What do you think?
Rate this book
The Firewall Spies #4
Tournament of Shadows
**FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR ANDREW WATTS AND DALE M. NELSON** When a series of dangerous cyberattacks is traced back to Russia, a team of elite CIA operatives must uncover the true aggressor―before the kindling tension between two nuclear powers ignites World War III. The first strike destroys the Folsom Dam, bringing catastrophic flooding to the Sacramento area. The second threatens thousands of innocent lives across the Eastern Seaboard; exposing the vulnerability of America's infrastructure. The Firewall Spies are called into action to identify the source of the attacks before the entire country is thrown into chaos. The incursion is traced back to the Russian Federation, and a reciprocation from the US government risks escalating the conflict into a full-blown world war. As tensions climb higher, CIA Case Officer Colt McShane begins to suspect that someone else is behind the attacks―someone who wants to see America and Russia at war. Colt leads his team in a series of bold covert actions to uncover the truth, but time is quickly running out. There can be only one winner in this tournament of shadows…and with the fate of the whole world in their hands, losing is not an option. TOURNAMENT OF SHADOWS takes readers on a nonstop ride through the deadly world of high-tech espionage as global powers fight for dominance in the new digital age. This electrifying military techno-thriller is perfect for fans of Vince Flynn and Jason Matthews.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2023
349 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Watts
42 books247 followersAndrew Watts graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2003 and served as a naval officer and helicopter pilot until 2013. During that time, he flew counter-narcotic missions in the Eastern Pacific and counter-piracy missions off the Horn of Africa. He was a flight instructor in Pensacola, FL, and helped to run ship and flight operations while embarked on a nuclear aircraft carrier deployed in the Middle East.
Today, he lives with his family in Ohio.
Today, he lives with his family in Ohio.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 14, 2023
I received an ARC from "Severn Publishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story is about what actions happen when AI is used in destructive waves. The story begins with Colt in Haifa to break into a computer program. While there and as they are finished and on their way out, an attack is made on the Port by unknown people. Colt and his group have to fight their way out to escape. Shortly after in California, it appears that someone has hacked into the computer program controlling Folsom Dam. They hackers have locked out the people from the program and the area is beginning to flood and receive major damage. In this instance, Jeff Kim is with the Govenor and he is able to return contol back to the operators.
Over the following weeks, hackers are able to hack into ATC (Air Traffic Control) and the fuel pipelines causing major problems. It is assumed that the Russians are responsible for all of these events. The government group NUTC believes that someone else is responsible. During a meeting, NUTC, learned that a major response against the Russians was planned. The agents at NUTC were told that they needed to find proof that someone else was responsible otherwise a war between the U.S. and Russia would breakout. The NUTC group had an idea who was responsible and who was playing a major role to damage the U.S.
As it so happened that the NUTC operation had an undercover agent in this particular outfit. Using information that the undercover agent provided, they made a last-ditch effort to get proof. To discover what actions NUTC took, who else wound up helping and how China came into play, then you need to read this book.
It presents a scary picture of what our future looks like with the advent of AI.
This story is about what actions happen when AI is used in destructive waves. The story begins with Colt in Haifa to break into a computer program. While there and as they are finished and on their way out, an attack is made on the Port by unknown people. Colt and his group have to fight their way out to escape. Shortly after in California, it appears that someone has hacked into the computer program controlling Folsom Dam. They hackers have locked out the people from the program and the area is beginning to flood and receive major damage. In this instance, Jeff Kim is with the Govenor and he is able to return contol back to the operators.
Over the following weeks, hackers are able to hack into ATC (Air Traffic Control) and the fuel pipelines causing major problems. It is assumed that the Russians are responsible for all of these events. The government group NUTC believes that someone else is responsible. During a meeting, NUTC, learned that a major response against the Russians was planned. The agents at NUTC were told that they needed to find proof that someone else was responsible otherwise a war between the U.S. and Russia would breakout. The NUTC group had an idea who was responsible and who was playing a major role to damage the U.S.
As it so happened that the NUTC operation had an undercover agent in this particular outfit. Using information that the undercover agent provided, they made a last-ditch effort to get proof. To discover what actions NUTC took, who else wound up helping and how China came into play, then you need to read this book.
It presents a scary picture of what our future looks like with the advent of AI.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
The quality of this novel is both in the very realistic crisis scenarios posed by Watts and Nelson, and in the associated dialogue between the principal characters. The novel at times had a Brad Thor and Daniel Silva feel to it in pursuing the enemies that created the various disasters. The assessments of the various overseas nations and their associated governing agencies was very true to form.
There was a fair amount of intelligence “computer-eeze” throughout the story – at times it seemed to slow the story down a bit with detailed analysis of intel gathering programs. AI (artificial Intelligence) seemed to be lurking in the background throughout the story.
