Don Bentley does great justice to Tom Clancy. This is the second of his I’ve read and truly enjoy Bentleys work.

Jack Ryan Jr quickly became one of the most memorable action/thriller characters in any series. Tom Clancy could send him anywhere to fight those who would see the United States fall. Ryan has morphed into "everyman", the guy who doesn't hesitate to shoot first or charge into a fight. When Clancy died in 2013, Don Bentley kept Ryan in action and true to his fans. In WEAPONS GRADE, Ryan will bring the fight to a Texas town where the "locals" are not so local. As always, the story kept me engrossed and rooting out loud to shoot the.....insert bad word here........If you have not read any of the Jack Ryan books, you can easily start here, but you've got 16 more excellent thrillers to add to the TBR pile too.

I haven't read all the books in the series, but I've read enough to know this wasn't my favorite. It was just 'meh.' There was a nice blend of intrigue, action, and murder, as well as twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and engaged. Some overdetailing pulled me out of the story on occasion. Other times, it felt like Bentley had too much going on, struggling to pull it together.

Don Bentley closes out his Tom Clancy run with Weapons Grade, featuring the coolest plane ever built –the SR-71– and an indestructible Jack Ryan, Jr. While in Texas to watch a football game and relax with Lisanne, Ryan witnesses a devastating car wreck. Being the standup guy he is, Ryan stops to help. And walks right into a gang hit or an assisination. Wanting to learn more, Jack is thrust into a conspiracy involving dirty cops, kidnappings, a stolen hypersonic prototype plane, an SR-71 Blackbird and Iran being on the cusp of building a nuke. That’s a big weekend to-do list. Bed, Bath, and Beyond will have to wait.

The end of a relationship is a sad time. But, I know at least one person who isn’t sad this is Bentley’s last Clancy book. Jack Ryan, Jr. himself Bentley has kicked the living shit out of Ryan during his tenure which is fine because he’s apparently immortal. A little ridiculous but highly entertaining.

All I knew prior to reading Weapons Grade was the SR-71 Blackbird was heavily featured and was excited to see how Bentley used the platform. What I discovered was the Blackbird wasn’t featured as much as I would have liked but what was there was A+. I actually think the plane was overshadowed by the rest of the goings on. There’s a lot going on. A lot. Too much. I’d have to read the book three or four times to catch everything or take copious notes. Even then, loose threads would remain. I think losing any one of the background storylines would make for a better story and reading experience. But, what do I know? It took me four weeks to write this review.

One thing I’m certain of: The Jack Ryan, Jr. series is better off for having Bentley at the helm. He has breathed new life into the series. He created new storylines and introduced new characters (Jad and Cary) readers love. He’s leaving the series better than when he took over and has given the incoming author a plethora of options moving forward.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Weapons Grade.

Jack, Jr. is returning to his fiancee after attending the Texas A&M game when he witnesses a car accident. Since it is a long stretch of road in the middle of nowhere Texas, he stops to see if he can render aid. However, before he gets to the vehicles gunfire erupts. This sets off a chain of events that turns a relaxing weekend into a life-or-death fight.

I've been reading the Jack Ryan series for almost 25 years. As such, I'm more partial to the books that are more focused on Jack, Sr, but I enjoy the Jack, Jr stories for the most part. Weapon's Grade is an entertaining book.

As is usual in this series, there are multiple plots that at first glance do not look related, but if you have read any books in the series you know they eventually intersect. I was anxious to see what a test flight, a uranium mine, and a dead teenager had to do with each other. So I read this 500+ page book in a matter of days.

If you haven't read any books in this series (either the original with Jack, Sr or the newer Jack, Jr series), that's okay as there is plenty of background information provided on the people as well as the organizations involved.

One thing that bugs me about the Jack, Jr. books is the amount of violence - beatings, torture - that Jack endures in a very short period of time (not to mention the lack of food, drink, and sleep). I think this book covers a 24-hour period and he's beaten at least 3 times and these aren't just barfight-type beatings either. It seems rather unrealistic. This brings me to the second thing that bugs me: the long-winded explanations of operational maneuvers. While I'm sure they are accurate, it feels like overcompensation.

If you are looking for an action-packed novel, then you can't go wrong with this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/09/weapons-grade-by-don-bentley-review.html

I find it hard to write that I found a Clancy/Jack Ryan Jr./Don Bentley book disappointing, but it was for me. The whole "Jack traipsing through Texas and coming across a hyperspace UAV hijack plot while helping one poor bystander victim after another" just seem contrived and awkward from the get-go. I am glad I read it in the sense I take some weird pride in having read every Clancy universe book. But, my favorite book in the collection it was not.

Don Bentley is back with another installment in Clancy’s Jack Ryan Jr series. By now, Bentley has established himself as a talented writer that handles the nostalgia of Tom Clancy’s characters. Bentley does a great job at bringing the characters into modern warfare and technology; think drones. But where I think this installment is lacking is that it almost has too much going on in the plot. Too many moving parts trying to come together. Having read Clancy’s characters for years, I prefer to read a plot where Ryan Jr is on a mission rather than him just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That being said, I did enjoy this read and will continue to read Bentley’s work as it always delivers great action.

3.5/5 stars.

Thank you very much for the arc.

Don Bentley does it again! Don is one of my favorite military thriller writers and he absolutely crushed his last book in the Clancy series. Don expertly crafts a novel that Tom Clancy would be proud of. Non stop action, deep character development and an ending that makes you a little sad that this will be the last book in the series that he will write. Any Clancy fan will enjoy this book and I look forward to Don Bentley taking over the Mitch Rapp series for Kyle Mills. Well done Don, well done!

What do Jack Jr going to the football game, Super duper secret squirrel airplanes, South African mercenaries and MS13 have in common. Nothing, yet Mr Bentley once again creates a master piece with his last and final Jack Jr novel. Action from the start, this book leaves you wanting for more. What an ending. What?? What is next in Jack Jr’s world. Who can top Don? Only one way to find out…keep reading.

Book Review – Tom Clancy Weapons Grade – Don Bentley
Penning two really good thriller novels in the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. series in the same year –“Tom Clancy Flash Point” – out earlier this year – and now “Tom Clancy Weapons Grade” – is witness to author Don Bentley’s tremendous writing prowess. This man can really write and he’s really good at it! Bentley does not disappoint with Book 11 in the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. series, Weapons Grade. It’s another fantastic addition to a very thrilling and suspenseful series with a fitting conclusion with Bentley’s run with the Jack Ryan, Jr. character. I like how Bentley made Jack Jr. into a subsequential ‘badass’ in the four books that he has contributed to the series. After attending a college football game in Texas and driving back to Austin, Texas, Jack Jr. witnesses an auto accident that turns out to be a professional ‘hit’ tied to an international conspiracy. As usual, like all the other previous stories, Jack Jr. gets involved in something bigger than what’s originally portrayed in the storyline and off to the races the chronicle goes! In Weapons Grade, Jack Jr. encounters numerous violent ‘happenstances’ with South African hit men, corrupt cops and other dangerous and menacing bad guys. The multiple storylines are intriguing, captivating, and absorbing and are expertly woven together to reveal a sinister conspiracy plot of epic proportions. What would a Jack Ryan Jr. tale be without Jack Jr. in the middle of it all? Bentley masterfully crafts this story with intense and powerful action that propels the reader into captivating thrills, unexpected chills, and surprising suspense! The rousing tale ends with an explosive conclusion leaving the reader wanting more of Jack Ryan, Jr., and his many thrilling escapades. Entertaining, Engaging, and Exciting, Weapons Grade is a five-star read by a five-star author. Thank you NetGalley, Don Bentley, and Penguin Random House for a digital advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

This has Jack Ryan Jr. visiting Texas and this is set all within a very small area of Texas. It also has scenarios in the White House, airplanes and overseas. How all of this is put together makes for a great book!

