Andrews and Wilson knocked it out of the park in their debut in the Jack Ryan Universe. Act of Defiance is a great book and addition to the Jack Ryan Universe; book could easily just have been call The Hunt for Red October 2 with how much it compares to that great book. The writers did a great job of really developing Katie Ryan as this book revolves more around her than President Jack Ryan. Such a great book; you need to read this one! Andrews & Wilson are go to authors for me. I will never miss anything they publish!

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

Superb! Andrews & Wilson deliver an excellent installment in the Jack Ryan series made famous by the original mastermind, Tom Clancy.

The Cold War has been over for many years but the desire for those in Russian power to restore Mother Russia to its former glory looms. A plot to leverage power over the United States reaches back in history to an incident involving a Soviet submarine named Red October. The past and present collide in a throwback to Clancy-esque action and suspense. A job very well done by Andrews & Wilson!

Wading through all the submarine-related technical jargon was a bit of a chore, but it was well worth the effort in the end. If nothing else, it brought back memories of a much earlier book (and a favorite movie) that also dealt with a rogue Russian sub.

This is the 19th book featuring Jack Ryan, now President of the United States. That said, it's far more about his daughter Katie, a Navy officer with the Office of Naval Intelligence. Submarines, though, take center stage throughout - most notably, the Russian Belgorod, a super-secret, super-loaded brand spanking new model that's capable of launching nuclear weapons - if it really exists. U.S. Intelligence suggests it not only does, but it's up to something nefarious. But one of the sub's features is that it's very good at camouflage, so the first order of business - arguably the most difficult - is simply finding it. Assuming that's accomplished, the next challenge is learning what its mission really is.

When they do, it isn't pretty - if, of course, it's accurate. With not much hard evidence, it becomes not only a life-or-death educated guess that, whether right or wrong, could trigger World War III. Needless to say, President Ryan's previous experience with Russian submarine captains comes into play here, as does his daughter's astute observations and conclusions that are eerily similar to those of her father.

Getting to the truth is by no means simple, and it involves a whole bunch of people and the aforementioned technical jargon. But it's also pretty much nonstop action and some really cool-under-pressure dudes and dudesses, making for an exciting adventure every step of the way. Loved it - and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

This is the best book I have read in 2024. I needed this. To say I am impressed is an understatement. Andrews & Wilson are go to authors for me. I will never miss anything they publish. Their ability to seamlessly merge The Hunt for Red October (which is one of my all-time favorite novels) into Act of Defiance, all while having the reader fall in love with Katie Ryan is perfection. I especially love the fact that this book will bring this series to a new generation of readers, because they will be hooked and need to read the entire series. It is so hard for me to wrap my head around the parallels and the differences and how I have read the entire book with a smile on my face. Brilliant!
Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Act of Defiance

Act of Defiance by Andrews & Wilson reads like a classic Clancy novel. It has the heft and gravitas as if written by Clancy you’d be hard-pressed to differentiate between them. Act of Defiance and The Hunt for the Red October are loosely connected but not how you might imagine. At least for me. Is it a sequel? Standalone? Companion piece? Maybe a type I can’t think of? None of the above? All? Russia is once again a pariah on the world stage and tensions are mounting inside the Russian gov’t. Russia’s deadliest submarine had been secretly retrofitted with enormous weapon doors. The retrofit causes consternation but what really causes sphincters to tighten is when the sub disappears. None tighter than that of President Jack Ryan who went through something similar as a CIA analyst 40 years ago. Only this time it is exponentially more dangerous. 

I have a special place in my heart for The Hunt for the Red October. Had my first kiss during the movie. Saw it eight more times. I don’t remember reading the book but reading and kissing do not have the same zing. Anywho, A&W surpassed all of my expectations.

By now we are well acquainted with Jack Ryan and his family, especially his wife and son, Jack Jr. His daughter–Katie–has been in the background living her life. Until Andrews & Wilson get their hands on the series. Using Katie as the lead was a complete surprise and desperately needed. The emergence of Katie was one of the many risks A&W pulled off and it is these risks which make Act of Defiance special. 

Andrews & Wilson have injected new life into a beloved series Clancy fans are in for a real treat.

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

The manuscript was the most refreshing, grin-creating work that I’ve read in years. I literally had a smile on my face the entire read. If the Clancy fans don’t fall in love with Katie Ryan, then I give up. I love how they put her in similar yet very different situations - and how much like and dislike she is to her dad. Plus, all the guests from Hunt From Red October were perfect. This is an outstanding addition to the Clancy series - I cannot wait for the next. Thank you, Net Galley, for the advanced look. Bravo!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putman for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Katie Ryan is a hotshot analyst, just like her dad. Where her siblings spend time out in the field, her job keeps her behind a screen in an office. Katie reviews data and build reports for her upline, but that’s taking a turn with this project - she just briefed the president and his staff in the Situation Room. And now the Director of National Intelligence is setting up private meetings with sources just for her. Katie’s done a great job of earning her own reputation and avoid relying on her family legacy, but that’s not easy when her dad is sitting in the Oval Office and her current case harkens back a few decades to the case that gave Jack Ryan the start to his long career – The Hunt for the Red October.

Tom Clancy Act of Defiance is the first foray into the Ryanverse for Jeffrey Wilson and Brian Andrews, picking up where Marc Cameron left off in Command and Control – President Ryan is leading the fight against terrorism and bad actors worldwide. This novel plays to Wilson & Andrews’ experience in the US Navy, particularly Andrew’s experience as a submarine officer and nuclear engineer. This book brings the Red October to a new generation and links the younger Ryan generation to the original Clancy storylines in an undeniable way. This book is about family legacies and the unintended side effects of the intelligence gathering industry.

I give Act of Defiance 4 out of 5 stars. I appreciate this storyline and the flashback to the Red October. I just recently read that book and it was interesting to read this one with so many similarities. The Jack Ryan novels have always included a lot of military and legal jargon, but this book takes it to a new level, almost distractingly so. While the authors went into almost unnecessary detail to explain some terms, others that needed explanation for the layperson like me had none at all. I know my ARC was an uncorrected copy, but I would have expected the authors to spell a main character’s name correctly, yet Katie’s name was misspelled several times early in the novel. These two authors have a long history together, so their writing should be seamless, however, it seemed obvious when the lead writer changed between chapters due to differences in chapter length, writing style, and phrasing. I understand these authors have at least one more Ryanverse novel to write together – I am hoping these challenges are worked out before it is finalized.

If you love the Ryanverse, you’ll love this book, too! As I mentioned, this book connects closely with The Hunt for the Red October. I’d like to think this could be read as a standalone, but I do think readers would benefit from reading the earlier book for context and plot points. With mention of nuclear warfare, military maneuvers, and assassinations, this book would be best directed towards audiences over 13.

I am a huge fan of the Ryanverse and jumped at a chance to read Act of Defiance when I saw it on NetGalley. This is the first book I’ve read from Andrews & Wilson, but I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in the Jack Ryan series from them due out late this year. Act of Defiance releases May 21st – preorder your copy today!

I read Red October years after it came out. It’s the only one of Tom Clancy’s books I didn’t read in the 80s. I read Red Storm Rising in paperback and Patriot Games in Hardcover. I did the same with Clear & Present Danger and Cardinal Of The Kremlin, my favorite of Tom's novels. I always read ahead of my grade. I read Red Storm in 6th grade.

I saw The Hunt For Red October in the theaters the weekend it came out. It's still one of my favorite 80s movies.

Let's get into Act of Defiance. I will limit my spoilers as much as possible. If you've read Red October, that's good. It will help you with Act Of Defiance. There are many callbacks to it throughout the book. There are also callbacks to Patriot Games and Clear & Present Danger, but since this is about a Russian submarine, Red October is front and center throughout the novel.

It begins with how many of Tom's books start. They set you up with an idea and chase that idea throughout.

While Red October was our introduction to Jack Ryan, Act Of Defiance begins with an idea but also tells us something about Red October that we didn't know. This pushes the story in a vastly different direction.

Marko Ramius knew what he had and the possibilities of his boat, The Red October; this novel starts before the Red October. The Captain of the Belgorod knows what he has as well. He's determined to make Jack Ryan pay. A theme and story that I will let the reader discover.

While Red October is mainly about Jack Ryan finding his way, Act Of Defiance is about his daughter, Katie Ryan. She does most of the same things her father did in Red October. The callbacks to the book and the movie are fantastic. I enjoyed them.

The cat-and-mouse game starts as the hunt is underway for Belgorod. It's a different game with the same consequences as Red October but with far worse intentions.

Russia is not the power it was with Marko Ramius and the Red October. A group decides they want to change this. We've seen this scenario play out since the fall of the Soviet Union. It's been in books, movies, and video games.

It is done very well in Act of Defiance. It's one of the better tales with the trope. I think this is a trope now.

While the novel played out, I enjoyed Katie Ryan's character. I hope more story ideas come from Red Storm with her in it.

I blew through most of this book in a day. But I read quickly. I always have. I give this a five. It's well written, the story is good, and the placement of Katie Ryan reminds me of her dad, Jack.

Jack Ryan, who we were introduced to in Patriot Games, is back in the 19th installment in the Jack Ryan series. Now 40 years later, Jack is President of the United States, and his youngest daughter Katie has followed in his footsteps as a senior analyst for Russian threats. Like her father in more ways than one, she is as well-suited for the position as her father was, being knowledgeable and willing to do just about anything to get the job done, intuitive and honorable.

Like its earlier predecessor The Hunt for Red October (THFRO), the US is on alert to a threat from the Russians. And, like its earlier predecessor, there is a Ryan working the case!

First, let me say that I know The Hunt for Red October. I have to have watched the movie at least 40-50 times...very possibly more! I kid you not! I could recite the dialogue for half of the movie. I was married to a Fire Control Tech stationed on a nuclear submarine, and I would watch THFRO on repeat every patrol in order to feel close to him. I even went out on a day patrol on the USS Ben Franklin SSBN 640. We did different maneuvers like dives and emergency blows whereby the submarine rushes to the surface like a super-sonic elevator and pops out of the water. So, can you see how I would have a bit of a personal connection to this story?

This is like a modern-day Hunt for Red October. I mean, very obviously so. This is almost like a parallel story right down to a submarine captain going rogue around the anniversary of his wife's death. If you followed a timeline of THFRO, this would basically coincide with the high points with just minor twists to make it different. Women are now much more prominent to reflect the changing times, but even things that are said tend to be similar to THFRO (i.e. "One ping... One ping only."). I can connect the characters to their equivalents in THFRO. "This guy is the equivalent of that second in command on the aircraft carrier that didn't like Jack Ryan in THFRO!"

But in this modern-day retelling, it is Katie Ryan that takes on the role of competent and beleaguered analyst attempting to prevent WWIII.

My final word: Well, I think I've already established that I am partial to the movie The Hunt for Red October (the third book in this series), so this book is right up my alley. I think that the author is a talented storyteller. His experience in submarines make the submarine scenes feel particularly authentic. The writing really flows. It is easy, comfortable and enjoyable. The characters are rather one-dimensional, but that isn't really surprising for this genre. I think that my only real complaint is that it was too much like its predecessor THFRO. It became a distraction for me. I was constantly picking up on all of the similarities. But for someone not suffering from the same affliction as me, this is a fun, on-the-edge-of-your-seat ride!

Thank you Putnam and Netgalley for the ARC!

What a fun and action packed ride! Act of Defiance kept me on the edge of my seat with all the suspense throughout. I loved the homage to Hunt for Red October, and I enjoyed getting to see some returning characters too. This book had a piece of everything that I love in an action novel and it kept me entertained the whole way through!

Fantastic 1st effort from Andrews & Wilson"s take on a Clancy novel; but then A & W are the best tag team duo out there. Jack Ryan, intelligence officer in The Hunt for the Red October way back when is now President of the United States in Act of Defiance. Plenty of action throughout the book, great cast of characters, and plenty of tension that will have you on the edge of your seat. So, just buy the book and try to not read it in one day.
Thanks to Penguin Book Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC. A huge thanks to Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson for their amazing debut novel via the Clancy Estate. BUY and READ this BOOK.

This is an action packed book from start to finish. A lot of familiar characters, plenty of technical detail and a good suspenseful story line will keep you turning the pages. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Brian Andrews and Jeffery Wilson have done a masterful job of duplicating the intrigue of master story-teller Tom Clancy. As a reader and collector of Tom Clancy’s novels, I’ve enjoyed the other writers attempts to keep the storylines going for the Ryan universe. However, none have made me feel like Clancy was writing. Andrews and Wilson’s attempt left me happy and smiling at the end of the book. What a wonderful read.

I love how the writers brought the storyline full circle with the incorporation of Tom Clancy’s first novel, The Hunt for Red October. This homage to the original book brought back the intrigue and fascination of the story. Pulling those original characters back to the first novel, doing what they did then, and following a similar path was really refreshing. I found this book was one that I could not put down.


This novel introduces us to the rest of the Ryan clan as adults working in the real world. The twins, Katie and Kyle, have joined the military. Both are excelling in different services and Katie is the main character of Act of Defiance. She is channeling the original, Pres. Jack Ryan, in her actions and thought process. As in the first novel, Ryans follow there gut and jump into the middle of the action. Submarines, rogue captain, America threatened, and last minute victory; it’s all there. I would be doing you a dis-service to go into the details and give away the plot. It’s that good for you the reader.

If this was the last of the Clancy novels, I would be sad, but satisfied with how it ended. So many characters lose their attraction when new writers assume the mantle. I hope for Andrews and Wilson, this is not their last collaboration of Clancy.

A classic bare knuckled Russian-American brawl from start to finish. Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson take the reins of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan in Act of Defiance, and will have you loving every minute of it.

When an American asset is betrayed decades earlier, while Marko Ramius and the famed Russian submarine Red October disappear forever, what is set in motion is the beginning of a story of deception and treachery that affect millions.

President Jack Ryan has a past and in similar fashion Russian submarine captain Konstantine Gorov has plans to change the earth's landscape and start another Cold War, if not World War three. Ryan’s daughter, Navy Lieutenant Katie Ryan is a hot runner advancing not due to her father’s name and title, but due to her cunning drive to be the best at everything she does. When approached with information that a new style Russian sub, the Belgorod, has deployed with some very dangerous equipment on board, Ryan is thrust into the spotlight to prevent the escalating tensions from wreaking havoc.

Katie is forced to interact with disgruntled sailors and amazing mentors while using her intimate knowledge of the not so well known Russian Gorov and his tragic past. Running headlong into the dark depths, where submarines rule the ocean, Ryan must convince everyone that millions of lives hang in the balance and she’s the key to success. Utilizing data from some highly trained American submariners, Ryan and the crews of the USS Indiana and the Washington must stop the death from below.

Andrews and Wilson embrace the tradition and culture surrounding their first Clancy novel piloting Jack Ryan. Plenty of action to keep you glued to the pages, they prime it with intrigue and enough mystery to keep the story rolling. Andrews and Wilson are no strangers to providing action packed sequences with phenomenal characters. Pulling true Jack Ryan from Clancy lore and a refreshing perspective on the war happening below the surface of depths rarely traversed.

If you’re the kind of person who loves the traditional Clancy stories that provide mayhem and genuine mystique, you’re in for a wild ride. If you are a contemporary fan with more action, heart pounding life and death scenarios, you’re also in luck. As a submariner myself, I absolutely loved the undersea warfare that highlighted Russian aggression and the American persistence. Put this one on your to be read list for sure.

I really enjoyed this novel. It pays an appropriate respect to the Hunt for Red October without being a copy or “borrowing” story elements. Solid character work and an appropriate amount of tension it feels at home in the Clancy universe. My only critique is the pop culture references take me out of the novel a bit and feel a bit foreign in a Clancy book

As always the author has done Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan story beyond justice. It was nice to see and read about Jack Ryan's daughter as an adult and following in her father and brother's footsteps. The whole ARC was excellent. The whole story and plot flowed really well. It went into a lot of detail about things in the book. I definitely give this book 5 stars

I’ve been a fan of the Tom Clancy books all the way back to “The Hunt for Red October” and this book,doesn’t disappoint. The thing I am thankful about is that even after Clancy’s death we continue to get the high quality techno thrillers. Act of Defiance is a Jack Ryan novel, The author’s Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson continue that strong tradition that fans of Jack Ryan have come to expect from their favorite character. Highly recommended.

The literary tag team of Andrews & Wilson serve up a tall glass of satisfying nostalgia with Act of Defiance, a brilliantly crafted modern-day homage to the Tom Clancy masterpiece The Hunt for Red October.

Trouble is afoot in Russia. A potential coup is in the works and the Belgorod – a special missions submarine carrying advanced nuclear torpedoes and helmed by a troubled captain – is lurking in the Atlantic Ocean. As tensions escalate, Naval Intelligence officer Katie Ryan analyzes the unfolding events and connects the dots to prove a clear and present danger to the United States. Now it’s up to President Jack Ryan’s youngest daughter – along with a few of the President’s old friends – to untangle the plot, thwart the enemy and stop World War III before it begins.

The plot is fresh but sentimental, the intensity is dialed up to sweltering levels and the sequencing of events is impeccably on point. But what makes Act of Defiance special is the parallels and throwbacks to Red October. It starts with a young analyst named Ryan spotting patterns no one else can see, drawing all the right conclusions and putting themselves in the middle of the action. Like father, like daughter. And like her father before her, Katie Ryan is forced to put herself in the shoes of a Russian submarine captain to determine his intentions and safeguard the United States from imminent peril. Knowing that one wrong assumption spells doom for the entire world but having complete confidence in her abilities that belie her age. Sound familiar? Then throw in several old characters we know and love, including a couple of amazing cameos, and it really takes you back in time. Resulting in a gigantic smile and a gratifying sigh as you lean back into your chair having finished a book that you have to believe Tom Clancy would be eminently delighted with having his name adorn the front cover.

Prepare to be blown away by Act of Defiance. It is a beautiful symphony that hits all the right notes. A throwback to the classic Clancy novels, reminding us why we fell in love with this genre. If you call yourself a military thriller fan, you can absolutely not miss this book. It’s perfect. 10/10 no notes. Contender for best thriller of 2024.

Wow, wow, and wow! Andrews and Wilson knocked it out of the park in their debut in the Jack Ryan Universe. This book could have easily been called The Hunt for Red October II. The Russians secretly send out their most technologically advanced submarine on a secret mission. The Americans are suprised by its launch, and it seems there is more to the mission than the powers in the Russian Government anticipated. Has a rogue captain taken over the most powerful submarine in the Russian fleet? Is the submarine on its way to the United States Coast to start World War III?

Act of Defiance, also introduces the newest Ryan into the Jack Ryan Universe. Katie Ryan, one of Jack’s youngest, twins, is a fast rising Naval Intelligence Officer. She finds herself in the thick of the Russian submarine’s mission. Katie Ryan seems like a great character, whose role will only expand in future books. She seems to have a lot of similar traits and abilities that her dad, Jack, Ryan, possesses.

The story is top notch, and the book itself is a fast read. New characters like Katie Ryan only expanded the universe. Overall this is a top notch thriller that you need to pick up. Thank you to NetGalley, Brian Andrews, Jeffery Wilson, and Penguin Putnam Group for a free advance copy of the book for an honest review.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!