Fresh and suspenseful, Rules of Engagement has everything you’d expect from a classic Tom Clancy thriller: audacious schemes, international intrigue, conspiracies, violent action, and critical use of technology. Ward Larsen’s first foray into the Clancy-verse is nothing short of phenomenal. A brilliant combination of modernity and staying true to the history of this cherished series.
Foul play is suspected when a plane carrying the US Secretary of Commerce crashes in Turkey. President Jack Ryan wants answers and retribution if it’s found that a foreign power or terrorist organization was behind it. With DNI Mary Pat Foley spearheading the investigation, both Ryan kids – Lt. Commander Katie Ryan and DIA cybersecurity expert Kyle Ryan – as well as John Clark and his Task Force 99 crew are thrust into the middle of the action. What they uncover is a nefarious plot including a Swiss financier on the run, a Russian national with a band of mercenaries and a fleet of drones, and a conspiracy with designs on reshaping the world order. Now it’s up to America’s finest to race against the clock and thwart an unmitigated disaster from occurring.
Beyond the thrilling and absorbing plot, three things stand out to take Rules of Engagement to another level. First, it’s the continued emersion of Katie and Kyle Ryan as part of this series. While President Ryan continues to global political minefield with aplomb, there seems to be a bit of a passing of the torch to the next generation as they take on an increasingly important role in the series. Second, the inclusion of advanced AI cyber capabilities, playing a critical role in solving the puzzle and directing assets into place to save the day, adds innovation that acts as another character and adds a modern, timely touch to the story. Finally, and expected with Ward Larsen’s background, the aviation heroics entering the fray when the chips are down and the intensity is at its highest, will make you stand up and audibly cheer.
All told, it’s a triumphant Tom Clancy series debut for Ward Larsen that will greatly please long-term fans and entice casual thriller readers to pick up a copy as well.
Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.
Purchase Rules Of Engagement
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)
Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