There was a fair amount of intelligence “computer-eeze” throughout the story – at times it seemed to slow the story down a bit with detailed analysis of intel gathering programs. AI (artificial Intelligence) seemed to be lurking in the background throughout the story.
May 4, 2024
Tournament of Shadows (The Firewall Spies Book 4), my twelfth read from author Andrew Watts. Reminiscent of the best works of Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum, an incredibly well-developed, well-written book. The primary characters are well developed. A captivating, page-turning, well-written read and since I read it out of order the next biik makes lots more sense now. A must-read book! “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. Glidepath (Max Fend #1) is high on my TBR list next. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 19, 2023
Tournament of Shadows, the fourth installment of the Firewall series, is a fast paced thriller that is an amalgamation of James Bond and Cyberwarfare. The book confronts the reality of politics of gray warfare while not bogging down the reader. Although, this book ties up many questions from previous books - one does not have to have read them to enjoy this book. Also, it will be interesting to see where the series goes in the future. Without giving away the ending, ground work is established to move in new directions as well as to continue the current path. A great teaser!
Highly Recommend
Highly Recommend
August 20, 2023
explosive and riveting
I m usually not a big fan of cyber/ techno storyline, but starting from book 1 thru the last page of this story I have been hooked. Edgy, action packed twists and turns that have you flipping pages into the wee hours because you do not want to stop reading. Espionage at its finest, paired with brilliant storyline, great characters who still believe in this country and you have this book. Loved it
I m usually not a big fan of cyber/ techno storyline, but starting from book 1 thru the last page of this story I have been hooked. Edgy, action packed twists and turns that have you flipping pages into the wee hours because you do not want to stop reading. Espionage at its finest, paired with brilliant storyline, great characters who still believe in this country and you have this book. Loved it
June 24, 2023
Dark, darker, darkest future of the earth
Many names, many fluid positions and departments, many countries pursue artificial intelligence for better or for worse. This story reviews possibilities for reality as it is, or as it is generated from real data. Could hardly stop reading. Already ordered book 5.
Many names, many fluid positions and departments, many countries pursue artificial intelligence for better or for worse. This story reviews possibilities for reality as it is, or as it is generated from real data. Could hardly stop reading. Already ordered book 5.
July 4, 2023
Warning: Erotic/Sexual content - explicit male-on-male interaction. Chapter 16
I have liked Andrew Watts’ writing because he is usually so reserved about sexual content. I don’t understand why chapter sixteen is even in the book. From what I could tell, that chapter alone contains entirely new characters who are disconnected from the thrust of the plot. It is not referenced again in the book or the characters from what I gathered. Granted, I had to skip a lot and then just skipped the whole chapter because the sexual scene. Recommend just skipping chapter 16. I wish I had known.
Apparently it was a mistake on Audible’s part. Got an email saying they had fixed an issue with the audio book.
I have liked Andrew Watts’ writing because he is usually so reserved about sexual content. I don’t understand why chapter sixteen is even in the book. From what I could tell, that chapter alone contains entirely new characters who are disconnected from the thrust of the plot. It is not referenced again in the book or the characters from what I gathered. Granted, I had to skip a lot and then just skipped the whole chapter because the sexual scene. Recommend just skipping chapter 16. I wish I had known.
Apparently it was a mistake on Audible’s part. Got an email saying they had fixed an issue with the audio book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2023
If you are interested in AI and geopolitics, Watts and Nelson have written a series of exciting tales about good vs. evil in our current technologically advanced era. Tournament of Shadows, book four of five, continues to feature its American CIA heroes vs. an American techno-scoundrel who happily allies with Chinese or Russian terrorists in his quest for power and wealth.
November 14, 2023
This series is tremendous fun. Even though, at times, they could be viewed as far-fetched, they pass the ‘suspend your disbelief’ test because they are so pacy, entertaining and well crafted.
Packed to the rafters with intrepid spies, inept politicians, shadowy elite organisations and evil geniuses, they bound along.
Packed to the rafters with intrepid spies, inept politicians, shadowy elite organisations and evil geniuses, they bound along.
July 23, 2023
Tournament of Shadows
In line with previous novels well written with strong character descriptions and development. The twists and turns keep the readers interest and leaves you wanting more. Looking forward to what is next!
In line with previous novels well written with strong character descriptions and development. The twists and turns keep the readers interest and leaves you wanting more. Looking forward to what is next!
August 27, 2023
A very intriguing spy story.
The author has written a story of spying,detection and deception that will keep you entertained and guessing. Thrilling story of what some groups will do to gain fame and total control.
The author has written a story of spying,detection and deception that will keep you entertained and guessing. Thrilling story of what some groups will do to gain fame and total control.
September 5, 2023
Tournament Of Shadows
The tail is delightfully technical and a joy to read! What happens when AI becomes so advanced that it's inventors think they can replace all leaders of all countries of the world?
The tail is delightfully technical and a joy to read! What happens when AI becomes so advanced that it's inventors think they can replace all leaders of all countries of the world?
June 17, 2024
Another good episode in an excellent series
Watts and Nelson do a great job of mixing believable geopolitical scenarios, cutting-edge technologies, good character development, and pacing for a fun, fast read.
Watts and Nelson do a great job of mixing believable geopolitical scenarios, cutting-edge technologies, good character development, and pacing for a fun, fast read.
June 21, 2023
Excellent read that makes you think of things as they may come to pass and might already be occurring.
July 7, 2023
Gripping read
Really well worth the wait. As ever this is another must read book from Andrew Watts and Dale M. Nelson.
Really well worth the wait. As ever this is another must read book from Andrew Watts and Dale M. Nelson.
August 3, 2023
Plenty of action and spies
Another good espionage story with plenty of suspense. Well thought out, ripped from today's headlines, great read with nonstop action.
Another good espionage story with plenty of suspense. Well thought out, ripped from today's headlines, great read with nonstop action.
August 26, 2023
So scary due to the quick advent of AI, cyber attacks, deep fakes. Loved the book.
September 10, 2023
Defitely keeps one interested. I had a hard time putting it down.
October 30, 2023
Love the series
Exciting and action-packed with lots of twists! Looking forward to reading the next one and am excited for the next journey for Trinity.
Exciting and action-packed with lots of twists! Looking forward to reading the next one and am excited for the next journey for Trinity.
February 17, 2024
Yet another stunner!
Absolutely fantastic! Mr Nelson is an awesome writer meticulously keeping this reader riveted to his book! On to book 5: All Secrets Die!
Absolutely fantastic! Mr Nelson is an awesome writer meticulously keeping this reader riveted to his book! On to book 5: All Secrets Die!
March 13, 2024
A good read!
Definitely a page turner! It's for anyone who likes a mystery spy book\series. This was definitely a good read and I'm definitely going to read it again.
Definitely a page turner! It's for anyone who likes a mystery spy book\series. This was definitely a good read and I'm definitely going to read it again.
July 14, 2025
so many twists!!
June 22, 2023
The best of the Firewall series!!
In February I read an Advance Reader Copy of Tournament of Shadows, and in the last two days I listened to the audiobook version of this story. Tournament of Shadows isn’t just filled with non-stop action and intrigue, fascinating character interactions and spell binding storytelling, it ties up lots of threads that have existed throughout the series making this reader wonder how many more adventures there may be Colt, Ford, and the crew. Hopefully, there will be several more to come since the authors introduced an interesting possibility.
From the start of this series this has been one of my favorite spy series and with the addition of Tournament of Shadows it has jumped up the ladder to the top position.
As usual, Michael Wolfe does an excellent job delivering this story through his character voices and dynamic narration.
If you are considering reading Tournament of Shadows without reading the three preceding stories, do yourself a favor and start with Firewall, before you know it you will have read all the earlier books and will be well prepared for this book. If you are already a reader of this series, Tournament of Shadows is a must read, like I said earlier several threads come together in this story. I received an Advance Reader Copy of the eBook and a review copy of the audiobook from the Publisher and chose to provide this review.
In February I read an Advance Reader Copy of Tournament of Shadows, and in the last two days I listened to the audiobook version of this story. Tournament of Shadows isn’t just filled with non-stop action and intrigue, fascinating character interactions and spell binding storytelling, it ties up lots of threads that have existed throughout the series making this reader wonder how many more adventures there may be Colt, Ford, and the crew. Hopefully, there will be several more to come since the authors introduced an interesting possibility.
From the start of this series this has been one of my favorite spy series and with the addition of Tournament of Shadows it has jumped up the ladder to the top position.
As usual, Michael Wolfe does an excellent job delivering this story through his character voices and dynamic narration.
If you are considering reading Tournament of Shadows without reading the three preceding stories, do yourself a favor and start with Firewall, before you know it you will have read all the earlier books and will be well prepared for this book. If you are already a reader of this series, Tournament of Shadows is a must read, like I said earlier several threads come together in this story. I received an Advance Reader Copy of the eBook and a review copy of the audiobook from the Publisher and chose to provide this review.
October 1, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This book is part of a series and the story weaves around and leaves the reader wanting more. The plot is believable and the characters are great. The books in this series should be read in order to help follow the intricate story line. The great ending leaves the reader looking forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews