The Big Thrill published a video interview with authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, conducted by José H. Bográn.
During the interview the authors discussed about how they came to write the next Tom Clancy novel.

Andrews and Wilson bring back the old school vibe of Tom Clancy with a new generation that not only builds upon the OG heroes we’ve come to love but also disseminates the legacy in a thoughtful and powerful manner with tons of naval action and spy action on the ground.

Tom Clancy would be proud of this book. Andrews and Wilson have absolutely created an authentic Tom Clancy book with Act of Defiance. Their uncanny ability to mold this story into an authentic Tom Clancy book is nothing short of spectacular. The details in this book feel like Tom himself wrote it. This is a true testament of how great these writers truly are. I am looking forward to their next foray into the Clancy universe! 10/10!

While Tom Clancy is not the author, the novel is set in the Jack Ryan Universe he created. Brian Andrews (http://www.andrews-wilson.com) and Jeffrey Wilson are the authors of two dozen novels. Act of Defiance was published last month, and it is the 24th novel in the Jack Ryan series. It is the 48th book I completed reading in 2024.

Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.

In this latest installment of the saga of Jack Ryan, he is still President of the US. His youngest daughter, Katie, has graduated from the Naval Academy and is an officer in Naval Intelligence. Because of her work, her early promotion to Lieutenant Commander had been announced.

The sailing of a Russian submarine, the Belgorod, is brought to her attention, and she soon becomes the lead investigator. The submarine is special. It has just completed time in dry dock being upgraded to act as a special operations vessel. The fact that the boat set sail without warning is concerning. The various intelligence assets of the US usually provide notice well in advance of a Russian naval departure.

As the US intelligence services attempt to put feet on the ground to determine why the Belgorod has sailed, they encounter deadly resistance. The nature of the Russian response and the little information obtained leads President Ryan and his staff to conclude that Belgorod has become a nuclear threat to the US. Katie puts herself in harm’s way when she volunteers to join US Navy vessels in the Atlantic attempting to find and stop the Belgorod.

Will the Belgorod be found and stopped before a rogue group within the Russian military brings the world to the brink of WWIII?

I enjoyed the 10.5 hours I spent reading this 559-page thriller. If you have not read Tom Clancy’s The Hunt For Red October, you should do so before reading this novel. This novel makes many references to that book. This is an edge-of-your-set action-packed thriller, much like Hunt for Red October. Many characters from that novel have a place in the plot of this book. I have had the opportunity to read a few of the other novels by this author pair: Tier One, War Shadows, Crusader One, and American Operator. All were excellent thrillers. I give this novel a rating of 4.8 (rounded to 5) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Loved this installment of the Tom Clancy universe. Readers will be immediately pulled into the story. It felt very nostalgic and reminiscent of Clancy’s earlier titles.

Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson's book, Act of Defiance, is a continuation of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series. This book starts off with a bang, and continues with one major calamity after another, until you think it's not possible for anything else to possibly happen, then something else sure enough happens again, causing you to hold your breath until your sure the next disaster has been averted. The characters are so lifelike, the readers get sucked into their lives the same as they would their best friends, wanting to know more of what's going on. The plot itself is rich and so detailed, you don't want to put the book down until you've read the last page. I have to admit, I actually started to feel like I was back in the Navy as I ready this book.

Act of defiance was a great read. This book had the same feel as the original Hunting for Red October and Red storm rising. This is the sequel but with his daughter. Was great revisiting places where it all started for me in reading Tom Clancy books. Although Mark Greaney and Marc Cameron are still my two favorite co-authors - this was a pleasant surprise.
It was pretty clever the way that they tied it to the original story with Jack Ryan. Was a good way of passing the torch to the kids. Liked the part where he didn’t like flying in the original Red October story and where Katie was the same way. Highly recommend.

I read The Hunt for Red October before Sean Connery suited up as Marko Ramius. I loved it. Act of Defiance continues the story of Jack Ryan and his family, decades later. Ryan is the President of the United States, his kids are grown, and the Russians are at it again. This thriller by my favorite author duo again explores the submarine world and the cat and mouse game played by commanders who wield nuclear missiles. While President Ryan is present, most of the action focuses on his younger daughter, Katie, an intelligence analyst in the Navy.

Filled with action and intrigue, this novel is an excellent read with a few Easter eggs thrown in for fun. I enjoyed it and I think you will too.

Not family friendly due to profanity and violence.

I very much enjoyed Andrew & Wilson’s take on Jack Ryan. It is clear they bring an additional depth of technical detail to the naval setting in this book. I also really enjoyed the expansion of characters in the Ryan family and am hopeful we will continue to hear more from them in the future.

Thank you netgalley for this copy! I really enjoyed it!

Tom Clancy Act of Defiance - I read The Hunt For Red October by Tom Clancy when it first was released and later, enjoyed the movie. Serendipitously, I discovered TC AoD. I stopped reading Clancy's books a few years after Red October and was not aware of this series with TC AoD being 24th book. There is no difference between these two books in terms of writing style, story lines, characters, dialog, intrigue, suspense, etc. There is a link and parallels between the two books that makes for an immersing read. I will be starting with the first book of this series to see if the rest of the series holds a candle to TC AoD. Source: Netgalley. 5*

Wow. Just wow. This novel brings you all the way back to the beginning and the Hunt for the Red October. It pays such an incredible homage to the original with many parallels drawn that its incredible. I actually went back and watched the movie again to have a reference while reading this book. It made it that much better. Are we getting close to expanding the Ryan universe even more. Perhaps a standalone Katie book?
This is a must read for every Clancy fan out there. Superb.

First time the authors have jumped into the Tom Clancy world. A fun read that reminds you of old Tom Clancy, in particular the Hunt for Red October. Even some of the same old characters make an appearance. The book did get a little technical at times but lots of action to keep the reader engeaged.

I look forward to more books in this series by the authors. Great job of continuing the Clancy legacy.

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.