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Jack Ryan, Jr. #16
Flash Point
If there’s one thing Jack Ryan, Jr’s father taught him, it’s that freedom isn’t free, but nothing can prepare Jack for the price he must pay in the latest electrifying entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Jack Ryan Jr. is in a world of trouble. When a benign surveillance operation takes a deadly turn, Jack finds himself locked in a struggle with an unseen enemy bent on destroying the Campus. The chase leads Jack to the South China Sea where a midair collision between aircraft from rival nations threatens to serve as a flash point for the entire region. As Jack frantically tries to put the pieces of the conspiracy together, the Campus is hit with a crippling attack. When the dust settles, Jack is one of the few operators still standing and the Campus’s de facto leader. But the fight is just beginning.
As tensions escalate, Jack’s mysterious adversary executes a brilliant campaign to paralyze the American government even as China inches closer to invading Taiwan. With the odds stacked against him and no help in sight, Jack and his shattered team must stop the world’s two remaining super powers from stumbling into war even as the noose around the Campus grows ever tighter.
Every operation has a cost.
This time the bill might just be too much to pay.
Jack Ryan Jr. is in a world of trouble. When a benign surveillance operation takes a deadly turn, Jack finds himself locked in a struggle with an unseen enemy bent on destroying the Campus. The chase leads Jack to the South China Sea where a midair collision between aircraft from rival nations threatens to serve as a flash point for the entire region. As Jack frantically tries to put the pieces of the conspiracy together, the Campus is hit with a crippling attack. When the dust settles, Jack is one of the few operators still standing and the Campus’s de facto leader. But the fight is just beginning.
As tensions escalate, Jack’s mysterious adversary executes a brilliant campaign to paralyze the American government even as China inches closer to invading Taiwan. With the odds stacked against him and no help in sight, Jack and his shattered team must stop the world’s two remaining super powers from stumbling into war even as the noose around the Campus grows ever tighter.
Every operation has a cost.
This time the bill might just be too much to pay.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2023
1208 people are currently reading
1567 people want to read
About the author
Don Bentley
11 books866 followersDon Bentley is the NYT bestselling author of FORGOTTEN WAR, Tom Clancy WEAPONS GRADE, and Vince Flynn's MITCH RAPP series (2024). Former FBI Special Agent and Army Apache pilot. Learn more at www.donbentleybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
August 16, 2023
At least this story was palatable in comparison to the lousy Fallout. 5 of 10 stars
July 14, 2023
Picking up another Clancy novel, even by a different author, still makes me smile and think of Clancy's first novel, The Hunt for Red October.
Ryan Junior is so much like his father and the cast of supporting characters matures without getting dull. I hope Jack Junior gets his new fiancée, Lisanne, pregnant, because I don't think I will ever tire of another Ryan in the plot.
Bentley is fabulous; his style a subtle reminder of the tactical processes required to execute any plan.
The plot engages, the Chinese from Germany, to Washington, to Beijing, to the South China Sea and a renegade Chinese capitalist pig hoping to up her stature in the Chinese state.
Lots of action and lots of the good guys winning. How could anyone not love this book. -Tom L.
Ryan Junior is so much like his father and the cast of supporting characters matures without getting dull. I hope Jack Junior gets his new fiancée, Lisanne, pregnant, because I don't think I will ever tire of another Ryan in the plot.
Bentley is fabulous; his style a subtle reminder of the tactical processes required to execute any plan.
The plot engages, the Chinese from Germany, to Washington, to Beijing, to the South China Sea and a renegade Chinese capitalist pig hoping to up her stature in the Chinese state.
Lots of action and lots of the good guys winning. How could anyone not love this book. -Tom L.
November 11, 2023
Loved it. It took a while to listen and red (my audio booked lapsed at the library), but I had to finish it. Good book, lots of action. Good foundation for whatever is next.
May 28, 2023
I finished the novel Flashpoint by Don Bentley and this novel was one of his best works. As you know the tradition of Clancyverse Jr’s books published on Fall and it’s always tends to focus of the overall character development of Jack Ryan Jr as well as other important characters of the Ryanverse. In my POV Mark Greaney completely overhauled the Jack Ryan Sr books by making it compatible with current gen readers by means of adding awesome characters and incredible multidimensional villains to the series and now Marc Cameron is doing amazing work and I am eagerly waiting to see how the Andrew & Wilson going to top it off. At the same time Jr was first introduced as one of the supporting characters in The Teeth of the Tiger and was included as important part of then initiated new agency called Campus. Even though he started his journey as an Analyst just like his father he lacked the military background of the Sr as well as he was thrusted into the field as soon as he was established. His initial books either show him as invulnerable like Scot Harvath or just plain confused the storyline altogether by means of including skills that he doesn’t have in the previous novels. Both Mike Madden and Grant Blackwood are commendable authors in their own I personally enjoyed their respective Troy Pearce and Briggs Tanner series as well as their recent collaboration with Clive Cussler and James Rollins and they’re awesome to read and please check it out if you haven’t. But for me their books kind of lacked the believability factor that made us root for Sr in his earlier adventures of Clancy. Jack Ryan Sr has an amazing partner Cathy who always plays an important and vital role in his life but Jr lacked in that department Yasmin was teased initially as the potential better half who can support him in field also but down the line she was written of. Then enters Don and he made Jr with believable story lines and slowly built him as a character who is unique and totally different from other characters in the current genre. This novel is about Jr’s first time outing as Team Leader with his gf Lisa and two kickass Green Berets to Germany for shadowing and if possible hacking the phones of two Chinese scientists. But as always happens with Ryan family trouble finds him and he tackles it head on and bodies were littered and at the same time A mysterious private corporation tries to trigger a war between China and US over disputed South China Sea. This novel is chokeful of nostalgia moments of throwbacks and callbacks and after a long time Mary Pat was given an amazing part of her supporting Sr as well as guiding and helping Jr in crucial times. Both Cass and Jad the Green Berets duo who are part of initial missions have become awesome addition to the campus team as well as impromptu bodyguards to the Jr. They add the believability factor by means of teasing Jr’s ability to attract bullets and problems and at the same time being supportive teammates in the combat also by means inculcating their military training which kind of baffles Jr. As the story progress Campus’s Higher ups was temporarily removed due to a strategic tragedy and Jr was forced to take overall rein of the campus and the mission. The dialogue between Jr and Clark are awesome to read and if you’re a fan you can’t help but compare how Clark shaped both Sr and Jr lives in the shadows also the way Clark was looked upon by both heroes and villains are treat to read. Unlike the previous novels individual action set pieces are few and far between the overall geo political combat scenes are fun to read and the way it mirrors both the fiction and nonfiction history is also awesome to read. On the whole after Line of Sight I thoroughly enjoyed this Jr novel and I’m eagerly waiting for the upcoming novels
June 5, 2023
Although it took a while for me to get into it, Don Bentley's Flash Point is a very solid thriller. Bentley continues to show how great of a storyteller he is. His ability to create new characters and give "background" characters a more prominent role jazzes up the series and opens up more possibilities moving forward. For me, the best part of the book are the Green Beret snipers, Cary and Jad. You could build a series around those guys and I would read every word. Bentley has roared onto the thriller scene and it is easy to see why.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Flash Point!
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Flash Point!
January 9, 2025
A fantastic read, constantly action packed, really in depth emotions of the characters and even an ending that was filled with suspense till the last page.
March 18, 2025
Nicely done
Enjoyed the book and the story line. I was born in Augberg, Germany, army brat and learned to ski in the Alps. So the beginning of the story, really grabbed my attention. The switch to Asia was just fun and exciting!
Enjoyed the book and the story line. I was born in Augberg, Germany, army brat and learned to ski in the Alps. So the beginning of the story, really grabbed my attention. The switch to Asia was just fun and exciting!
July 14, 2023
Another solid entry into the Jack Ryan Universe, with this one focusing on the exploits of The Campus and Jack Ryan Jr., and his more expansive role in it...I know there are elements of a soap opera in this series, but I can't wait for the next installment...In "Flash Point," we have a parallel Chinese "Campus-like" organization with connections, both to the CCP and Chinese business interests seeking revenge against President Jack Ryan Sr. by targeting Jack Jr. and the campus...Don Bentley's "Tom Clancy Flash Point" delivers a fun and reliably page-turning techno-thriller, that makes the pages fly by...Great Stuff!!!
May 30, 2023
The Summer edition of the Jack Ryan Universe is back with Flash Point. Junior is tasked with running a team in Germany with a couple of new recruits. It is meant to ease Junior into a leadership role while testing out the new recruits. Soon after the surveillance begins, things go awry as one of the Chinese Scientists they are watching is kidnapped. Things heat up quickly with Junior and part of his team eventually heading to Manila. Meanwhile The United States and China are on the brink of war in the South China Sea.
This book was a quick read because I didn’t want to put it down. The action is nonstop whether it be Junior and his team or the two super powers, facing off at sea. Flash Point does stray from the typical Jack Ryan Junior summer thriller in that it is more than just a Jack Ryan Junior thriller. This is not a bad thing at all, and I like how Mr. Bentley brought in more of the Jack Ryan Universe. Jack Senior is very involved and both Dom, Ding, and Clark have some time. Typically those three gets at most a page or two, but here they were more a part of the action. The way they are integrated into the story works well as they are involved, but Junior is still the main character.
This book is well worth the read. If you are a Jack Ryan Universe fan, you will like it even more. Thank you to @Netgalley @Bentleydonb and Penguin Group Putnam for an advance copy for an honest review.
This book was a quick read because I didn’t want to put it down. The action is nonstop whether it be Junior and his team or the two super powers, facing off at sea. Flash Point does stray from the typical Jack Ryan Junior summer thriller in that it is more than just a Jack Ryan Junior thriller. This is not a bad thing at all, and I like how Mr. Bentley brought in more of the Jack Ryan Universe. Jack Senior is very involved and both Dom, Ding, and Clark have some time. Typically those three gets at most a page or two, but here they were more a part of the action. The way they are integrated into the story works well as they are involved, but Junior is still the main character.
This book is well worth the read. If you are a Jack Ryan Universe fan, you will like it even more. Thank you to @Netgalley @Bentleydonb and Penguin Group Putnam for an advance copy for an honest review.
May 28, 2023
great book!
As usual of this series the book grab you and entangles you. I could not put it down. At some point I woke with the book... still did not put it down until it was finished!
As usual of this series the book grab you and entangles you. I could not put it down. At some point I woke with the book... still did not put it down until it was finished!
July 2, 2023
The Chinese are planning something big, and the Campus has been crippled, Jack is almost the last man standing. With World War III on the brink of kicking off, all of America’s intelligence assets are thrown at the problem to avert disaster.
Woah! What a thriller! A bit of a slow burner, but then it hits the ground running and continues to accelerate to a high stakes ending. Finally we get a mid year Campus novel which lives up the legacy of Tom Clancy. Loved it.
Woah! What a thriller! A bit of a slow burner, but then it hits the ground running and continues to accelerate to a high stakes ending. Finally we get a mid year Campus novel which lives up the legacy of Tom Clancy. Loved it.
January 23, 2025
What is there to say? Another great Jack Ryan (Jack Ryan Jr.) novel .... fun to see the Campus team back in action, and with a couple of (potential) new members on board who bring their own sense of humor and dynamics.
This was a well paced, well written story. Another worth addition to the Jack Ryan universe started by Tom Clancy so many years ago.
This was a well paced, well written story. Another worth addition to the Jack Ryan universe started by Tom Clancy so many years ago.
June 24, 2023
Spoiler alert- no major characters are killed off in this newest entry to the Clancy stable of books. I thought the plot kind of dragged. And Jack Jr. as team leader?? He still doesn't measure up to my standards. Of course, I've read all 12 Gray Man novels, so maybe I'm a little biased. The only standout development in this book is that Clark gets rescued from a near death experience, and also Jack Jr. finally takes his mom's advice when it comes to his romantic relationships. That's all I'm going to say. An ok book, but it could have been better.
July 6, 2023
Picking up another Clancy novel, even by a different author, still makes me smile and think of Clancy's first novel, The Hunt for Red October.
Ryan Junior is so much like his father and the cast of supporting characters matures without getting dull. I hope Jack Junior gets his new fiancee, Lisanne, pregnant, because I don't think I will ever tire of another Ryan in the plot.
Bentley is fabulous, his style a subtle reminder of the tactical processes required to execute any plan.
The plot engages, the Chinese from Germany, to Washington, to Beijing, to the South China Sea and a renegade Chinese capitalist pig hoping to up her stature in the Chinese state.
Lots of action and lots of the good guys winning. How could anyone not love this book.
Ryan Junior is so much like his father and the cast of supporting characters matures without getting dull. I hope Jack Junior gets his new fiancee, Lisanne, pregnant, because I don't think I will ever tire of another Ryan in the plot.
Bentley is fabulous, his style a subtle reminder of the tactical processes required to execute any plan.
The plot engages, the Chinese from Germany, to Washington, to Beijing, to the South China Sea and a renegade Chinese capitalist pig hoping to up her stature in the Chinese state.
Lots of action and lots of the good guys winning. How could anyone not love this book.
July 6, 2023
Another stellar and amazing addition to the Jack Ryan Jr body of work. Don Bentley has continued his writing prowess with one of his best yet.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. Suspense, excitement, humour. It checks all the boxes.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. Suspense, excitement, humour. It checks all the boxes.
June 26, 2023
Just when you begin to wonder how much more can be written in this series Don Bentley does it again! Bentley does another masterful job of storytelling with this latest adventure about Jr and the Campus. This book maintains suspense from beginning to end. Bentley keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout. The continued development of Jr's character as well as the growing roles of Jad and Cary keep the storyline fresh. Looking forward to the next installment of the Jr series.
June 22, 2023
Don Bentley writes in the tradition of Tom Clancy in that he knows his subject and adds impressively researched material. Flash Point presents many parallels to current events featuring China and the U.S. especially Chinese ships and aircraft buzzing American craft in international areas. Bentley also mentions the many artificial islands China has built in the South China Sea which could cause international incidents. The book should please readers who like adventure and intellectual challenges.
December 5, 2023
Holy Smokes, Don Bentley absolutely brings it in this latest installment of the Jack Ryan Jr. series. I absolutely loved how much research was done in regard to prior Clancy novels that were mentioned during the novel. If you like what Tom wrote many years ago you will feel like he is still writing the stories. Don has done such a good job and looking forward to reading Weapons Grade next.
If you have not discovered Don Bentley what are you waiting for? Go read his work, you won’t be disappointed!
If you have not discovered Don Bentley what are you waiting for? Go read his work, you won’t be disappointed!
June 21, 2023
I hate it when I finish one of the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr books by Don Bentley. They are so well written and engaging, I want to stop before the last chapter.
Obviously, that's insane, so I'll just suffer through the wait until the next is released.
Obviously, that's insane, so I'll just suffer through the wait until the next is released.
June 20, 2023
WOW!!
Best book so far!! Jack finally becomes full circle as an operator and human being. Great action and interaction with his team. Well done and written.
Best book so far!! Jack finally becomes full circle as an operator and human being. Great action and interaction with his team. Well done and written.
June 19, 2023
as expected, AMAZING
There comes a time in Jack Ryan, Jr. books that the actions fast and furious and you just can’t put book down. As usual, this started around page one. Great plot, great use of characters and great ending.
There comes a time in Jack Ryan, Jr. books that the actions fast and furious and you just can’t put book down. As usual, this started around page one. Great plot, great use of characters and great ending.
June 19, 2023
Relevant to current US and China conflicts
Spellbound with the twisting plots. Read it in one seating. Would have enjoyed a more extensive epilogue. Nevertheless, a super read.
Spellbound with the twisting plots. Read it in one seating. Would have enjoyed a more extensive epilogue. Nevertheless, a super read.
June 15, 2023
This book is a continent of the story from the last book #15 in the Jr series. It was excellent starting with a training op for the campus in Germany and going back over to the Pacific in the South China seas. It showed a human touch with the President keeping a level head while making decisions about people he cared for as his son tries to show he is worthy of leading ops with the campus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2023
My favorite Campus characters remain active as they age
From Munich to Manila, an evil terrorist with Chinese connections seeks revenge against President Jack Ryan Sr. When John Clark gets taken as a hostage, action on land and sea requires Campus and USA government resources to do whatever necessary to save Clark.
Cannot figure out what happened to Isabel, the scientist attending the conference in Germany.
Interesting that Jack Ryan Jr took to heart his mother's wisdom.
From Munich to Manila, an evil terrorist with Chinese connections seeks revenge against President Jack Ryan Sr. When John Clark gets taken as a hostage, action on land and sea requires Campus and USA government resources to do whatever necessary to save Clark.
Cannot figure out what happened to Isabel, the scientist attending the conference in Germany.
Interesting that Jack Ryan Jr took to heart his mother's wisdom.
June 14, 2023
Excellent. Just like the original Clancy novels.
June 8, 2023
It’s sharp, fast, detailed, and Jack Jr at his best. This time he steps up to the plate in more ways than one, and totally owns it. Adding Ryan Sr and Clark in major roles was a throwback to when Clancy was still alive, and there were plenty of nods to the Rainbow Six days. The action was pulse pounding, detailed, and written like you were there in the room. The intel and morale between the team was excellent, and The Campus was on point as usual.
This is easily Bentley’s best Clancy offering, and maybe the best Clancy entry in years. Couldn’t put it down!
This is easily Bentley’s best Clancy offering, and maybe the best Clancy entry in years. Couldn’t put it down!
June 8, 2023
Much, Much Better!
Finally, after a few recent misses this story hits on all cylinders on what we love about the Ryan’s, MP and Clark! Right on point with the technological advances and geopolitical environment. Great story and excellent read - thank you!!!
Finally, after a few recent misses this story hits on all cylinders on what we love about the Ryan’s, MP and Clark! Right on point with the technological advances and geopolitical environment. Great story and excellent read - thank you!!!
June 4, 2023
It’s like Tom Clancy is still around!
I’ve read all of Clancy’s stuff, and he would be proud of this one! Don Bentley brings it as always! Keep ‘em coming!
I’ve read all of Clancy’s stuff, and he would be proud of this one! Don Bentley brings it as always! Keep ‘em coming!
June 29, 2023
I enjoyed the book but there were some things noticeable to people familiar with the Jack Ryan franchise. For example, when Mary Pat Foley said something along the lines as "We are as close to war with China that I have seen in my life time." She must of forgot that in the "Bear and the Dragon", the US was shooting down their fighters, liason-ing with Russia in blowing up the mechanized infantry and artillery, and running special ops to destroy there nuclear missile silos; that's about as close as it gets. But this is a run-of-the-mill techno thriller that is enjoyable to read but nobody writes the exhaustive novels like Clancy did when he was alive (which was good but sometimes tedious). Also, Jack Ryan Jr. seems to be stuck in the same place emotionally and mentally, trying to prove himself and seems like he has the same conflicting self talks that he has had in the last few novels. Overall, fun read and I will continue in the franchise.
May 31, 2023
Fantastic book! I have enjoyed most of Tom Clancy's books, but especially the Jack Ryan series. This latest installment was action packed and emotional at the same time. I look forward to the next book in the series, because I know there is a lot more in store for Jack Jr. and the Campus team.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews