faces to cope with the staff changes of Task Force Ember brings a whiff of freshness that breathes new life into Task Force Ember quite literally.
One of the major highlights of Collateral was the pleasant turn of events in Elizabeth Grimes’ arc. While Grimes has been a lethal overwatch for the past couple of books, Collateral puts her in situations where she has to kick in doors as well. There is a mind-blowing twist towards the end with Grimes that left me speechless. It is a testament to the foundation of Grimes not only as a kickass sniper and warrior, but also a more central cog in the heart of the Tier One series.
Collateral excels with showcasing the fight not just on the ground with Ember against Zetas, but on the sea as well as the air. The aerial combat sequences involving American F35s and F22s against Russian SU25s and SU30s were as beautifully written as the shootouts with small arms and long rifles. I could feel the g-forces the pilots felt while maneuvering the awesome fighter jets in sharp banks and turns. Cinematic and authentic!
The naval sequences were just as stunning. The authors portrayed the dilemma of serving at sea during a time of crisis with World War 3 a blink of an eye away with such captivating authenticity that I felt I was reading more of a non-fiction narrative than fiction. The environment in the ship and the camaraderie of the sailors along with the burden of duty and safe keeping of the lives of the sailors on the Captain’s shoulders could not have been written so well by someone who hasn’t been in a similar situation.
I went into Collateral with the mindset that the best Tier One book was Red Specter, but Collateral dissuaded that notion fairly quickly. With a fast-paced high stakes narrative, amazing and anxiety inducing action, and some plot twists and turns, in particular the cliffhanger, that just left my jaw on the ground, Collateral is an absolute must-read!!
September 3, 2020
Best one yet
Im blown away again. I love this fast paced, super spy world. Makes 007 look like a cheap imitation! Can't wait for more!
Im blown away again. I love this fast paced, super spy world. Makes 007 look like a cheap imitation! Can't wait for more!
September 1, 2020
Cover Task Force Ember after suffering a devastating blow by their Russian counterpart, Zetas, are out for blood and vengeance. Collateral Tier One Book #6 begins with this platform and quickly springs into action! John Dempsey and company are still reeling from a near total annihilation, but they haven’t given up the fight yet. Far from it. The dark arts of covert warfare, brutal assassinations, a high risk rescue operation, geopolitical maneuvering with global implications of WWIII. This book has it all! My favorite writing duo does not disappoint! An absolute PAGE-BURNER!!!
October 11, 2020
Massive Leap Forward
With Book 6, this series just took a massive leap forward into Clancy and Ludlum territory. Deftly juggling both close-in Ember combat and a fleet of warships, airplanes and choppers, this book seemed to graduate the Tier One series to a new level. Strong, believable dialogue, canny plotting and lots of action. Highly recommended!
With Book 6, this series just took a massive leap forward into Clancy and Ludlum territory. Deftly juggling both close-in Ember combat and a fleet of warships, airplanes and choppers, this book seemed to graduate the Tier One series to a new level. Strong, believable dialogue, canny plotting and lots of action. Highly recommended!
November 17, 2020
Another great book, they keep getting better
The development of the characters and their live continue to grow and gel as a team. The action and suspense is non-stop keeping the reader engrossed and guessing what will happen next. Great series, they need to write them faster!
The development of the characters and their live continue to grow and gel as a team. The action and suspense is non-stop keeping the reader engrossed and guessing what will happen next. Great series, they need to write them faster!
September 8, 2020
Collateral by Andrews and Wilson
Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson continue to make the Tier One series a non stop action adventure that anyone can appreciate!
John Dempsey and the Ember group continue to find a way to be relentless and ruthless in the retaliation of the attack on their site in Virginia. You get to see Dempsey, Grimes, and Munn decimate the Zetas who attacked them. This trip takes you to quite a few places which are vividly depicted through Andrews and Wilson writing. The nonstop ruthlessness by Dempsey and Ember keep you on your toes the whole time.
Different locales and vengeance make sure the Ember group are keen on making the Zetas for their actions.
This is another phenomenal work by the Andrews and a Wilson duo and they continue to rock the store zone series. You get everything from ballistic missiles, epic battles, and the deep dedication to teammates. Naval air battles, sea dominance and devotion to protecting God and Country make this another 5 🌟 read!! BZ guys!
Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson continue to make the Tier One series a non stop action adventure that anyone can appreciate!
John Dempsey and the Ember group continue to find a way to be relentless and ruthless in the retaliation of the attack on their site in Virginia. You get to see Dempsey, Grimes, and Munn decimate the Zetas who attacked them. This trip takes you to quite a few places which are vividly depicted through Andrews and Wilson writing. The nonstop ruthlessness by Dempsey and Ember keep you on your toes the whole time.
Different locales and vengeance make sure the Ember group are keen on making the Zetas for their actions.
This is another phenomenal work by the Andrews and a Wilson duo and they continue to rock the store zone series. You get everything from ballistic missiles, epic battles, and the deep dedication to teammates. Naval air battles, sea dominance and devotion to protecting God and Country make this another 5 🌟 read!! BZ guys!
January 8, 2024
01/08/2024 Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
The intro hooked me in immediately. It's been a while since I've spent time with Tier One, and the intro made it easy to dive back in. Majority of the book was political and kinda dull, but mostly relevant to plot progression.
Currently on Audible Plus
The intro hooked me in immediately. It's been a while since I've spent time with Tier One, and the intro made it easy to dive back in. Majority of the book was political and kinda dull, but mostly relevant to plot progression.
September 22, 2021
Audiobook Review - Collateral is the sixth installment of the Tier One series - the high-rated, pulse-pounding covert-operations thriller series by Andrews & Wilson. Tier One follows the life and operations of former Navy SEAL John Dempsey and Task Force Ember. When American and Russian covert operations collide in Kiev, the “new Cold War” goes from a simmer to a boil and escalation ensues, bringing America and her allies to the brink of World War III. Dempsey and his team are tasked to eliminate this possibility. I listened to this audiobook in two days. The narration by Ray Porter only made it more enjoyable. The Tier One series is well worth the time, never dull…there is always something around the corner on every page. My two military children (Navy & Coast Guard) have my copies of four other Tier One books. I haven’t seen them since and really don’t expect them back, hence listening to Collateral, book six on Audible. Fast moving, exciting and gripping, Collateral is a definite military thriller must-read. I’m amazed how Brian Andrews & Jeff Wilson can collectively write numerous outstanding books without losing anything. Their writing style is that where the mind’s eye can easily visualize the story and with Ray Porter’s excellent narration, this audiobook is one of the best in the military thriller genre. Looking forward to reading and reviewing their new series, Sons of Valor. Thank you for your service Brian & Jeff and for your wonderful books. I’m a huge fan!
September 25, 2020
Honestly, quite possibly the best in the series. Very well done.
September 7, 2020
Wow.
For some reason, that is always the word that seems to be on the tip of my tongue (or fingers, I guess since I'm typing this) each and every time I sit down to start putting my thoughts together after finishing each of the books in this series. Finding the right words, and attempting to convey my thoughts - putting them together in a way that conveys even a portion of my feelings - that is what I'm never sure if I accurately do them justice. I seem to vacillate between honestly conveying my awe, yet wanting to maintain some semblance of dignity :)
Now that we are 6 books in to this series - even though I SWEAR it feels like I have known these men and women much, much longer - the authors have done a fantastic job introducing us to an incredible cast of characters with such depth and clear, defined personalities that we - the readers- are fully on board and committed right back. We feel EVERYTHING along with the team. Both when there are good times, and unfortunately when tragic events happen.
I thought that the previous book had been the best entry in this series, but I can now say unequivocally that this book, Collateral, was right up there and might just take that title.
The level of action, suspense, and intrigue was non stop and seeing the team respond, while still reeling from the horrifying events in Red Specter was as impressive as it was difficult - for the team, as well as for us - the reader.
The team is trying to find its way with a depleted staff (due to injuries and of course, loss) and then also dealing with new leadership who have graciously accepted requests to step in to fill needed roles. Everyone knowing full well that the new people in these roles might just not be the best at their new job requirements because their strengths lie elsewhere. So, that is where we are at the beginning of this.
But, it is Ember and they do not back down to any challenge when the future of world stability is on the line. Once they realize what is going on in Ukraine and who is heading this new threat, the gloves come off. There is the chance to once and for all eliminate Zeta and take Russian Spymaster Arkady Zhukav permanently off the board.
I especially LOVED the scenes with the USS Donald Cook - her Commander Dusty Townsend - and the unexpected forced communication and dialog with the Russian Captain Ruskin of the Admiral Grigorovich. Talk about nail biting, hold on to your seats action. The tension was written so well that you could feel it and I realized several times that I was holding my breath.
And Ray Porter. Man oh man, he is and has been one of my favorite narrators and he (as always) does a FANTASTIC job again with this book.
The ending is bittersweet and of course, there is the set up for the next book. Without spoilers, there is a bit of curious decision making and actions that have us wondering. Is Jarvis still Jarvis or has the new position changed his ultimate goal? Why the secrets? Hmmm.....curiouser and curiouser????
So, we wait. Impatiently, but knowing that the authors have not let us down yet. So, I have faith - okay, maybe I'm not not even a little bit patient, but I am working on it. Well, TRYING to work on it......
For some reason, that is always the word that seems to be on the tip of my tongue (or fingers, I guess since I'm typing this) each and every time I sit down to start putting my thoughts together after finishing each of the books in this series. Finding the right words, and attempting to convey my thoughts - putting them together in a way that conveys even a portion of my feelings - that is what I'm never sure if I accurately do them justice. I seem to vacillate between honestly conveying my awe, yet wanting to maintain some semblance of dignity :)
Now that we are 6 books in to this series - even though I SWEAR it feels like I have known these men and women much, much longer - the authors have done a fantastic job introducing us to an incredible cast of characters with such depth and clear, defined personalities that we - the readers- are fully on board and committed right back. We feel EVERYTHING along with the team. Both when there are good times, and unfortunately when tragic events happen.
I thought that the previous book had been the best entry in this series, but I can now say unequivocally that this book, Collateral, was right up there and might just take that title.
The level of action, suspense, and intrigue was non stop and seeing the team respond, while still reeling from the horrifying events in Red Specter was as impressive as it was difficult - for the team, as well as for us - the reader.
The team is trying to find its way with a depleted staff (due to injuries and of course, loss) and then also dealing with new leadership who have graciously accepted requests to step in to fill needed roles. Everyone knowing full well that the new people in these roles might just not be the best at their new job requirements because their strengths lie elsewhere. So, that is where we are at the beginning of this.
But, it is Ember and they do not back down to any challenge when the future of world stability is on the line. Once they realize what is going on in Ukraine and who is heading this new threat, the gloves come off. There is the chance to once and for all eliminate Zeta and take Russian Spymaster Arkady Zhukav permanently off the board.
I especially LOVED the scenes with the USS Donald Cook - her Commander Dusty Townsend - and the unexpected forced communication and dialog with the Russian Captain Ruskin of the Admiral Grigorovich. Talk about nail biting, hold on to your seats action. The tension was written so well that you could feel it and I realized several times that I was holding my breath.
And Ray Porter. Man oh man, he is and has been one of my favorite narrators and he (as always) does a FANTASTIC job again with this book.
The ending is bittersweet and of course, there is the set up for the next book. Without spoilers, there is a bit of curious decision making and actions that have us wondering. Is Jarvis still Jarvis or has the new position changed his ultimate goal? Why the secrets? Hmmm.....curiouser and curiouser????
So, we wait. Impatiently, but knowing that the authors have not let us down yet. So, I have faith - okay, maybe I'm not not even a little bit patient, but I am working on it. Well, TRYING to work on it......
January 4, 2021
One Of My Favorite Series!!!
I’ve Read all six of the EMBER tier 1 series, this series had quickly jumped to one of my favorites. I highly recommend that you read them in order or YOU WILL BE LOST! Ember is a super secret Tier 1 unit, the tip of the spear for the U.S. President. Again they battle the group called Zeta, a Russian version of Ember. The only difference, they are hell bent on bringing down the U.S. of A.
I’ve Read all six of the EMBER tier 1 series, this series had quickly jumped to one of my favorites. I highly recommend that you read them in order or YOU WILL BE LOST! Ember is a super secret Tier 1 unit, the tip of the spear for the U.S. President. Again they battle the group called Zeta, a Russian version of Ember. The only difference, they are hell bent on bringing down the U.S. of A.
September 25, 2020
Outstanding
Another great book for the Tier One series. I’ve read them all and this is one of the best. Good action and great plot.
Another great book for the Tier One series. I’ve read them all and this is one of the best. Good action and great plot.
October 15, 2020
Mostly excellent
As ever fast moving, exciting and gripping. The ending was unexpected (as is often the case in this series). I didn’t like the addition of a chapter from the next novel in the series at the end of the book. It meant that this story finished before I expected it to.
As ever fast moving, exciting and gripping. The ending was unexpected (as is often the case in this series). I didn’t like the addition of a chapter from the next novel in the series at the end of the book. It meant that this story finished before I expected it to.
August 9, 2024
Audiobook narrated by
Ray Porter
⭐️⭐️⭐️
There is too much politics and not enough action.
Dnf 50%.
Ray Porter
⭐️⭐️⭐️
There is too much politics and not enough action.
Dnf 50%.
September 16, 2020
I procrastinated for a couple of weeks before tearing into Collateral two days ago. It was only because I knew I didn't have anything written by Andrews & Wilson to read afterward. I finished Collateral last night, and all I can say is: Holy. Fucking. Shit. The last time I put a book down after finishing it and felt that way was "Red Metal" by Mark Greaney & Rip Rawlings. I have loved the Tier One series up until now, and this latest installment took it up a notch. This installment knocked "Last Man Standing" by David Baldacci out of my all-time top five favorite novels. I wasn't expecting that but given the storylines & detail with the Tier One series, I'm not surprised either. What an incredible book!
October 24, 2020
Fantastic
Another incredible addition to the Tier One series. Twists and turns on every page. You will not be disappointed. The excerpt for the news series really gets you excited as well.
Another incredible addition to the Tier One series. Twists and turns on every page. You will not be disappointed. The excerpt for the news series really gets you excited as well.
September 20, 2020
The fighting man, bad assed woman, and daredevil team fitting for our times of decentralized and fragmented armies of anarchists attacking our way of life. It is a heart pounding, Adrenalin producing, chest thumping Excursion around the world in this fight against terror.
November 21, 2021
4.5 stars of Tier One’s usual fun but damn Jarvis for his stunt toward the end. Now, I’m so anxious about the next mission.
April 23, 2021
Waiting for the seventh book....... Haven't seen any updates on the 7th book so far. Is there going to be a 7 th book ?
January 29, 2021
I like a good military thriller.
Narrated perfectly by Ray Porter, as usual.
Warning for graphic language and violence.
Narrated perfectly by Ray Porter, as usual.
Warning for graphic language and violence.
September 13, 2020
Page Turner
I could not put this book down, and that has been the case with all six of the books in this series!
I could not put this book down, and that has been the case with all six of the books in this series!
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