Ember is an explosive and pulse-pounding thrill ride that revs up to full-throttle quickly and doesn’t let up for the duration. An adrenaline-fueled adventure filled with direct action, deception and vengeance. Another tier one banger of a story from Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson.

John Dempsey is back with Ember, recovering from his harrowing mission in Russia. Meanwhile, Vice President Kelso Jarvis is mourning the loss of his mentor when someone takes a shot at the Israeli Prime Minister at the same time as a devastating terrorist attack occurs in India. An Islamic terrorist organization known as al Ghadab claims responsibility for these attacks. Now Jarvis turns to his old team, Ember, with tasking to hunt down the terrorist organization’s leader, Abu Musad Umar. Sending John Dempsey and team to India to investigate the rising threat and prosecute those behind it with extreme prejudice.

There is a ton of weaponry, tactics, espionage and taking the fight to the bad guys, sure to excite and satiate any military thriller fan. And it’s awesome! But what takes Ember to another level are what I would call the character developmental parts of the story. Jarvis saying goodbye to his mentor and stepping up for his country once again when called upon to do so. Dempsey trying to find his place again with Ember and reconcile how he’s changed after his rough solo mission in Russia. The return of a character long thought dead, one who has a complicated past with Dempsey. And much more. All of which add depth, emotion and heart to a story that brings the heat with violence and doling out death to the bad guys.

In addition, Ember appears to be a transitional book that sets up a new story arc. Suggesting Dempsey and team will be quite busy for the foreseeable future. Paving the way for more bangers from the pen of Andrews and Wilson. Great news for thriller fans.