Excellent novel. This book read as part Jack Reacher part Pike Logan. Jack Ryan Jr finds himself in a small Texas town and thrown into the middle of a situation where he has to investigate, protect innocent and get his butt kicked a time or two while other big worldwide consequences take place. I haven’t caught up yet to the Jack Ryan books but this was easy to read and understand and I thought that President Jack Ryan still felt like the man Tom Clancy wrote almost 40 years ago. Go check it out!

#TomClancyWeaponsGrade #NetGalley

If you’ve ever wondered if Jack Ryan Jr can survive multiple violent encounters with mercenaries, gang bangers, and corrupt cops while saving the world from tremendous calamity, then Tom Clancy’s Weapons Grade is the thriller for you. It’s Jack versus ceaseless and vicious fuckery of the highest order for hundreds of pages. And it’s glorious!

Jack Ryan Jr is driving to Austin after attending a Texas A&M football game when he witnesses a car wreck. Raised by his parents to help those in need, he stops to lend assistance. That’s when the bullets start flying. And Jack doesn’t take kindly to being shot at. So he continues his involvement by running down the one lead he has. Which quickly results in him getting drugged, beaten and on the precipice of death at the hands of dangerous men executing a massive international conspiracy. Calling in support from his colleagues, Jack hopes and prays they show up in time to save his life and help him avert a potentially catastrophic global disaster.

Weapons Grade starts with multiple storylines that are intriguing on their own and seem to be unconnected but are expertly woven together to reveal a sinister plot of epic proportions. Bentley masterfully crafts this story in a way that hooks the reader with action and propels them forward through the mental exercise of trying to put the puzzle pieces together. And it all comes together in an explosive conclusion that will leave your heart palpitating and your lungs gasping for air.

Additionally, let’s talk about Jack Ryan Jr and the unbelievable badass he’s become. Rather than ride the coattails of his famous father, he’s worked tirelessly to succeed on his own merit and become the man he wants to be. Which is to be a world class operator who runs headfirst into danger to serve his country and help others in need. And while he’s a bullet magnet and death seemingly follows him in droves everywhere he goes, he’s as honorable a person as you could hope to have on your side. His actions in Weapons Grade only further that narrative and his development on Bentley’s watch has made him one of the most beloved and admirable characters in the genre.

As Don Bentley’s run of writing Jack Ryan Jr. books comes to an end, let’s take a moment to express our appreciation for all the energy, audaciousness and high-quality entertainment that he brought to this series. Every single novel has been a non-stop thrill ride littered with shell casings, explosions and dead bodies. No character was safe from harm and great new characters were introduced, all breathing rejuvenated life into a tried and true cast of characters. A tip of the cap for a job seriously well done. Bravo Don!

I was shocked when I heard there were going to be two Jack Ryan Jr books this year. I was worried that two in the same year might lead to one or both of the books being hastily written and thrown together on a deadline. I was pleasantly surprised when this wasn’t the case. Don Bentley doesn’t disappoint with Weapons Grade. It is a fitting addition to the Jack Ryan Jr. Series.

It starts out with Jack driving back from a Texas A&M football game when there is an accident, that turns out be a hit. Jack is drawn into the mystery which includes corrupt cops, small towns, a missing college student, and South African killers. While Jack is digging for the truth his father, President Ryan, is dealing with a hated enemy about to gain nuclear capabilities. As far apart as these two problems seem, they all come to a head in Texas, and it is up to Jack Jr to save the day.

I really like the grittiness of Don Bentley’s Jack Jr. He is a Boy Scout just like his dad always trying to do the right thing, but in doing so he brings great harm and danger on himself. Jack Jr. isn’t an invincible super hero. He takes a beating as he saves the day. I also like how Jack Jr is growing in the series. He is learning from previous missions and has the credibility now that he didn’t have earlier in the series. There are also lots of changes in his personal life, which can make for some interesting storylines moving forward.

This is a solid five star thriller, and well worth the read. Thank you to NetGalley, Don Bentley, Penguin Group Putnam, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for a free advanced copy for an honest review.

Jack Ryan Jr. is my favorite character in the latest novel Weapons Grade. He is adrift in Texas where he runs into multiple forms of trouble. Some of this is hard to believe. Even wrapped in chains. As for the larger plot, an attempt to steal a very fast plane, I just couldn't grasp the plot. Yes, I know most of it. But who and why escaped me. Sorry, as I usually like Don Bentley's novels more.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

Another great adventure for Jack Ryan Jr. and crew. Overall the plot line is similar to other books in the Jack Ryan Jr. series - there are bad guys up to no good, and somehow Jack Ryan Jr. gets involved in the action and into trouble, and the Campus and crew save the day. It was a fast read, and I can't wait to see the new developments coming in Jack Ryan Jr.'s personal life as his relationship with Lisanne continues to evolve and progress.

Nobody writes Tom Clancy better than Don Bentley. Nobody. Maybe not even Tom Clancy.

WEAPONS GRADE is a classic of the genre. It has a rip-roaring plot filled with enough operational details to let you run your own military action, all of which is leavened with the trademark wry humor we've come to expect from the Bentley version of Clancy. This is a terrific book, and it's about the most American thing you're ever going to read.

Three very loud cheers for Don Bentley! Tom Clancy would be damn proud to have his name on this cover.

Full review to be posted on https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/kashif-hussain

Don Bentley shakes things up in the Clancyverse with a narrative unlike anything I was expecting. With parallel storylines running in seemingly completely independent paths until a surprising convergence, Weapons Grade is aptly named for a machine-gun-paced thriller that kicks off with a loud bang and walks the rounds to a terrific bullseye.

On a quiet Texas night, Jack Ryan Jr. is cornered into an ambush, or so he thinks. It’s a hit indeed but not for Ryan Jr. With a scintillating curiosity and a burning desire to make the assailants pay for the murder of an innocent man, Ryan Jr. sets off on an unsanctioned mission to find out what’s what. His investigation points him to a cold case of a college student and a team of South African hitters. It’s a bizarre conundrum but it’s one that will have profound implications for international politics.

Where we’ve recently read Ryan Jr. get caught up in dangerous situations alongside his Campus teammates, Weapons Grade paints Ryan Jr. in a rather different light as he plays more detective this time around than a spy, working leads old fashioned style and going solo. It’s a definitive moment in his evolution and it’s one that has been cultivating from Flash Point. Where Ryan Jr. has motivated mostly by the seat of his pants, his engagement to Lisanne Robertson sees him grappling with decisions that impact more than just him and that’s a fantastic interjection by Don Bentley to keep Ryan Jr. evolving.

It’s a given that Ryan Jr. stirs up a lot of trouble and he undoubtedly requires backup. Luckily, fan-favorite Cary Marks and Jad Mustafa, new bloods to the Campus, are more than prepared for the job as they provide every bit of firepower to take out heavy hitters in the most effective and badass manner, whether stationary or hanging from a chopper.

What really made Weapons Grade a clear winner in my books is how Bentley kept a lid on the full picture, carefully sowing seeds but keeping the reveal a closely guarded secret so all readers can do is speculate and get lost in the slowly unveiling threat that ultimately reveals itself as a far nefarious and dangerous threat than anticipated. How seemingly parallel and separate plotlines finally intersect for a pulse-pounding finale is an art that Bentley has mastered in Weapons Grade.

Jack finds himself driving thru rural Texas and witnesses a hit job disguised as an auto accident. Checking the victim he finds a scrap of paper leading him to a meeting with a stranger in a small diner. This leads Jack and, later, the team on a deadly chase. Meanwhile, the West Wing has gotten word that the Iranians are producing atomic bomb making materials and plan on taking out Israel. This Clancy tome is a put on a pit of coffee because you are going to be reading for a while type of page turner.
Don Bentley has taken the Ryanverse by storm.

This book was definitely a decent read, it had the usual, it had suspense, intrigue, action , murder, mystery, and some crazy twists and turns! The only thing I didn't like was that it was very descriptive I guess I would say?! It would go into details that would have my mind wandering because I really didn't need to know that! It's still worth reading I'm sure there's plenty that will feel different but for me it was just ok! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!