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The Cold War between the US and China is heating up as China is getting more vocal and aggressive with its demands.
Rex Dalton and his team are sent on a covert mission to recruit one of the People's Liberation Army's most senior generals to spy for the CIA.
But then it is discovered that China is facing a famine much worse than the Great Chinese Famine of 1959 to 1961, during which thirty million people starved to death. A hellish abyss of food insecurity and starvation—the breeding ground for war.
The world is watching with bated breath as US-China relations are spiraling out of control towards war.
Rex's mission has to succeed--the world depends on it—but time is running out.
THE ABYSS is a full-length novel, a nail-biting thriller by best-selling author JC Ryan. It is the fourteenth book in the electrifying Rex Dalton series and the sequel to Holes In The Wall.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2021

546 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Ryan

47 books161 followers
J C Ryan writes spellbinding mystery suspense thrillers with an archaeological backdrop.

He has been a combat and intelligence officer in the military, practicing lawyer and information technology project manager.

He holds a military as well as a law degree and is married with two daughters and two dogs.

JC currently makes his home on the Gold Coast of Australia.

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5 stars
442 (58%)
4 stars
220 (28%)
3 stars
70 (9%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews498 followers
June 17, 2021
What an intense, action-packed thriller with Rex Dalton and Team!! This is the 14th book in the series, and I commend the author in the growth and development of all characters!! This book is very current, with the addition of changes in their personal lives, Rex, Catia, Digger and Crew continue to keep our country free of fear and the turmoil of war! They are trying to recruit a General in the People's Liberation Army to spy for the CIA...But China has become increasingly aggressive and vocal about basically taking over the world...In the midst of their talks, they become aware of a great famine to all in China, due to an unidentified fungus...This will put everyday people at war with their government...Starving with a war looming...Rex has to find a way to stop all China has planned, they even are seeking to be rid of their current President!!
The world waits with fingers on the trigger...Ready to do their part to engage in war if needs must be...But we have seen Rex pull off some miracles...Can he do it Now?!
A fantastic, realistic look into world politics today! I received an arc from the author, who I thank for another exciting look into life on the dark side, and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
7 reviews
June 29, 2021
Hope this is last of series

Author has run out of good ideas for a book. I suggest no more of this series. The first few books were really good but each one after went more downhill than the next.
Profile Image for Layne.
367 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2021
Another good book in the series. Not as good as the others. Sorry, but this book felt a bit rushed and almost unfinished. There was a lot of good information about the political situation in China, but it didn't draw me in like the other ones.
1,839 reviews13 followers
June 12, 2021
I received an ARC for an honest review.

This story was excellent. The story relates to the actions that a group undertake to counter the expected action that China is attempting to take. The discovery came about by the defection of a Chinese cyber expert who defected to the United States. He presented a plan that "the Trustees' had develop for China to conquer the world. Rex, Catia and Digger and others went to the area around China to put a monkey wrench in the Chinese plan. They began by compromising Dong and General Lang. This provided Rex with the ability to listen in to the meeting of the Trustees. They also were able to compromise an additional member of this group when they caught him trying to pass counterfeit money.

The Chinese President had received information that there was a problem with growing crops because of the discovery of a fungus that had been dormant, but now had come alive and was sickening the crops. This would result in a major famine. He brought this information to the Trustees and attempted to convince them that this needed to be addressed and that there planned War attempt had to be put on hold. Several of the Trustees wanted to go to war and even wanted to get rid of the current President. Rex and his team working in the background had to develop a strategy which would eliminate the possibility of overthrowing the President. If they were to be successful the United States would be willing to work with China to provide food to offset the famine.

To discover what actions Rex and his team took and whether they were successful, then you must read this book.
Profile Image for Donna.
874 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2021
Author JC Ryan has done it again! No rest for the weary, should be the mantra for Rex Dalton and crew. After saving the world from a heart stopping man made pandemic, they are back in China, stopping a possible world war. China is about to endure a famine worse than all others and the Marshall’s want to start a war rather than listen to their President and negotiate for assistance. Rex and crew, with blessings from the US President, must find a way, to not only stop a war but also get the entire world to work together to ensure the innocent people of China do not starve to death. JC Ryan has woven yet another fantastic story, one that with just a little bit of imagination, you can actually see in the world news. A fast paced political thriller full of action, intrigue, and just a little bit of humor. As an ARC reader for author JC Ryan, I have received an advanced copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Jerry Walch.
680 reviews16 followers
December 8, 2021
The cold war with China is heating up as we as we pick up in book 14 where book 13 leaves off. Rex, Digger, and their team race against time to keep the new cold war with China from turning into a hot war, a war that will leave the world in utter darkness, a nuclear wasteland. How does Rex and his team stop the holocaust? Read the book to find out.

The Abyss is the last book in the Rex Dalton Thriller Series, but it seems there should be more books in the series coming. This is the third time that I have read this series and each time I come to the end of this book, I feel like I meet to read more Rex Dalton and Digger adventures. Although this series ends in a very satisfying way, it still leaves us wondering about what happens to Rex, Digger, and the rest of their pack. There have to be more books coming, but as hard as I have searched to find them, I have yet to find more. Don’t you feel the same?
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,755 reviews37 followers
June 20, 2021
I really enjoy reading Rex Dalton´s series, they have fun passages, quite a lot of mystery and action! I also discovered that many facts mentioned in the story regarding food and water availability, and the number of acres of arable land in China are true, so this makes the book even more thrilling and frightening. Hopefully, this story will never become a reality in parts or in full! In the beginning, there are a lot of explanations regarding characters and places which may be a bit tiresome, but after that, the story takes speed and is pure entertainment!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
237 reviews
July 11, 2021
As Good as it Gets

Yes the first book in the series was a slow starter and almost made me give up. I am glad I took chances on the other 13 books in the series. I dragged out the reading of this 14th book because I did not want it to end. I am so sad there is not a next. The story was great. If you just found this book stsrt at the first of the series.And hug Digger for me. Read em all.
25 reviews
December 15, 2021
Oh China

I am fascinated - by history when it's presented in JC Ryan fashion- the facts and historic happenings get a stage of truth Then this author thinks thru scenarios and
builds fascinating stories with the characters
we've come to love. ' I learned a great deal from this 2 book China story of things that happened in my lifetime that I'd never understood. It's enlightened my thinking and explained why my gut feelings one lot ofthings were spot on. GREAT Storytelling.
331 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2021
As the 14th book in the series it has run it's course. This is a far cry from when Rex and Digger were the focus of the stories. We now have so many disparatee characters you need a scorecard to keep track. This was more of a history of the Far East with so much verbiage that tends to bore. First books were terrific.
Profile Image for Michael.
377 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2021
Outstanding

Another outstanding and insightful story. There are the usual twists and turns and some surprises but all in all a very realistic story line. In fact, soneone ought to get Slow Joe and Harris the Ho to read it and the preceding novel. It mght give them a hint as to how to conduct foreign policy and how to handle China!
Profile Image for Stephen Cruickshank.
35 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2021
Another fantastic book

Where would you be without JC Ryan and the fantastic mind that brings us the Rex Dalton books I have read them all so many times I cannot wait for the next book please a bit more of that fantastic dog not enough action for him digger needs to play a bigger part please
Profile Image for Margaret.
792 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2021
A Different Kind of Abyss

Another stunning Rex Dalton and Digger thriller, The Abyss, by RC Ryan. How does this author continue to delight readers with book after book where the excitement jumps off the pages.

I was given a copy of this excellent read by the author. I am voluntarily posting my honest evaluation.
48 reviews
January 26, 2022
Fascinating series

I've been addicted to reading this series; not able to put them down. I feel like I know Red Dalton, Catia, and the others as friends. I hope the series continues as I never grow bored with them. The politics and history are really interesting and timely. Always a thrilling adventure.
7,800 reviews51 followers
September 15, 2022
A group of thirteen have devised a plan to conquer the world.
Then came the information of the famine also going on.
Could they get people around the world to join together to stop it..
Each person that was selected had a vast amount of knowledge from
days in special services of their countries.
Rex and the team are top at this Intriguing and well done plot.
Profile Image for Pierre Borlase.
75 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2023
Chinese Dilemma

To much statistical information results in breaking down the storyline. It makes the book nearly impossible to read. I love the interaction between all the characters especially the one between Rex and Digger and the sense of humor it brings. This ensures that the book still gets a 4 from me. Even after all the boring and long winded statistical information..
176 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2024
Another exciting Rex and Digger adventure!

The history and present day situations in China are well documented in this book! While the USA is being so concerned about being politically correct, it is a well known fact China is making moves to control the South China Sea and the passages there of! Perhaps this well written “ novel” will open our eyes.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,509 reviews33 followers
January 12, 2025
A terrific series

This was the conclusion of the previous book that includes the ongoing escalation in China. It's a complex story with many different aspects happening at the same time from all across the world. It's not a story to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
Profile Image for Jennifer Cagle.
778 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2021
Good suspense

This was a great book, it just had more profanities than the the first ones in this series or I would have given it a 5. Enjoyed the suspense and the story just could live without the extra foul language.
722 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2021
Great Story, Rex and Digger do it big

The only thing I don't like about this series is the wait for the next book! Fast paced, action, suspense, great characters. You can't ask for more. I can't stop reading once I start. Great series.
55 reviews
August 15, 2021
Abyss?

J c Ryan does not disappoint. His characters are full fledged and awesome! This time he investigates the possibility of War with China. Through intrigue and supposition Red and Digger remain supreme. More please Mr Ryan.
258 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2021
Another Great “Digger”Thriller With His Companion “Rex Dalton”

This, the latest “Rex Dalton Thriller,” is not to be missed, as its plot line is probably the best, and most imaginative to date. Definitely a 5 Star read.

I highly recommend this book, as well the entire series.
120 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2021
Fantastic stories

The author blends fiction with some undisguised reality of the geopolitical situations of the day. The characters are well defined with each story and entertaining to follow.
Profile Image for Rosario Barrera.
679 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2022
How to prevent a world war

Another great installment- another great adventure. As always, while I do love Rex Dalton, Digger the spy dog is my favorite. Lots of action and covert action! Recommended!
249 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2023
Jump Into The Abyss

This may be an escape thriller but the plot reminds all of us about the threats posed to America and the world by China. Enjoy this fictional world but stay alert in the real world.
877 reviews25 followers
December 9, 2024
The Abyss: Rex Dalton

I have read Rex Dalton books off and on for more years than I can count! Each book has its own unique meaning and I am grateful to have been able to read the majority of his books
41 reviews
February 9, 2025
great read

this is a great read. I would still hope that JC Ryan stop explaining it every story who people are and there back grounds. makes each story a great stand alone story but if your reading them from the beginning of the series straight thru it makes it harder reading.
625 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2025
great series

I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment  I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
1 review
June 20, 2021
Another thrilling installment in the lives of Rex, Digger and the Team. The Chinese continue to be the “Bad Guys” and threaten world peace, so once again it’s Rex and Digger to the rescue!
Profile Image for Deb.
179 reviews
June 23, 2021
After being almost MIA in book 13, it was great to see Rex and Digger have their starring roles return in book 14 and once again save the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews