Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell - Firewall

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell #7

by James Swallow, Julien Buseyne (Translator)

A brutal enemy from the past. An unstoppable cyber-weapon. A mission against all odds.

When a lethal assassin returns from the dead, veteran Fourth Echelon agent Sam Fisher finds himself facing off against a dark mirror of his own deadly skills.

Forced into a reluctant partnership with the newest recruit to the Splinter Cell program--his own daughter, Sarah--Sam is thrust into a race against time as a sinister threat to global security is revealed.

A powerful cyber-warfare technology known as Gordian Sword--capable of cutting through any firewall in existence--is in play, to be auctioned off to the highest bidder in a rogue's gallery of terrorists, criminals and renegade states.

Sam, Sarah and their allies must work together to find the truth behind this grave threat and stop the weapon falling into the wrong hands, but standing in the way is the only man Sam Fisher could never kill ...

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Espionage, Action, Military Fiction, Spy Thriller, Audiobook

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2022

About the author

James Swallow is a New York Times, Sunday Times and Amazon #1 bestselling author and scriptwriter, a BAFTA nominee, a former journalist and the award-winning writer of over sixty-five books, along with scripts for video games, comics, radio and television.

DARK HORIZON, his latest stand-alone thriller, is out now from Mountain Leopard Press, and OUTLAW, the 6th action-packed Marc Dane novel, is published by Bonnier.

Along with the Marc Dane thrillers, his writing includes, the Sundowners steampunk Westerns and fiction from the worlds of Star Trek, Tom Clancy, 24, Warhammer 40000, Doctor Who, Deus Ex, Stargate, 2000AD and many more.

For information on new releases & more, sign up to the Readers’ Club here: www.bit.ly/JamesSwallow

Visit James's website at http://www.jswallow.com/ for more, including ROUGH AIR, a free eBook novella in the Marc Dane series.

You can also follow James on Bluesky at @jmswallow.bsky.social, Twitter at @jmswallow, Mastodon at @jmswallow@mstdn.social and jmswallow.tumblr.com at Tumblr.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, the book is really fast paced. As soon as I got the advance reader copy, all I did was trying to read the first page. And lo! I just couldn't stop reading the book!

I am already warning you. Seriously. The next moment I realised I was in the real world, it was already a few more than a hundred pages.

I am telling you why and how this book shook me like this. A videogame sci-fi was never this interesting with all (I am emphasizing on the "all") the characters having a sharp personality each and this is one of those good, smooth flowing books in which the story or the writing does not need to introduce each and every character separately or with a certain scene. Shooked. Because this is rare and, if done, it rarely works.

Part thrilling with sharp characters and part mystery as to how some things need some big answers, the first half do much of the talk the plot requires.

I was expecting the explanations and ,yes, more character development towards the second half. Was I disappointed? You bet.

And yes, some characters turn out to be quite someone who you never thought they would be. That's one of the best parts.

Trigger warning for police brutality.

Beware of the action packed writing. The characters just cannot calm down and that's how the book really shook me. I could only calm down when the book ended. An awesome book! You can easily pick up this book and read it in one sitting. That's how dangerously engaging the book is! I will be definitely waiting for the physical copy to come out.

Thank you, the publisher and the author, for the advance reading copy.

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read a Splinter Cell book before Splinter Cell: Firewall. My only foray into the Splinter Cell world were a video game, which was my favorite many years ago. So, I jumped at the chance to read my first book in the Splinter Cell world.

The characters were fairly new to me but I found myself liking them almost immediately. This book had everything I love in a thriller: plenty of action, cool gadgets, dickhead villains, and a plot that is believable even if it is unlikely.

James Swallow has written a book Tom Clancy fans and newcomers alike will enjoy. I know I did.

My sincere thanks to James Swallow, Aconyte Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Splinter Cell: Firewall

[Chris The Lizard from Planet X · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: FireWall By James Swallow, is a video game tie-in novel based on the Tom Clancy Splinter Cell video game franchise.

Splinter Cell is a video game franchise published by Ubisoft, they are stealth action adventures endorsed by Tom Clancy. The first game was a breakout hit on the original Xbox, and has led to a series of novels and several sequel games, although there has not been a new game for 9 years at this point.

The franchise revolves around Sam Fisher, and operative for a mysterious NAS organisation called Third Echelon, later Fourth Echelon, and his work to keep the United States safe from various threats.

Firewall, Set two years after the events of Blacklist. Sees Sam Fisher team up with a new Fourth Echelon operative, his daughter Sarah, ass they work to destroy a sinister threat to the world in the form of the Gordian Sword, a piece of cyberwarfare technology that can bypass any cyber security in existence. But going up against them, is an old foe of Sam’s a former Soviet assassin long thought dead by Sams own hand. Thus starts a race against time to neutralise the mad tech billionaire trying to use the technology to remake the world in his own image, and the blunt tool of his Russian relic!

The book is a very good, whilst Tom Clancy’s actual involvement in the Splinter Cell series, is questionable and the quality of the previous books has been middling, this one has been written very very well.

Given that this is essentially a reboot of the series, being the first installment, novel or game in nine long years, it had a lot to live up to, and I am glad to say I think it pulled it off!

James’s writing is very much in the style of Tom Clancy, and to be frank, very little of his own style shone through. It was a well researched book and felt like a love letter to the Tom Clancy books of old, the main inspiration felt to be the Rainbow Six book he wrote in 1998, but that might be because it was the last Clancyverse novel I read!

If Splinter Cell is to come back, and I really hope it does, then this is a good first step in that journey.

[JL Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell since I first bought it on CD-ROM your my PC back in 2004. I’ve bought each new game that has been released, and even had to upgrade my motherboard, graphics card, and processor, in order to play Chaos Theory. So, when I saw that Aconyte had partnered with The Book Network, I almost fell over myself applying to take part, especially as it was written by James Swallow, author of the brilliant Marc Dane series.

I always liked Sam Fisher; badass, intelligent, stealthy, tough as nails, and fiercely loyal. I liked him even more in this book. He’s someone you could easily aspire to be. And this time he’s working alongside his equally awesome daughter Sarah who was always a supporting character in the older games. Reading about the characters gave me a more rounded look into their personalities which were true to their appearances in the games. I even read Sam’s part in the voice of original voice actor Michael Ironside (Scanners, Top Gun, Starship Troopers).

The story itself was very well written, action packed, and fast paced, which alongside great characters, made it an absolute joy to read. The author’s writing encapsulated the genre, the characters, and Fourth Echelon. I recommend this book to Tom Clancy fans, Splinter Cell fans, and any readers looking for a quality action thriller. I gave Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Firewall, by James Swallow, five stars.

[Andreas Tornberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veteran Fourth Echelon agent Sam Fisher has a new mission recruiting and training the next generation of Splinter Cell operatives for the NSA’s covert action division, including his daughter Sarah. But when a lethal assassin from Fisher’s past returns from the dead on a mission of murder, father and daughter are thrust into a race against time as a sinister threat to global security is revealed.

This was my first Splinter Cell book and I enjoyed it so much that I have to go at some point and read the previous books. It was fast moving, riveting, plot twisting story and Sam Fisher was a great main character. This is a must read.

Thanks to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

[Jessica Moseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this adventure of a novel and all I can say is WOW.

I've been a fan of the Splinter Cell Universe for over 15 years, and as a long-term fan…this new installment was exactly what was needed. The games have been on a hiatus as of late, and I won't lie when I say I was a little weary of a new author taking over writing privileges from David Michaels (who authored the previous titles in the world of Splinter Cell Novels)….but James Swallow did a brilliant job. This book is an exhilarating ride. It has the perfect amount of world-building and history like the previous novels include when it comes to describing mission areas, spot-on character description, and so much NOSTALGIA. Fans of the series are going to absolutely love this installment. I became emotional near the end just for how much I adore the series and our beloved protagonist, Sam Fisher. The way Swallow describes not only the characteristics but also the banter and charm of many of the familiar characters …just feels so perfect. It's quite clear that Swallow is a huge fan of the series himself - he nailed it. It's nice to see the series headed in a new direction now (without spoilers) since our favorite man IS getting older…he's not the invincible agent that he once was, and in some parts that was made apparent to the reader (which makes perfect sense). I am so thrilled with how this novel was crafted, I wish I could re-read it again for the first time.

This gives me so much excitement for the direction of the series in the future - for both the games and the upcoming Netflix adaptation.
If you're a fan of the Splinter Cells series - RUN ….don’t walk ….to grab this one when it hits shelves on March 15th.

[Angela Y (yangelareads) ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by RB Media.

Veteran Fourth Echelon agent Sam Fisher has a new mission recruiting and training the next generation of Splinter Cell operatives for the NSA’s covert action division, including his own daughter Sarah. But when a lethal assassin from Fisher’s past returns from the dead on a mission of murder, father and daughter are thrust into a race against time as a sinister threat to global security is revealed. A dangerous cyberwarfare technology known as Gordian Sword is being auctioned off to whichever rogue state makes the highest bid. Sam and Sarah must call on their very singular set of skills to neutralize Gordian Sword and stop the weapon falling into the wrong hands at any cost.

I had never read a Splinter Cell book before Splinter Cell: Firewall or even heard of the video game before. The characters were fairly new to me but I found myself liking. Maybe if I knew more about the video game or book, I would have liked the book better. This book genre/style was very new to me. I did not like or hate it, it was just okay.

[Evan Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I thought parts of the book didn't quite fit into the lore of Sam Fisher and the Splinter Cell universe, like Sarah fast tracked to the SC program without much of a military background, I thought the overall story was good. I enjoyed the original books in the series and the games were one of my all time favorites to play. So stepping back into Fisher's world is always exciting!

[Peter Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lean and muscular action, captured with pace and urgency, excellent

[Asma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and I loved the story. And I definitely want dive into this series.
Actually I'm guessing it's a series. A Splinter Cell series! Like the legendary agent Sam Fischer has some past, Sarah and how she became her dad's new recruit... Sensing some past there!

And I just read "the renowned Splinter Cell videogame universe" ... Yeah.. I have no idea!

I'm clueless, nonetheless I loved this book!
It felt like jumping in the middle of an ongoing story, but like feeling in right place as well.

I got the audiobook thanks to NetGalley and publisher.

[Jonathan Wickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

As long as I can remember, I’ve been a massive fan of Sam Fisher and the Splinter Cel franchise. It’s been a LONG wait since the last installment and this entry did not disappoint. The first chapter is pretty predictable since it’s reminiscent of another book from the franchise but that didn’t matter because it’ll get you amped for the book. The whole story is absolutely action packed. A modern day threat in which Sam ,Grim, and others need to resolve. You definitely don’t need to read any other books from the series to be able to understand the book, which is nice for new readers. Easy five star rating from me!

[Amy Walker - Trans-Scribe Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Splinter Cell has been a franchise for as long back as I can remember, a staple of stealth action gaming that has become an iconic part of gaming. I remember the first time I played the original game, stepping into the shoes of Sam Fisher and his glowing green goggles to sneak my way through enemy strongholds. Taking a more realistic approach than other big name stealth espionage games (no giant robots here), Splinter Cell would force players to take their time, peek into rooms with cameras, disable alarm systems, and avoid combat at all costs. With that in mind, I was left wondering if this kind of experience could translate into a novel.

Splinter Cell: Firewall is my first time reading a Splinter Cell book, and as such I wasn't sure what to expect. Spending hours sneaking through enemy filled complexes can be fun from a game-play point of view, but would it be enjoyable to read? Well, it became pretty clear fairly quickly for me when I started reading the book that this is less of the steal sneaking experience I'd come to expect from the game, and more of an action espionage story that you'd find on the big screen. In short, it was a pretty damn exciting ride.

The story begins with three trainees being tasked wit finding and neutralising a target in an abandoned building in Germany. Drawn from different backgrounds, their identities hidden behind code-names, the three are being tested by a shadowy government organisation to see if they have what it takes to join them. Whilst two of the candidates are taken down by their target, their field evaluator Sam Fisher, the third manages to impress him enough to get a passing grade. This is where Sam gets his first big shock of the book, when he finds out he's just given a passing grade to his daughter, Sarah.

Whilst Sam is still dealing with the fact that he's given the green light for his own daughter to become a field agent (one of the last things he wanted), he and the rest of his team get sent on an important mission as a new threat has emerged on the global stage. A tech giant has been secretly developing a digital super weapon decades beyond anything else in existence; one that could change the face of the world. Not only that, but a deadly Russian assassin from Sam's past has returned. Now Sam has to face a ghost from his past, a deadly new threat to global security, and his own feelings around Sarah being out in the field.






Splinter Cell: Firewall was not the book that I was expecting. Instead of playing out like the slow, methodical games it read more like a big screen adventure, more in line with movies like the Mission Impossible series. Sam isn't alone in this adventure, he has a team with him, they get to travel the world, infiltrate multiple locations, get into shootout and chases, and there's a big global threat to deal with. It doesn't feel like James Swallow is trying to translate the games into a book, but to just tell a decent story within this universe; which is absolutely the best approach.

The book never once feels like it needs you to have played any of the games that have come before, even when dealing with returning characters or referencing things from the game. Swallow manages to make it all feel incredibly accessible, giving you the right amount of background when needed so that you understand character motivations and their pasts but not overwhelming you with stuff. Whilst I have played a few of the games I'm by no means an expert in the lore of this universe, but I never felt like I was missing out on anything, and there was never a moment where I felt the need to go and look anything up online to find out what I was missing.

Not only does Swallow do a great job at making the book accessible for new readers, but he manages to introduce some great new lore throughout the book too; and it was only after finishing and looking into it was I able to discover what was new to this book and what was from the games as he does that good a job. One of the best new additions to the Splinter Cell mythos is Aslanov, the Russian killer from Sam's past who has returned from the dead. Aslanov is an almost perfect villain for someone like Sam Fisher. Their pasts are tied together, they come from opposite sides, have similar skill sets, yet are so morally opposed. Sam fights to preserve life, and will kill is he really has to but doesn't take any pleasure in it, whilst Aslanov likes to get up close and personal, to kill people in the worst ways possible. He's one of those characters who you can actually call evil and it to apply to; and it makes his scenes in this book delightful to read.

It's not just the action and world travel that gets a focus in Splinter Cell: Firewall, however, as Sam and Sarah also get a decent amount of focus, especially in regards to their relationship and Sarah's decision to become a field agent. Sam is, as one would expect, a protective father, and he absolutely hates the idea of Sarah being put into dangerous situations. Of course, he's being a bit of a hypocrite as these are the exact kind of things he does on a regular basis. This brings the two of them into some conflict, and it makes for some of the more interesting moments in the book. These moments even made me kind of hate Sam at times too, especially when he'd go behind Sarah's back to try and get her off the team, treating her like a child instead of the competent adult she is. Its a side to the character I'd not seen before, and something that I'd love to see more of in the future.

This being my first forray into the Splinter Cell books, it was a really enjoyable read, one that brought back some fond memories of the game and made me want to go back and play some of them again. But even if you've not got any experience in this franchise, or even gaming in general, there's a lot to like here.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual I want to start by thanking Netgalley and Aconyte books for allowing me access to this E-ARC to review. As with the recent Tom Clancy’s The Division ARC this has managed to flag up nostalgia but fan and old love of Splinter Cell which I may have let slide over the years. If you know me it’s no secret I like to game. Some games I hold dear for my firsts. Lion King on the Sega inducing rage quitting, Tomb Raider on the PS1 causing me a moral dilemma of do I really want to kill dinosaurs!? Splinter Cell is definitely up there, it introduced me to more stealth tied with action. I remember first playing it on the PS2 and being hooked. I did end up drifting a little to more fantasy themed games but I would still go back to Splinter Cell.
So by no means am I superfan but when I saw this title I did get excited – particularly with the addition of Sarah Fisher to the lineup and seeing James Swallow at the helm I knew it would be good. I was right.

Firewall sees Sam Fisher, legendary agent, team up with one of the newest NSA recruits, his own daughter, to save the world! Fourth Echelon veteran agent Sam Fisher has a new mission, recruiting and training the next generations of Splinter Cell operatives for the NSA’s covert action division, including his daughter Sarah. When a lethal assassin from Fisher’s past returns from the dead on a mission of murder, father and daughter are thrust into a race against time as a sinister threat to global security is revealed. A dangerous cyberwarfare technology known as Gordian Sword – capable of crashing airliners, destroying computer networks and plunging entire cities into darkness – is being auctioned off to whichever rogue state makes the highest bid. Sam and Sarah must call on their very singular set of skills to neutralize Gordian Sword and stop the weapon falling into the wrong hands – at any cost.

An action-packed page-turner Firewall is everything you could expect from a novel set in the Splinter Cell universe. The characterization within the novel is amazing, of the characters we know and love from the videogame universe they are true to themselves and we get a deeper glimpse into them in the prose format. The mixture of personalities is refreshing. The action is near non-stop from losing assassins in metropolitan cityscapes to navigating facilities. Swallow is a master at building tension within the narrative. As always I don’t want to spoil the plot too much, but I will say that it really feels like it could be within the game itself.

Most definitely a must read for fans of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell universe or high octane thrillers. It was amazing to see more lore developed for Sarah and the relationship with her father and other members of the Fourth Echelon. I also loved the questions the novel poses, the idea of doing what needs to be done, following orders, or doing what is right to the person's moral compass, as well as the progression and work on Sarah’s character. What also surprised me, in a good way, was the insight to Sam and Sarah’s relationship, and while not conventional, we are dealing with two generations of agents it still captured some tender moments for the pair.

Again, no spoilers, but the ending was also fantastic, it leaves a wonderful opening for more in this fantastic line as well as potential repercussions from the actions and choices of the characters in the story. I think every Splinter Cell fan likes Sam but I am extremely excited to see what happens next for Sarah and how Sam, no doubt, gets involved!

[Ali Safwan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apart from just being masterful stealth action adventures, the Splinter Cell games have always been my favorite power-trip escape. You get to step into the shoes of Third Echelon agent Sam Fisher. With guns, gadgets, and all the cool spy stuff that you could ever need! But it’s been almost a decade since the last proper Splinter Cell game came out… fortunately Firewall, which came out recently, scratches just that itch.

🦅 The story follows Sam’s daughter, Sarah Fisher on her nepo-baby adventure, and surprisingly it’s a decent story. It’s no Shakespeare of course, but that shouldn’t be your expectation to begin with. It’s good fast-paced action, like a Tom Clancy novel but shorter and with much less exposition dumping.

🦅 If you’re looking to get back into reading, I can think of no other genre to get into than spy-fiction. It’s easy, engaging, and always entertaining, Firewall is no different. Plus, if you get the audiobook, which I highly recommend, it’s the perfect thing to listen to passively.

🦅 Criticism where criticism is due, it’s not the perfect representation of reality. If you’re going with the expectation of getting a serious geo-political drama, you’ll be disappointed. Treat it like any major Hollywood production and you’ll have a blast.

Overall, it’s the perfect weekend read and if you get your interest piqued, I encourage diving into the excellent video games that made this book possible, you won’t regret it!

[Dani (piggindani_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.5)

I know nothing about the Splinter Cell universe. Be it books or games, so can’t compare this to previous stories and or authors, but I can give my novice opinions on Firewall by James Swallow.

Well, damn! It was like watching a high-octane, fast-paced action movie. Seriously, wow! I didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t that.
This book has everything from fantastic characters, including Sam Fisher & his newest recruit, his daughter Sarah. To the evil assassin and, of course, the cyber warfare technology that can bring the world to its knees.
A race to stop the Gordian sword from getting into to wrong hands provides a non-stop, exhilarating thrill ride for the reader.
There is also an abundance of fantastic imagery that puts you in the heart of the action.
And I cannot review this without mentioning the banter and dynamics between the characters. Absolutely brilliant with some tender moments, too.

I look forward to reading more from the Splinter Cell universe and hope we get even more Sarah.

Thank you so much, @thebooknetwork.co.uk and @aconytebooks I loved being apart of this tour and finding a new series to sink my teeth into.

[Tracey Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biggest compliment that I could give this author, is I didn't realise it wasn't written by Tom Clancy until the acknowledgements at the end of the book. I've read a few of Tom Clancy's books and this was no different to those.

The book follows the story of Sam Fisher, who goes up against his old adversary, Aslanov an old Russian spy who is believed to be dead. The fly in the ointment is that unbeknown to Sam his daughter has joined the Splinter cell, much to his disgust and frustration.

The book follows a cyber warfare attack, something that can change the world forever, and to overcome this threat, father and daughter must work together even if it puts his daughter in harm's way.

The book is thrilling and exciting and everything you want out of a special operations book. If these books are the kind you like to read I would definitely read this one. Looking forward to the next on that James Swallow writes.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll start off by saying I’m a huge Splinter Cell fan. Loved the original games, and have played them all. Was extremely upset when Michael Ironside was removed as voice of Sam lol. Really looking forward to the reboot that’s suppose to be out this year.

So in saying that I came into this book and was really expecting not to like it. The premise just seemed to go against everything Sam in the video game world would accept.

But I also feel like the story made a good reason why Sarah followed in his father’s footsteps. Overall I really liked the book. I felt the story was entertaining. And continued on from the previous Splinter Cell books. I felt this writing was some of the best in the series.

If you are a fan of Sam Fisher, it’s a good read.

My thanks to James Swallow, Aconyte Books, and
NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Splinter Cell: Firewall.

[Andreas Tornberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veteran Fourth Echelon agent Sam Fisher has a new mission recruiting and training the next generation of Splinter Cell operatives for the NSA’s covert action division, including his daughter Sarah. But when a lethal assassin from Fisher’s past returns from the dead on a mission of murder, father and daughter are thrust into a race against time as a sinister threat to global security is revealed.

This was my first Splinter Cell book and I enjoyed it so much that I have to go at some point and read the previous books. It was fast moving, riveting, plot twisting story and Sam Fisher was a great main character. This is a must read.

Thanks to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firewall by James Swallow pulled me in from the very beginning. I loved how the author developed great characters, unexpected twists, and used smoke and mirrors in his imagery. Kudos to the author for having me believe things were going one direction, when in fact, they were headed another. Natalie Naudus was excellent performing this book. She is very talented and her voice expressed the right emotions and tensions, and brought the characters to life. Thank you #NetGalley and #RB Media for allowing me to listen to this book. I loved it! The descriptions, the action, the twists, the characters were perfect.

[Mike Calkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Splinter Cell: Firewall is a great addition to the storyline of the games, bringing Sarah Fisher into the world of black ops and shadows. The action is fast and furious, lots of great suspense, and a thrilling final act. We also get more about Sam’s ex-wife/Sarah’s mother which is very cool.

I found Teague to be utterly irritating as the “villain”. He’s very petulant, and as much as that’s part of his character, I think some of his dialogue was a bit rough. But Aslinov makes up for it because he’s awesome.

I actually think this would have made a great GAME to play especially being able to switch between Sam and Sarah. I hope that’s something we see in the future.

[Marci Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book moves a million miles a minute from the jump! Well written and well-paced, I loved it! I love it when the author pulls in current times and makes it feel real to the moment. I am here for the political and social "espionage" of this book! I will definitely pick up more books by this author! I really liked the interplay between father and daughter but he is going to have hell to pay when she realizes that he's protecting her and keeping her out of the field!

#Firewall
#NetGalley

[K Saju · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was my first introduction to the Splinter Cell series and am already regretting why I havent been following this series. Action packed from page one and the pace and action never stops, it just keeps on and on.Extra cool gadgets, cyber attacks and raw power, my favourite definitely is the oil rig action packed scenes with the train sequence coming a close second.
Definitely recommended to get the adrenaline roaring.
Action 4 stars
Characters 3.5 stars
Overall 4 stars
Thank you Netgalley for providing me an ARC for my unbiased feedback

[Dominic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Splinter Cell series. While Sam often crosses the line of fantasy (mystical?) the stories are riveting. This one didn't let down.

While the last scene was a little lacking (wonder if the publishing deadline was looming) the rest was well formed. It is reasonable for a father to not want their kid to follow in the family business sometimes. Like the Godfather wanting the kids to go legit. I guess we will see if there is a passing of the torch.

[TonyAntSonWil · Rating 4 out of 5]

What James Swallow has done is take one of the greatest game series off all time and mixed it with his flair for a spy thriller (Marc Dane series are superb, you should check them out) into a fun action packed, page turning read!

Fans of the games will love this and fans of spy thrillers will also love it.

Ultimately you should read this book.

[Ian Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a fan of the games, I thought this was a pretty good story, with lots of Easter Eggs for game fans to find. Including his daughter as a new main character looks like it's where the franchise is heading which is fine. Not exactly deep characters but then that's not really what these books are about.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was my first experience of the Splinter Cell franchise and I really enjoyed it. Fast pace, cool action sequences, endearing heroes, an Elon Musk level bad guy and a henchman who quotes Sinatra. What isn’t there to like?

I would have given it the full five stars however believability got pushed a little too far into James Bond territory in places.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent addition to the Splinter Cell universe. I’ve always been a major fan of the video games, I had read the first book a year ago and had mixed emotions about it. I had seen this one and decided to try it - I was not disappointed!

Action packed, very descriptive, and very cool characters! I love seeing Sarah like this after having seen what happened to her in the games.

[Dan Stenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's definitely something that I think the gamer in me can appreciate more than the reader. Certian little references & descriptions made will not make sense to anyone who has never played the Splinter Cell/Clancyverse or a video game, for that matter. But never the less a worthwhile read with some thrilling moments to be had.

[Kristian Strauss · Rating 3 out of 5]

A capable bridge between black list and the ghost recon/ r6 series showing Sam Fisher in as age slowly catches up with him and his involvement with other members of the tom clancy verse. All in all a little dated with quantum computing rather than AI moving thestory along.

[Ravi Warrier · Rating 1 out of 5]

Splinter Cell is one of my favourite games and when younger, Sam was my favourite character. The game and character are amazing, but this book is boring as hell. Maybe I read this with a lot of expectation or maybe it really is boring. I'll go with both.