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The Backup Plan
When it all goes wrong, he is the plan.
Jim Ryker just wants to live a quiet life and stay out of trouble.
Thing is, trouble seems to always find him. This time it's in the form of his the CIA needs one more thing.
One more mission.
The take? A potentially world-changing weapon has turned up in the worst-possible Katakstan, a country fighting a holy war against America.
But the weapon is the least of his worries. His friend is there, being tortured. And he's not the only person Jim's interested in saving...
Unfortunately he's not the plan... he's the backup plan.
Join Jim Ryker (real name redacted) in a world-spanning, nonstop action thriller novel.
Fans of military action-adventure will be right at home, as well as fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and Jack Carr.
Jim Ryker just wants to live a quiet life and stay out of trouble.
Thing is, trouble seems to always find him. This time it's in the form of his the CIA needs one more thing.
One more mission.
The take? A potentially world-changing weapon has turned up in the worst-possible Katakstan, a country fighting a holy war against America.
But the weapon is the least of his worries. His friend is there, being tortured. And he's not the only person Jim's interested in saving...
Unfortunately he's not the plan... he's the backup plan.
Join Jim Ryker (real name redacted) in a world-spanning, nonstop action thriller novel.
Fans of military action-adventure will be right at home, as well as fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and Jack Carr.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2022
38 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Nick Thacker
109 books441 followersNick Thacker is a thriller author from Texas who lives in Hawaii. In his free time, he enjoys reading in a hammock on the beach, skiing, drinking whiskey, and hanging out with his beautiful wife, two dogs, and two daughters.
For more information, visit Nick online at www.nickthacker.com
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 14, 2022
About time for this book…
Two of my favorite authors finally got around to working together again. I can’t wait for them to “polish” that first series. This was a fun read but a little too far on the unbelievable scale. Overall it felt a little too much like they each followed their “formula” for writing and didn’t daydream enough saying “what if”…..? This is by far the harshest review for either author I have ever done. It still was a fun read (one sitting), and kept me glued to the end-hence the five stars and why I highly recommend you read it. They both also ask for “real and honest “ reviews-no BS. They are both enormously talented, and I eagerly await book 2, just hoping for a little more reality and a little less a human Ironman. While there have been true American heroes who do things things like Jim Ryker(read up on Air Force Controller John A Chapman), most are recognized posthumously. Please also consult someone on actually bullet & shrapnel wounds. Sorry to be so rough, but I know that’s what you want!
Two of my favorite authors finally got around to working together again. I can’t wait for them to “polish” that first series. This was a fun read but a little too far on the unbelievable scale. Overall it felt a little too much like they each followed their “formula” for writing and didn’t daydream enough saying “what if”…..? This is by far the harshest review for either author I have ever done. It still was a fun read (one sitting), and kept me glued to the end-hence the five stars and why I highly recommend you read it. They both also ask for “real and honest “ reviews-no BS. They are both enormously talented, and I eagerly await book 2, just hoping for a little more reality and a little less a human Ironman. While there have been true American heroes who do things things like Jim Ryker(read up on Air Force Controller John A Chapman), most are recognized posthumously. Please also consult someone on actually bullet & shrapnel wounds. Sorry to be so rough, but I know that’s what you want!
October 15, 2022
A retired operative with a secret past....
Jim Tyler has been mothballed by the CIA due to an incident for which he was the scapegoat as the leader of the team. Consequently Jim is hiding out doing odd jobs repenting for the crime he didn't commit. An ex colleague, Mark, whose sister Jill, Jim was dating before, is sent in to retrieve a secret project and ensure it does not get into the hands if the terrorists. Unfortunately they capture him and Jim is pulled back into service to retrieve the project and determine how complicit Mark now is with the terrorists and take appropriate action....
This tale is essentially a one man rescue mission and CIA drone strikes. There is intrigue, suspense, lots of killing, torture, stealth, Morse code, computer programs, EMPs and also a perspective from the terrorists side that makes fascinating reading.
