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Jack Ryan #11
Tom Clancy's Commander-in-Chief
A floating natural gas facility in Lithuania is blown up. A Venezuelan prosecutor is assassinated. A devastating attack on a Russian troop train kills dozens. A chaotic world is the best camouflage for a series of seemingly unrelated attacks. Only one man recognizes an ominous pattern in the reports of terror from around the globe. U.S. President Jack Ryan sees a guiding hand in the worldwide chaos. Faced with collapsing energy prices the Russian economy depends on expansion abroad. But it's a strategy that has been, in the past, thwarted by the United States. And so now it seems the Russian Leader, fearful of losing his grip on power, is pursuing his ambitions more indirectly. While Jack Ryan's intelligence agencies race to uncover the truth behind the attacks, the President struggles to unite a fractious and distrustful coalition of Western nations against the schemes of the Russian dictator. With five thousand Russian troops poised to invade a NATO nation, can Jack Ryan move swiftly enough to stop Volodin's grand plan of global conflict and conquest? Or will he succeed in changing the balance of world power forever?
736 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2015
1823 people are currently reading
6401 people want to read
About the author
Mark Greaney
96 books6,026 followersMark Greaney has a degree in International Relations and Political Science. In researching The Gray Man series he traveled to ten countries and trained extensively in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close range combative tactics.
Learn more at MARKGREANEYBOOKS.COM
Email Mark at MarkGreaneyBooks@gmail.com
Learn more at MARKGREANEYBOOKS.COM
Email Mark at MarkGreaneyBooks@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 563 reviews
January 18, 2016
First, this is an excellent, fast paced book with lots of close calls for the characters. The story lines include a lot of political intrigue. I really enjoyed reading this book and gave it 5 stars for how well written it was and the enjoyment factor. BUT, if you are a Tom Clancy fan and haven't read any of the more recent collaborative/ghost written versions, I do have some caveats.
I've been reading Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, John Clark, and Jack Ryan, Jr. Series for quite some time. I've done some re-reads as well. Because of that, I can tell that there has been a decided difference to the writing style over the years.
If you like Tom Clancy's minute details on weaponry, aircraft, war ships, subs, military tactics, and its effect on global situations: you'll be disappointed. The early Clancy novels contain much more of this type of information than the latest ones do. From my point of view, the recent novels are better because I skipped over those details anyway - so much better to enjoy the story. These latest novels have allowed me to read without skipping. However, Tom Clancy's attention to detail is missing in other areas as well. You can tell easily by reading, say, "Patriot Games" then read his newer novels. But Mark Greaney maintains the characters, and that's a good thing.
The story is very fast paced and typical of Tom Clancy. A bird in China ruffles its feathers, a mouse eats cheese in Brasil, and the world goes to hell in a handbag. Only a handful of mostly men and some women can pull it back together.
Those men and women used to have strong back stories and we'd hear about their families. Not so much in this novel. We focus mainly on the heroes and villains. Too bad. The touches that made the characters real were the interpersonal relationships. Again, that attention to detail Tom Clancy was well noted for.
And then, there's the Tom Clancy prescience. This book is based on some past events and current events. The potential events don't seem as shockingly plausible. But, then, neither did a plane flying into the Capitol building as in "Debt of Honor" and here we are - post 9-11.
Tom is missing. It's evident. But that didn't make it less enjoyable. Just that it's not quite Tom Clancy.
I've been reading Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, John Clark, and Jack Ryan, Jr. Series for quite some time. I've done some re-reads as well. Because of that, I can tell that there has been a decided difference to the writing style over the years.
If you like Tom Clancy's minute details on weaponry, aircraft, war ships, subs, military tactics, and its effect on global situations: you'll be disappointed. The early Clancy novels contain much more of this type of information than the latest ones do. From my point of view, the recent novels are better because I skipped over those details anyway - so much better to enjoy the story. These latest novels have allowed me to read without skipping. However, Tom Clancy's attention to detail is missing in other areas as well. You can tell easily by reading, say, "Patriot Games" then read his newer novels. But Mark Greaney maintains the characters, and that's a good thing.
The story is very fast paced and typical of Tom Clancy. A bird in China ruffles its feathers, a mouse eats cheese in Brasil, and the world goes to hell in a handbag. Only a handful of mostly men and some women can pull it back together.
Those men and women used to have strong back stories and we'd hear about their families. Not so much in this novel. We focus mainly on the heroes and villains. Too bad. The touches that made the characters real were the interpersonal relationships. Again, that attention to detail Tom Clancy was well noted for.
And then, there's the Tom Clancy prescience. This book is based on some past events and current events. The potential events don't seem as shockingly plausible. But, then, neither did a plane flying into the Capitol building as in "Debt of Honor" and here we are - post 9-11.
Tom is missing. It's evident. But that didn't make it less enjoyable. Just that it's not quite Tom Clancy.
August 16, 2021
4.5 actually. I do love the Jack Ryan character and also now his son too (aged about 30 years). The top reason i love these books is the strategy shown. With the reasons behind that thinking for the main characters and their respective countries. Russia is making moves on neighboring countries. Designed to appear that the USA is striking first. Russian President Valeri Volodin is pushing to ostensibly bring Russia back to its former glory.
But the USA has a covert team seeking to highlight this international conflict. That clearly started 30 years ago.
Unputdownable.
Ps. I love Mark Greaney writing as Tom Clancy.
But the USA has a covert team seeking to highlight this international conflict. That clearly started 30 years ago.
Unputdownable.
Ps. I love Mark Greaney writing as Tom Clancy.
December 28, 2015
Once again, Mark Greaney covers the name of Tom Clancy, and nice to see Mr Greaney’s name given prominence on the cover.
You often see thrillers with “ripped from today’s headlines” as an inaccurate cover blurb, but they could have used it for this one very easily. So close to what is currently going on with Russia it is scary at times.
The Russian President has a country suffering from lowering oil revenues and financial sanctions. In a bit to consolidate his political position and his country’s fortunes, he looks to further expansion into his neighbours. He relies on indecision from NATO and misdirection to hide his intent. On the ground, members of the secret Campus organisation are starting to pull the threads together, and in the US, President Jack Ryan leads a diplomatic front while knowing he may need to commit US Forces against a much larger invading force.
This felt very “Clancy” with a blend of high level politics and leadership with the intelligence teams and troops on the ground. The way the little picture build up into the big one with the switching perspectives. Mark Greaney gets it right on all fronts and writes a book that Clancy would have been pleased to have called his own. I hope the Clancy estate and publishers continue with Mr Greaney for some while yet.
You often see thrillers with “ripped from today’s headlines” as an inaccurate cover blurb, but they could have used it for this one very easily. So close to what is currently going on with Russia it is scary at times.
The Russian President has a country suffering from lowering oil revenues and financial sanctions. In a bit to consolidate his political position and his country’s fortunes, he looks to further expansion into his neighbours. He relies on indecision from NATO and misdirection to hide his intent. On the ground, members of the secret Campus organisation are starting to pull the threads together, and in the US, President Jack Ryan leads a diplomatic front while knowing he may need to commit US Forces against a much larger invading force.
This felt very “Clancy” with a blend of high level politics and leadership with the intelligence teams and troops on the ground. The way the little picture build up into the big one with the switching perspectives. Mark Greaney gets it right on all fronts and writes a book that Clancy would have been pleased to have called his own. I hope the Clancy estate and publishers continue with Mr Greaney for some while yet.
December 22, 2015
Mark Greaney is the perfect choice to continue Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan stories. This book continues the storylines from the last couple of books (no spoilers).
February 5, 2017
Easily the best of the last half dozen or so, "Universe," stories. 8 of 10 stars
January 11, 2016
Denouement? What denouement?
I was enjoying this book. Greaney is no Clancy, but the story was interesting--a megalomaniac running Russia, trying to reassert dominance the old Soviet states, oil and money, NATO wishy-washy decision making, and a cast of familiar and favorite characters. I wanted to take out my red pen many times (Greaney just uses too many words), but I was along for the ride, and happily so.
Until the end.
Imagine you're watching a fourth of July fireworks display. They get bigger and brighter, John Philip Sousa plays louder and louder, and you're completely primed for the big finish. Suddenly, it all stops, and two fifth graders come out, one of whom is playing on a recorder, and the other of whom is holding a sparkler. That's all, folks. Show's over. Thanks for coming.
Yep. That's the end of Commander in Chief.
I was enjoying this book. Greaney is no Clancy, but the story was interesting--a megalomaniac running Russia, trying to reassert dominance the old Soviet states, oil and money, NATO wishy-washy decision making, and a cast of familiar and favorite characters. I wanted to take out my red pen many times (Greaney just uses too many words), but I was along for the ride, and happily so.
Until the end.
Imagine you're watching a fourth of July fireworks display. They get bigger and brighter, John Philip Sousa plays louder and louder, and you're completely primed for the big finish. Suddenly, it all stops, and two fifth graders come out, one of whom is playing on a recorder, and the other of whom is holding a sparkler. That's all, folks. Show's over. Thanks for coming.
Yep. That's the end of Commander in Chief.
May 6, 2016
Great thriller! Tom Clancy would be proud of this book.
February 23, 2017
Mark Greaney nails this one, enjoyed the storyline and characters. He held true to Clancy with this novel.
Excellent !
Excellent !
December 29, 2015
This latest offering in the Tom Clancy-Jack Ryan series from Mark Greany is really good. The Russians have declared the independence of the Baltic countries to be null and void. US President Jack Ryan Sr. has his hands full trying to restore the peace after the Russians attack Lithuania. Jack Ryan Jr. and his fellow Campus operatives are in the thick of the action also. Greany is masterful in painting his protagonists into the darkest corners imaginable. It is hard to even remotely speculate how they can successfully extract themselves and prevail over the forces of evil allied against them.
I very much recommend this novel to all Clancy-Ryan fans.
I very much recommend this novel to all Clancy-Ryan fans.
December 13, 2015
This Jack Ryan novel is written by Mark Greaney who in my opinion is the far superior of the writers continuing Clancy’s works. I enjoyed the book but found it very similar to The Bear and Dragon with the exception of the involvement of the Campus operatives; John Clark, Ding, Dom and Jack Jr. A very complicated plot that is close to the headlines of today with Russia acting belligerent towards it’s neighbors.
May 4, 2020
With five thousand Russian troops poised to invade a NATO country, can Jack Ryan move swiftly enough to stop Volodin's grand plan of global conflict and conquest? Or will he succeed in changing the balance of world power for ever.
August 21, 2020
Trên bìa in tên Tom Clancy "bự tổ chảng", nhưng thật ra tác giả là Mark Greaney. Tom Clancy đã qua đời năm 2013. Mark Greaney là đồng tác giả cho xê-ri về nhân vật Jack Ryan. Sau khi Tom Clancy qua đời, Mark Greaney vẫn tiếp tục với xê-ri ấy.
Commander in Chief viết về một cuộc đối đầu giữa Hoa Kỳ và nước Nga, lấy bối cảnh là thời gian hiện tại, những năm thật gần đây. Chém gió hơi nhiều. Tất nhiên, những tác phẩm này là như thế. Nhưng đọc lôi cuốn. Mặc dù có nhiều nhân vật, nhiều bối cảnh khác nhau, nhiều tình tiết khác nhau nhưng không làm có người đọc bối rối. Đây là cái tài của người viết. Ngắt câu chuyện tại cảnh này ở đâu để viết tiếp ở cảnh khác với những nhân vật khác như thế nào mà không làm cho người đọc cảm thấy bị hụt hẫng mất căng thẳng, đó cũng là một nghệ thuật. Cái kết không làm cho bạn đọc bất ngờ, tất nhiên, phe ta nhất định phải thắng phe địch. Những quyển này là như vậy, điểm yếu nói chung của những tác phẩm thuộc thể loại này.
Nhìn chung là một quyển khá hay, khá hơn những quyển trước đây (như Threat Vector) vì tuy "chém gió" nhưng vẫn còn trong khuôn khổ có thể chấp nhận được, không quá xá phi lý. Tuy không phải là xuất sắc nhưng giới thiệu cho những bạn nào thích đề tài này, hay muốn có thay đổi vì đọc mãi trinh thám cũng nhàm.
Commander in Chief viết về một cuộc đối đầu giữa Hoa Kỳ và nước Nga, lấy bối cảnh là thời gian hiện tại, những năm thật gần đây. Chém gió hơi nhiều. Tất nhiên, những tác phẩm này là như thế. Nhưng đọc lôi cuốn. Mặc dù có nhiều nhân vật, nhiều bối cảnh khác nhau, nhiều tình tiết khác nhau nhưng không làm có người đọc bối rối. Đây là cái tài của người viết. Ngắt câu chuyện tại cảnh này ở đâu để viết tiếp ở cảnh khác với những nhân vật khác như thế nào mà không làm cho người đọc cảm thấy bị hụt hẫng mất căng thẳng, đó cũng là một nghệ thuật. Cái kết không làm cho bạn đọc bất ngờ, tất nhiên, phe ta nhất định phải thắng phe địch. Những quyển này là như vậy, điểm yếu nói chung của những tác phẩm thuộc thể loại này.
Nhìn chung là một quyển khá hay, khá hơn những quyển trước đây (như Threat Vector) vì tuy "chém gió" nhưng vẫn còn trong khuôn khổ có thể chấp nhận được, không quá xá phi lý. Tuy không phải là xuất sắc nhưng giới thiệu cho những bạn nào thích đề tài này, hay muốn có thay đổi vì đọc mãi trinh thám cũng nhàm.
December 10, 2015
The Russian President Valeri Volodin is in deep trouble. All of his
adviser's hate him. The Russian economy is at a virtual stand still and
the people are not happy. He has to turn this around quickly so he is
trying to hide billions of dollars that he has stolen from the country.
This is in case he has to flee the country in case his plan doesn't
work. A natural gas facility in Lithuania is blown up, a Venezuelan
prosecutor is assassinated and an attack on a Russian troop train kills
dozens.Only Jack Ryan President of the U.S can decipher some of this
madness and he is trying get the truth so he can unite a bunch of distrustful Western nations. Five thousand Russian troops are ready to invade a
NATO nation and President Ryan doesn't think he can stop World War III.
This is a long book and Mark Greaney is one of the few who can keep your
fingers flying through 718 pages. I think that they found the perfect
person to write for Tom Clancy and I hope that he can continue. This
book is a definite 5.
adviser's hate him. The Russian economy is at a virtual stand still and
the people are not happy. He has to turn this around quickly so he is
trying to hide billions of dollars that he has stolen from the country.
This is in case he has to flee the country in case his plan doesn't
work. A natural gas facility in Lithuania is blown up, a Venezuelan
prosecutor is assassinated and an attack on a Russian troop train kills
dozens.Only Jack Ryan President of the U.S can decipher some of this
madness and he is trying get the truth so he can unite a bunch of distrustful Western nations. Five thousand Russian troops are ready to invade a
NATO nation and President Ryan doesn't think he can stop World War III.
This is a long book and Mark Greaney is one of the few who can keep your
fingers flying through 718 pages. I think that they found the perfect
person to write for Tom Clancy and I hope that he can continue. This
book is a definite 5.
August 21, 2018
The bad: the book is a bit of a mishmash of different situations, not necessarily following a bigger plotline. Sure, there is a bigger plotline, but the pacing is somewhat inconsistent compared with other books. We jump throughout 5 different countries and dozens of locations, but I'm not sure any of the situations in specific was memorable.
The good: the action is great. There are firefights, melee combat, politics, and so much more. Solid book.
The good: the action is great. There are firefights, melee combat, politics, and so much more. Solid book.
January 21, 2018
As always the Jack Ryan series book kept me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath! This book was packed full of many “what is he doing” moments and hoping everyone comes through this unscathed. A great read.
June 29, 2022
Na labai labai realus siužetas šiomis dienomis, kai už tvoros vyksta tikras karas. Rusijos prezidento ir jo politikos taikinys - Lietuva. JAV prezidentas kviečia burtis ir rimtai pasirengti viena kitos gynybai ne itin vieningai nusiteikusias Europos Sąjungos bei NATO šalis. Lietuva praktiškai "paaukojama". Labai nesinorėtų, kad jis taptų realus. Viskas baigiasi tuo, ko dabar laukiame - Rusijos valdžios pasikeitimu. Tikrai neblogas ir intriguojantis karinis - politinis trileris, nors ir pilnas "nenugalimų" agentų.
December 18, 2015
A nice book to follow the Ryanverse theme. Though Jr. and Sr. both are prominent in this edition, Jr. seems to be taking more of the spotlight from dad. From the get-go there is good action and flowing, building plot development. A terrorist attack and an assassination to get you fueled for the story to come. With action in the British Virgin Islands, Mainland Europe and a small amount in the U.S., there is a great deal of international appeal and many moving parts.
We see more detail in this book revolving around how things happen and some technical detail. Things happen fast! I would like to see an expansion of The Campus. It seems like with Brian and both Sams dead and Clark at 67 an organization like this should infuse new blood and have Clark running more operations from a desk. Not nearly as sexy as having Clark take down an assassin pair on a boat in the BVI's, but probably more likely to happen.
The end of the book is having me hopeful for a Jack Jr. spin-off similar to when Dom was given his hiatus. Would have us see where Jack Jr is going to grow into his own main character after Sr. rides off into the sunset. That's a lot of what is appealing about this series - the characters are always developing and changing. They aren't stick figures, but grow and change as they age and go into other stages of life.
Greaney's carrying of the torch of the Clancy franchise is marvelous. His writing style and plot development are second to none. The characters and story are believable. His knowledge of international politics brings personality and realism to the fore-front of the novels he writes. You can see the motives in the bad guys and how the good guys deal with the bad guys is artful. When's the next book come out??
We see more detail in this book revolving around how things happen and some technical detail. Things happen fast! I would like to see an expansion of The Campus. It seems like with Brian and both Sams dead and Clark at 67 an organization like this should infuse new blood and have Clark running more operations from a desk. Not nearly as sexy as having Clark take down an assassin pair on a boat in the BVI's, but probably more likely to happen.
The end of the book is having me hopeful for a Jack Jr. spin-off similar to when Dom was given his hiatus. Would have us see where Jack Jr is going to grow into his own main character after Sr. rides off into the sunset. That's a lot of what is appealing about this series - the characters are always developing and changing. They aren't stick figures, but grow and change as they age and go into other stages of life.
Greaney's carrying of the torch of the Clancy franchise is marvelous. His writing style and plot development are second to none. The characters and story are believable. His knowledge of international politics brings personality and realism to the fore-front of the novels he writes. You can see the motives in the bad guys and how the good guys deal with the bad guys is artful. When's the next book come out??
December 25, 2015
Another Campus Thriller!
I don't know anymore what number this is in the Campus series, but the plots keep getting better and the action faster.
This time the action is divided between Lithuania and the British Virgin Islands as Domingo and Chavez fight off an impending Russian invasion, Jack investigates a trail of secret Moscow money laundering in Italy and Luxembourg. After Jack's cover is blown leading to serious injuries to his girlfriend as unknown agents searched for Jack, John Clark is called back to active duty and sent to the Virgin Islands to continue tracking the money and to determine which Russian Bigwig was hiding enormous sums of U.S. Dollars.
As war breaks out, Jack Ryan, Sr., is drawn into the mix when he is faced with a Russian invasion of Lithuania, and a Russian nuclear missile sub hiding off the east coast.
The situation spirals out of control on its way to an exciting climax.
This Political Thriller could have been taken from the pages of tomorrow's newspaper, as is the case with all Tom Clancy mysteries. The product hasn't been tarnished.
I strongly recommend this exciting novel.
I don't know anymore what number this is in the Campus series, but the plots keep getting better and the action faster.
This time the action is divided between Lithuania and the British Virgin Islands as Domingo and Chavez fight off an impending Russian invasion, Jack investigates a trail of secret Moscow money laundering in Italy and Luxembourg. After Jack's cover is blown leading to serious injuries to his girlfriend as unknown agents searched for Jack, John Clark is called back to active duty and sent to the Virgin Islands to continue tracking the money and to determine which Russian Bigwig was hiding enormous sums of U.S. Dollars.
As war breaks out, Jack Ryan, Sr., is drawn into the mix when he is faced with a Russian invasion of Lithuania, and a Russian nuclear missile sub hiding off the east coast.
The situation spirals out of control on its way to an exciting climax.
This Political Thriller could have been taken from the pages of tomorrow's newspaper, as is the case with all Tom Clancy mysteries. The product hasn't been tarnished.
I strongly recommend this exciting novel.
March 20, 2016
Mark Greaney continues the world of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan. Russian President Valeri Volodin (likely loosely based on Putin) is determined to reverse his recent string of setbacks, and edges the world towards all out war. President Ryan is willing to call Volodin on his various actions, but most of NATO won't back him. The tension mounts as various "incidents" push the countries towards all out war.
The Campus, the private intel firm from several earlier books, are part of this chain of events as they work on various behind the scenes things. jack Ryan Jr is headstrong and has trouble following orders, which causes some problems. John Clark is getting older, and his age is creeping on him. And the Campus is still hampered by the recent loss of some of their field personnel. They really need to recruit some more operators.
It's a long book, at 718 pages, but it's worth the read. The ending is a bit unsatisfying. But overall the action is good, the plot is complex, and the characters are familiar and compelling. It was an enjoyable political/espionage thriller.
The Campus, the private intel firm from several earlier books, are part of this chain of events as they work on various behind the scenes things. jack Ryan Jr is headstrong and has trouble following orders, which causes some problems. John Clark is getting older, and his age is creeping on him. And the Campus is still hampered by the recent loss of some of their field personnel. They really need to recruit some more operators.
It's a long book, at 718 pages, but it's worth the read. The ending is a bit unsatisfying. But overall the action is good, the plot is complex, and the characters are familiar and compelling. It was an enjoyable political/espionage thriller.
February 15, 2016
After a couple of so-so books in the Jack Ryan series we finally get a really good one. All the good old parameters from Tom Clancy's time is here such as technical details, a lot of simultaneous plots that neatly fits together in the end, a plot that is interesting and very much here and now, a lot of characters you recognize from before etc. Plus of course that we see some Swedish support in the form of some Gripen fighter jets making a short appearance.
The bad sides is that it could have been a bit longer. In the end it feels a bit rushed. When he spent so much time building up the plot i wonder why not add a 100 more pages and make the end just as detailed and good.
Recommended!
The bad sides is that it could have been a bit longer. In the end it feels a bit rushed. When he spent so much time building up the plot i wonder why not add a 100 more pages and make the end just as detailed and good.
Recommended!
February 15, 2021
Another famous author's estate finds another wonderful "legacy" author...Greaney does a great job catching the Clancy feel in this sweeping story involving both Jack Ryan's and the Campus...One deals with the existential threat of a Putin-like Russian leader and the other uncovers a massive money laundering scheme that is also linked to Russia...Sweeping, fun read...loved it!!!
December 19, 2015
Tom Clancy lives on, sort of. In Commander-in-Chief Mark Greaney has revived the core of the original Tom Clancy techno-military novels. Commander-in-Chief reminds me of my favorite Clancy book, Red Storm Rising, which involved a similar limited war between the USA and the Soviet Union. This is the best Tom Clancy style book since The Sum of All Fears. I give Commander-in-Chief five stars.
March 20, 2023
Read before , but it's been a while. I'd forgotten most of the story. I said before that since Clancy's death these are hit and miss and this one is a hit. I stand by that. The build up is a little too long and the climax too quick, but a good read. I need to get caught back up on this series.
May 3, 2016
Loved it... I know it wasn't Tom Clancy who wrote it, but I felt like I was reading Red Storm Rising / Hunt for Red October again. Heck... it's got me going back to read Red October now. Two thumbs up!
April 14, 2016
Found the book good but trying to cover many areas at once and became a little confusing without really tying it all together.
November 23, 2020
This is Tom Clancy's 7th novel based on the clandestine privately-funded American intelligence and special ops company called the "THE CAMPUS". The book was written after Tom Clancy's death by ghostwriter Mark Greaney.
The Campus was created by a former senator on the encouragement of President of The United States Jack Ryan, during his earlier term as POTUS. His son, Jack Ryan, Jr. works there as an analyst-cum-operator. In the 6 past novels, The Campus has been involved with missions to save the USA from enemies within and abroad.
In the 5th book "Command Authority", Russian President Valeri Volodin, who wants to restore Russia back as a larger and more powerful Soviet Union, wanted to take over Estonia, followed by Ukraine. While the U.S. military beat back the small Russian invasion force from Estonia, Russia was able to annex Crimea from Ukraine, as well as a part of eastern Ukraine itself.
In this book, Volodin is under pressure from other powerful people in Russia, as its economy is hurting due to low oil & gas prices. Volodin plans a series of measures, including assassinations and bombings which will help raise the prices. To get back some of his own waning power within the power centres of Russia itself, he wants to conquer and annex the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, Poland and Lithuania, starting with the latter. He also starts transferring his personal wealth of US$8 billion to multiple different accounts, to hide this from the FSB, and to give him an easier exit from Russia if his plans fail.
Lithuania has a small under-armed military but is a NATO member and expects military support from all NATO nations as per the NATO charter. As the Russian invasion is around the corner, how will NATO react? More importantly, what will the USA do? And how does The Campus get involved?
Better than "Command Authority" but 4-stars (once again) as it is too long at 762 pages. The book could have been easily edited down to 550-odd pages and would then deserve 5 stars.
The Campus was created by a former senator on the encouragement of President of The United States Jack Ryan, during his earlier term as POTUS. His son, Jack Ryan, Jr. works there as an analyst-cum-operator. In the 6 past novels, The Campus has been involved with missions to save the USA from enemies within and abroad.
In the 5th book "Command Authority", Russian President Valeri Volodin, who wants to restore Russia back as a larger and more powerful Soviet Union, wanted to take over Estonia, followed by Ukraine. While the U.S. military beat back the small Russian invasion force from Estonia, Russia was able to annex Crimea from Ukraine, as well as a part of eastern Ukraine itself.
In this book, Volodin is under pressure from other powerful people in Russia, as its economy is hurting due to low oil & gas prices. Volodin plans a series of measures, including assassinations and bombings which will help raise the prices. To get back some of his own waning power within the power centres of Russia itself, he wants to conquer and annex the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, Poland and Lithuania, starting with the latter. He also starts transferring his personal wealth of US$8 billion to multiple different accounts, to hide this from the FSB, and to give him an easier exit from Russia if his plans fail.
Lithuania has a small under-armed military but is a NATO member and expects military support from all NATO nations as per the NATO charter. As the Russian invasion is around the corner, how will NATO react? More importantly, what will the USA do? And how does The Campus get involved?
Better than "Command Authority" but 4-stars (once again) as it is too long at 762 pages. The book could have been easily edited down to 550-odd pages and would then deserve 5 stars.
January 19, 2016
Tom Clancy Commander in Chief, Mark Greaney, author, Scott Brick, narrator
Three things are happening behind the scenes in this realistic modern day novel of suspense and foreign intrigue. The Russian President, Valeri Volodin, threatened with extinction because of his country’s precarious financial position and loss of power and stature in the world today, had devised a demonic plan of destruction to guarantee his country’s return to a position of strength, and in the event of failure, he had laid out a broad and creative plan to enable his escape, as one very rich man, to a place of refuge outside Russia. To this end, 1) he was repositioning his armed forces and weapons in Europe, weapons that have been improved that the rest of the world is not aware of, including new and more advanced nuclear submarines; 2) he was staging and engineering terrorist attacks in various cities around Europe, planting evidence that pointed away from Russian responsibility, and instead credited the havoc, death and destruction created on small splinter groups of discontented revolutionaries, in order to instill fear around the world; 3) he had people secretly transferring money stolen from his country, to the tune of billions, to secret accounts in his name, using bitcoins that could not be traced in case he was unsuccessful in accomplishing his master plan and needed to make a quick getaway. He threatened those refusing to help him with death and torture; he kidnapped families and held them hostage; he engaged assassins and willingly sacrificed innocent men and women, Russians and foreigners, to achieve his goals. He had engaged the help of brutal mercenaries from all over the world to stage the attacks, and it would seem that there was simply no end to the number of people willing to do anything for money.
From country to country, as terrorist attacks took place, President Jack Ryan and his advisors began to suspect that Russia was behind the turmoil being created because of the way it was being carried out. The attacks appeared to be engineered by groups who were using far more sophisticated methods than previously had been used, and the groups seemed far better trained than they were previously known to be. Someone was training these men in advanced methods of attack. Witnesses soon provide conflicting evidence to the contrary of what appeared originally on initial investigations, and it became obvious to some that mischief of a very dangerous nature was afoot and was probably birthed in the womb of Mother Russia.
The President of the United States was tasked with the job of convincing Nato to aid in the defense of the countries being attacked, but he was thwarted by excuses that reeked of politics, protocol and a decided lack of enthusiasm because the countries that needed to help were also countries that were dependent on their dealings with Russia. They didn’t want to jeopardize their fragile economies by interfering in what might not be as threatening a situation as the United States suspected it would become, that might simply be a false alarm or a wild goose chase. However, the United States advisors had surmised that the evil plan of destruction and sacrifice of human capital existed to propel Valeri Volodin into the spotlight, making him the hero of his country or the best escape artist, who would leave Russia behind with a sack of money if he failed. Jack Ryan was unable to convince his allies to assist him in moving troops around Europe to protect what he believed would soon be an invasion, by Russia, into independent nations that were formerly part of the USSR. He believed that Volodin was up to something so disruptive that it would destabilize the rest of the world and put fear in their hearts, giving the Russians greater power and position.
When a routine surveillance operation accidentally becomes involved in the Russian debacle, there is further evidence of Russian complicity. These surveillance teams were working for the Campus, a secret organization that protected the President. Jack Ryan is the son of the President. He worked with the Campus and had unwittingly become involved in an international act of war. As the President’s son, he was forbidden from being in such a high profile and dangerous position. He took unnecessary risks putting their work into jeopardy and subjected himself to severe consequences because of his actions. His current lady love was working with him, and although he tried to protect her, she had come to serious harm.
Russia’s weapons had been more highly developed than Nato or the US was aware and as the conflict escalated and fighting began, they discovered that their submarines, missiles and tanks were far more advanced than was previously known. Their brutality and Machiavellian behavior astonished the world, although given its past history, it would was hard to believe that part of the plot. How could heads of countries have been that naïve, and would they really have been that unwilling to believe the threat presenting itself or that unwilling to engage in defensive actions?
Jack Ryan, the President’s son, did not play as prominent a role in this particular Jack Ryan novel. Rather, his position in life and the danger he placed others in by ignoring his importance, upstaged him. He was forced to return home as his presence was placing The Campus and the operation in greater danger. Other operatives assumed a more prominent role in this dangerous endeavor. Jack, however, chomped at the bit to get involved again, even if he had to disobey orders that would have serious consequences for him.
From start to finish, this novel of intrigue will grip the reader to the seat as this very plausible real-world scenario plays out. Will Russia succeed with the diabolical plans of its leader? Will America convince NATO to enter into the mysterious world of treachery that they believe Russia is now engaged in, or will the international community balk at any idea that might negatively influence their economic and political circumstances? Will Russia’s nuclear submarine continue to threaten the coast of the United States positioning itself outside of particular cities of interest like Washington DC? Who will outsmart whom in the end? Will it be a no win situation eventually bringing everyone down? It was not until the seeds of this evil plan had begun to grow that the world actually came late to the table, joining the United States to make a united effort to stop the forces of evil that threatened national security everywhere. When the book ended, one could not help wondering if this novel was prescient and would soon play out in one form or another in the not too distant future.
Scott Brick is an excellent narrator who uses authentic foreign accents and appropriate expression.
Three things are happening behind the scenes in this realistic modern day novel of suspense and foreign intrigue. The Russian President, Valeri Volodin, threatened with extinction because of his country’s precarious financial position and loss of power and stature in the world today, had devised a demonic plan of destruction to guarantee his country’s return to a position of strength, and in the event of failure, he had laid out a broad and creative plan to enable his escape, as one very rich man, to a place of refuge outside Russia. To this end, 1) he was repositioning his armed forces and weapons in Europe, weapons that have been improved that the rest of the world is not aware of, including new and more advanced nuclear submarines; 2) he was staging and engineering terrorist attacks in various cities around Europe, planting evidence that pointed away from Russian responsibility, and instead credited the havoc, death and destruction created on small splinter groups of discontented revolutionaries, in order to instill fear around the world; 3) he had people secretly transferring money stolen from his country, to the tune of billions, to secret accounts in his name, using bitcoins that could not be traced in case he was unsuccessful in accomplishing his master plan and needed to make a quick getaway. He threatened those refusing to help him with death and torture; he kidnapped families and held them hostage; he engaged assassins and willingly sacrificed innocent men and women, Russians and foreigners, to achieve his goals. He had engaged the help of brutal mercenaries from all over the world to stage the attacks, and it would seem that there was simply no end to the number of people willing to do anything for money.
From country to country, as terrorist attacks took place, President Jack Ryan and his advisors began to suspect that Russia was behind the turmoil being created because of the way it was being carried out. The attacks appeared to be engineered by groups who were using far more sophisticated methods than previously had been used, and the groups seemed far better trained than they were previously known to be. Someone was training these men in advanced methods of attack. Witnesses soon provide conflicting evidence to the contrary of what appeared originally on initial investigations, and it became obvious to some that mischief of a very dangerous nature was afoot and was probably birthed in the womb of Mother Russia.
The President of the United States was tasked with the job of convincing Nato to aid in the defense of the countries being attacked, but he was thwarted by excuses that reeked of politics, protocol and a decided lack of enthusiasm because the countries that needed to help were also countries that were dependent on their dealings with Russia. They didn’t want to jeopardize their fragile economies by interfering in what might not be as threatening a situation as the United States suspected it would become, that might simply be a false alarm or a wild goose chase. However, the United States advisors had surmised that the evil plan of destruction and sacrifice of human capital existed to propel Valeri Volodin into the spotlight, making him the hero of his country or the best escape artist, who would leave Russia behind with a sack of money if he failed. Jack Ryan was unable to convince his allies to assist him in moving troops around Europe to protect what he believed would soon be an invasion, by Russia, into independent nations that were formerly part of the USSR. He believed that Volodin was up to something so disruptive that it would destabilize the rest of the world and put fear in their hearts, giving the Russians greater power and position.
When a routine surveillance operation accidentally becomes involved in the Russian debacle, there is further evidence of Russian complicity. These surveillance teams were working for the Campus, a secret organization that protected the President. Jack Ryan is the son of the President. He worked with the Campus and had unwittingly become involved in an international act of war. As the President’s son, he was forbidden from being in such a high profile and dangerous position. He took unnecessary risks putting their work into jeopardy and subjected himself to severe consequences because of his actions. His current lady love was working with him, and although he tried to protect her, she had come to serious harm.
Russia’s weapons had been more highly developed than Nato or the US was aware and as the conflict escalated and fighting began, they discovered that their submarines, missiles and tanks were far more advanced than was previously known. Their brutality and Machiavellian behavior astonished the world, although given its past history, it would was hard to believe that part of the plot. How could heads of countries have been that naïve, and would they really have been that unwilling to believe the threat presenting itself or that unwilling to engage in defensive actions?
Jack Ryan, the President’s son, did not play as prominent a role in this particular Jack Ryan novel. Rather, his position in life and the danger he placed others in by ignoring his importance, upstaged him. He was forced to return home as his presence was placing The Campus and the operation in greater danger. Other operatives assumed a more prominent role in this dangerous endeavor. Jack, however, chomped at the bit to get involved again, even if he had to disobey orders that would have serious consequences for him.
From start to finish, this novel of intrigue will grip the reader to the seat as this very plausible real-world scenario plays out. Will Russia succeed with the diabolical plans of its leader? Will America convince NATO to enter into the mysterious world of treachery that they believe Russia is now engaged in, or will the international community balk at any idea that might negatively influence their economic and political circumstances? Will Russia’s nuclear submarine continue to threaten the coast of the United States positioning itself outside of particular cities of interest like Washington DC? Who will outsmart whom in the end? Will it be a no win situation eventually bringing everyone down? It was not until the seeds of this evil plan had begun to grow that the world actually came late to the table, joining the United States to make a united effort to stop the forces of evil that threatened national security everywhere. When the book ended, one could not help wondering if this novel was prescient and would soon play out in one form or another in the not too distant future.
Scott Brick is an excellent narrator who uses authentic foreign accents and appropriate expression.
September 25, 2017
I love Tom Clancy's books. This one has some very prescient things in it that are ripped from today's headlines. President Ryan says the exact same things to the leadership of Russia that the current President is saying to North Korea.
On a side note, there are 2 little things near the end that I absolutely love:
A quote spoken by President Ryan, "But it is not possible to tell a lie well enough to make it true." Since the book is written by Mark Greaney, off of what I'm assuming was an outline by Tom Clancy before he died, I don't know which to attribute it to, but I LOVE it. So true.
The second is the funny little conversation in the very last pages of the book, about alphabet soup,
and what a lovely Iranian woman thought alphabet soup was made of, and the reality of what it really is.
On a side note, there are 2 little things near the end that I absolutely love:
A quote spoken by President Ryan, "But it is not possible to tell a lie well enough to make it true." Since the book is written by Mark Greaney, off of what I'm assuming was an outline by Tom Clancy before he died, I don't know which to attribute it to, but I LOVE it. So true.
The second is the funny little conversation in the very last pages of the book, about alphabet soup,
and what a lovely Iranian woman thought alphabet soup was made of, and the reality of what it really is.
September 8, 2018
Drags on, then stops.
Like many Not Really Clancy books, this one gives the impression the author hit his page count requirement and just stopped. The military tech references were weakly integrated, feeling like someone trying to sound smart at a party.
Tom Clancy had the many plates spinning at once by giving each of them small, perfectly timed nudges. This was more like a janitor pushing all the broken plates off the stage, and not in a neat line but in lazy randomly sized piles. I keep buying these anyway with fingers crossed.
Like many Not Really Clancy books, this one gives the impression the author hit his page count requirement and just stopped. The military tech references were weakly integrated, feeling like someone trying to sound smart at a party.
Tom Clancy had the many plates spinning at once by giving each of them small, perfectly timed nudges. This was more like a janitor pushing all the broken plates off the stage, and not in a neat line but in lazy randomly sized piles. I keep buying these anyway with fingers crossed.
January 2, 2020
Great action with several simultaneous interesting sub plots. I actually enjoy Greaney's works more than Clancy's. He keeps the pace going and presents believable military detail in vivid ways for the non-military reader. For those of us lucky enough to live in peaceful countries this book is a reminder of how tenuous our security is and what sacrifice and courage those who protect us endure. This is my second crazy Russian oligarch read this year. I hope it is not a sign of things to come.
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