A fun novel with movie-like sequences (which the book cleverly?) points out.... Perhaps would be played by Arnold or maybe a younger Harrison?
Jim Tyler has been mothballed by the CIA due to an incident for which he was the scapegoat as the leader of the team. Consequently Jim is hiding out doing odd jobs repenting for the crime he didn't commit. An ex colleague, Mark, whose sister Jill, Jim was dating before, is sent in to retrieve a secret project and ensure it does not get into the hands if the terrorists. Unfortunately they capture him and Jim is pulled back into service to retrieve the project and determine how complicit Mark now is with the terrorists and take appropriate action....
This tale is essentially a one man rescue mission and CIA drone strikes. There is intrigue, suspense, lots of killing, torture, stealth, Morse code, computer programs, EMPs and also a perspective from the terrorists side that makes fascinating reading.
A fun novel with movie-like sequences (which the book cleverly?) points out.... Perhaps would be played by Arnold or maybe a younger Harrison?
October 21, 2022
The Backup Plan - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
The Backup Plan is the Jim Ryker Thriller series opener for Kevin Tumlinson and Nick Thacker.
With a nod to the Jason Bourne and Ethan Hunt movies, the story begins with a fictionalised reminder of the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan, as disgraced ex-CIA operative, 'Jim Ryker', is hauled unwillingly back into action, in his most dangerous mission to date, while saving the woman he's falling in love with.
Who is Sayed Faraz? Why is he conflicted?
Betrayal of the worst kind occurs on both sides of the conflict and Ryker is the eponymous Plan - having to face up to the brutal reality that could easily get him killed, by foe...or friend! Can he pull off the ultimate rescue mission and save the world once more?
Grab your copy of Nick Thacker and Kevin Tumlinson's all-action spy-thriller, The Backup Plan, today, to see how it all works out!
Recommended to fans of Ian Fleming's James Bond and Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels and movies.
The Backup Plan is the Jim Ryker Thriller series opener for Kevin Tumlinson and Nick Thacker.
With a nod to the Jason Bourne and Ethan Hunt movies, the story begins with a fictionalised reminder of the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan, as disgraced ex-CIA operative, 'Jim Ryker', is hauled unwillingly back into action, in his most dangerous mission to date, while saving the woman he's falling in love with.
Who is Sayed Faraz? Why is he conflicted?
Betrayal of the worst kind occurs on both sides of the conflict and Ryker is the eponymous Plan - having to face up to the brutal reality that could easily get him killed, by foe...or friend! Can he pull off the ultimate rescue mission and save the world once more?
Grab your copy of Nick Thacker and Kevin Tumlinson's all-action spy-thriller, The Backup Plan, today, to see how it all works out!
Recommended to fans of Ian Fleming's James Bond and Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels and movies.
October 12, 2022
Jim Ryker is running.. Not hard and not fast but he's running. He's running from a past he can't escape and from a Company that may want him back at any time, because you never truly retire. The Company has found him and they have a new mission for him. He wants to turn it down but he cannot because the cards are not where he would like them to be. So he accepts the mission and once again turns into a one-man army to try and save the world and possibly the woman he loves. The catch is that he is the backup plan and the only remaining chance to save her... Can he do it? Can he focus through the past and maintain himself in the present just enough to accomplish the mission? Start turning pages and find out I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
October 29, 2022
As good as it gets!
Will be preordering this series as quickly as each book is available! Not only an excellent action adventure/spy thriller but also a very patriotic and yet tastefully done "explanation" of why the cultural and morality divide is so wide between "us" and "them".... Brilliant job, gentlemen, and please add my name to your mailing list! Don't want to miss a thing!
Will be preordering this series as quickly as each book is available! Not only an excellent action adventure/spy thriller but also a very patriotic and yet tastefully done "explanation" of why the cultural and morality divide is so wide between "us" and "them".... Brilliant job, gentlemen, and please add my name to your mailing list! Don't want to miss a thing!
December 14, 2022
Nail biting action from the beginning.
Jim Ryker minding his own business is visited by the men in suits, CIA. Sending his year long freedom, they reminded him, no-one every really retired from them.
One final job they said. He had to become a one man army to rescue a colleague from the back of beyond. The thorn in Jim's side was the man he's to rescue is the reason he was forced into early retirement from the Firm. A must read for all who live fast moving action.
Jim Ryker minding his own business is visited by the men in suits, CIA. Sending his year long freedom, they reminded him, no-one every really retired from them.
One final job they said. He had to become a one man army to rescue a colleague from the back of beyond. The thorn in Jim's side was the man he's to rescue is the reason he was forced into early retirement from the Firm. A must read for all who live fast moving action.
October 12, 2022
Tremendous writing, brilliantly created characters (Ryker is amazing!), a good plot, and unremitting suspense. I would have liked more character dialogue and interaction, but if you like non-stop violent action, THE BACKUP PLAN is for you. The scenes involving torture were not brutally descriptive (thank you!) but were instead carefully and artistically left to the reader’s imagination.
February 12, 2023
Ryker is a disgraced ex CIA operative who has been off the radar for over a year. Suddenly the CIA pulls him in to rescue an agent and the agent’s sister who are being held captive by insurgents in the Middle East. Ryker agrees to the task because he is who he is (and the sister is his ex lover. Ryker uses his skills to rescue the damsel in distress. ENJOY!
November 20, 2022
A very intriguing spy story.
The author has written a story with many twist and turns that Jim Ryker has to find his way through to complete his mission. A story full of action and suspense.
The author has written a story with many twist and turns that Jim Ryker has to find his way through to complete his mission. A story full of action and suspense.
October 13, 2022
Exciting beginning for an amazing series. Here's hoping there are many more!
October 14, 2022
THE BACKUP PLAN BOOK 1
Excellent read way different from what I was reading. Quite a bit was put into the research of this. Well done
Excellent read way different from what I was reading. Quite a bit was put into the research of this. Well done
October 18, 2022
The Backup Plan
Well written with lots of twists and turns right up to the last page. These characters will be fun to follow and see where they get into trouble next.
Well written with lots of twists and turns right up to the last page. These characters will be fun to follow and see where they get into trouble next.
October 26, 2022
Action, betrayal, suspense
Plenty of everything packaged in fast action. Good story much like Rapp, Coleman and others. Both authors write well together. A must read.
Plenty of everything packaged in fast action. Good story much like Rapp, Coleman and others. Both authors write well together. A must read.
October 29, 2022
More current headlines
Great character easy to follow good plot and seems current. Today s events and locations readable. Enjoy the read I did
Great character easy to follow good plot and seems current. Today s events and locations readable. Enjoy the read I did
December 9, 2022
Return of the Destroyer
Very interesting, almost pulp like adventure. Good combination of Doc Savage and James Bond. Plotted very well. Realistic flow of the action.
Very interesting, almost pulp like adventure. Good combination of Doc Savage and James Bond. Plotted very well. Realistic flow of the action.
December 27, 2022
Wow...an excellent book!!!
I would recommend this story for someone who likes a fast action, military or CIA thriller. You will love it. I did. Kudos to Mr. Tomlinson & Mr. Thacker!
I would recommend this story for someone who likes a fast action, military or CIA thriller. You will love it. I did. Kudos to Mr. Tomlinson & Mr. Thacker!
July 19, 2023
what’s the real plan!
If this was just a backup plan…I can’t imagine how much intrigue and trouble the two pen pals can come up with in the next one….or wait to read it
If this was just a backup plan…I can’t imagine how much intrigue and trouble the two pen pals can come up with in the next one….or wait to read it
November 23, 2024
Loved it!
November 5, 2025
I’m looking forward to many more books with Jim Ryker in them! Great read!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews