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Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands #1
Dark Waters
At the tip of the spear of the US Army’s unconventional warfare response forces stands a group of highly specialized and incredibly skilled Special Forces soldiers: the Ghosts.
INDIVIDUALLY, THEY ARE GREAT. TOGETHER, THEY ARE UNBEATABLE.
When a group of renegade Venezuelan soldiers seize control of the no-man’s land in the middle of the Amazonian Jungle, the Ghosts are tapped to get the US citizens being held hostage there out safely.
Newly promoted to team lead, Nomad finds himself going in-country with two new squadmates, little preparation, dubious intel and no backup. Still, they have no choice but to go in half blind as time is running short for the captives.
And when faced with a difficult choice deep in enemy territory, the Ghosts must learn to stand together as a team, or
fail.
Action-packed and intense from beginning to end, this novel sets the stage for the upcoming video game Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands.
INDIVIDUALLY, THEY ARE GREAT. TOGETHER, THEY ARE UNBEATABLE.
When a group of renegade Venezuelan soldiers seize control of the no-man’s land in the middle of the Amazonian Jungle, the Ghosts are tapped to get the US citizens being held hostage there out safely.
Newly promoted to team lead, Nomad finds himself going in-country with two new squadmates, little preparation, dubious intel and no backup. Still, they have no choice but to go in half blind as time is running short for the captives.
And when faced with a difficult choice deep in enemy territory, the Ghosts must learn to stand together as a team, or
fail.
Action-packed and intense from beginning to end, this novel sets the stage for the upcoming video game Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2017
156 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Richard Dansky
110 books83 followersBy day, Richard Dansky works as a professional video game designer and writer for Red Storm/Ubisoft, with credits on games like Splinter Cell: Blacklist. By night, he writes fiction, with his most recent book being the short fiction collection SNOWBIRD GOTHIC. Richard lives in North Carolina with his wife and their inevitable cats, books, and collection of single malt whiskys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 26, 2020
Ghost Recon Wildlands: Dark Waters isn't the greatest videogame tie-in novel in the world, but it's pretty par for the course in the unspectacular trudge through endless shootouts that is the Ghost Recon novel series.
If you've read any other Ghost Recon novels (or indeed played Ghost Recon: Wildlands) you should know what you're getting into here. The story isn't particularly strong, the characters aren't particularly interesting, and it's more about our fearless Ghost squad moving from action/stealth setpiece to setpiece. Unfortunately, this is the sort of thing that's much more fun to play than it is to read. I absolutely loved playing through Wildlands with a couple of friends, but Dark Waters is bloated, messy, and difficult to recommend.
Other reviews have pointed out the occasional spelling or logical error, the most glaring being misspelling one of the character's names as Hold instead of Holt and referring to Nomad speaking when he wasn't in the scene. Honestly a bit embarrassing for the editors, in my opinion. But the story is also remarkably low-stakes and the tie-in to Wildlands feels forced and out of place.
This is Nomad's (the player character in Wildlands) first mission in charge of the squad, and the Wildlands squad's first mission together. But we know they all get out of it in one piece because they're in the game together. Nomad's challenges with leadership and some of the dangerous situations the squad is thrown into just don't do enough to keep the moment-to-moment action interesting in light of knowing how it all ends. We do learn a bit more about Nomad and his squadmates, but it almost doesn't matter because they have so little to do or say in the game. And while we do meet one of the bosses from Wildlands and get some references to needing to keep an eye on the Santa Blanca cartel (the game's main baddies), it adds literally nothing to the story of Dark Waters and feels distractingly like a flashing sign says "Look at me, I'm related to Wildlands after all!"
Honestly, I think the Ghost Recon novel series as a whole, and this one in particular, is pretty rough. The action just isn't that exciting, and the characters are paper-thin. Go play Wildlands, but definitely don't feel like you need to read Dark Waters to get even one more iota of enjoyment out of it.
If you've read any other Ghost Recon novels (or indeed played Ghost Recon: Wildlands) you should know what you're getting into here. The story isn't particularly strong, the characters aren't particularly interesting, and it's more about our fearless Ghost squad moving from action/stealth setpiece to setpiece. Unfortunately, this is the sort of thing that's much more fun to play than it is to read. I absolutely loved playing through Wildlands with a couple of friends, but Dark Waters is bloated, messy, and difficult to recommend.
Other reviews have pointed out the occasional spelling or logical error, the most glaring being misspelling one of the character's names as Hold instead of Holt and referring to Nomad speaking when he wasn't in the scene. Honestly a bit embarrassing for the editors, in my opinion. But the story is also remarkably low-stakes and the tie-in to Wildlands feels forced and out of place.
This is Nomad's (the player character in Wildlands) first mission in charge of the squad, and the Wildlands squad's first mission together. But we know they all get out of it in one piece because they're in the game together. Nomad's challenges with leadership and some of the dangerous situations the squad is thrown into just don't do enough to keep the moment-to-moment action interesting in light of knowing how it all ends. We do learn a bit more about Nomad and his squadmates, but it almost doesn't matter because they have so little to do or say in the game. And while we do meet one of the bosses from Wildlands and get some references to needing to keep an eye on the Santa Blanca cartel (the game's main baddies), it adds literally nothing to the story of Dark Waters and feels distractingly like a flashing sign says "Look at me, I'm related to Wildlands after all!"
Honestly, I think the Ghost Recon novel series as a whole, and this one in particular, is pretty rough. The action just isn't that exciting, and the characters are paper-thin. Go play Wildlands, but definitely don't feel like you need to read Dark Waters to get even one more iota of enjoyment out of it.
August 21, 2022
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands: Dark Waters By Richard Dansky, is a video game tie-in prequel novel based on Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands.
Dark Waters is a prelude to the video game and introduces a cast of characters each as badass as the next. The four man unit is a quick fix for a tight situation when some renegade Venezuelan soldiers decide to set up their own army in the Amazon jungle and take American hostages. The ‘Ghosts’ are sent in to rescue the science researchers and try, if possible, to stop any international incidents from occurring. Not only does the team have to get used to working with each other, they have to tread a tricky line in international territories, none of whom would be happy about US special forces being on their soil.
Tom Clancy has spawned a lot of material from books to games, and this novel is no different. It’s a fun, entertaining, easy read packed full of the kind of military jargon and weapon heavy detail war fiction is known for. There were a few editing errors but it’s not something that really detracts from the book which flows along at a good clip. The unit, headed by Nomad, are deployed in double quick time to Brazil where, under the guise of being rich fishing enthusiasts, they head down the river and over the boarder into Venezuela. The action soon heats up as he and his crew, including sniper Weaver, Holt and Midas, encounter and engage bad guy after bad guy.
Once the action gets going, it doesn’t stop. The Ghosts are dealt a number of curve balls which keeps the fun going. No spoilers here, but it’s safe to say, the baddies get theirs. As I said, it’s an enjoyable way to while away a few hours or more. Dark Waters completes its mission of being an entertaining military action-adventure and, for those who game, a cool intro to the characters they’ll play.
Dark Waters is a prelude to the video game and introduces a cast of characters each as badass as the next. The four man unit is a quick fix for a tight situation when some renegade Venezuelan soldiers decide to set up their own army in the Amazon jungle and take American hostages. The ‘Ghosts’ are sent in to rescue the science researchers and try, if possible, to stop any international incidents from occurring. Not only does the team have to get used to working with each other, they have to tread a tricky line in international territories, none of whom would be happy about US special forces being on their soil.
Tom Clancy has spawned a lot of material from books to games, and this novel is no different. It’s a fun, entertaining, easy read packed full of the kind of military jargon and weapon heavy detail war fiction is known for. There were a few editing errors but it’s not something that really detracts from the book which flows along at a good clip. The unit, headed by Nomad, are deployed in double quick time to Brazil where, under the guise of being rich fishing enthusiasts, they head down the river and over the boarder into Venezuela. The action soon heats up as he and his crew, including sniper Weaver, Holt and Midas, encounter and engage bad guy after bad guy.
Once the action gets going, it doesn’t stop. The Ghosts are dealt a number of curve balls which keeps the fun going. No spoilers here, but it’s safe to say, the baddies get theirs. As I said, it’s an enjoyable way to while away a few hours or more. Dark Waters completes its mission of being an entertaining military action-adventure and, for those who game, a cool intro to the characters they’ll play.
March 13, 2017
Good story.
Good story, helps elaborate the Ghost's relationship and personalities from the game. A few too many errors for me though.
Good story, helps elaborate the Ghost's relationship and personalities from the game. A few too many errors for me though.
March 20, 2017
This book is mediocre, it's more of a filler for the release of the game telling how the Ghosts became a team. The character development isn't very good as I didn't care for them or the events which occurred throughout the book. It's definitely readable if you're a fan of the Ghost Recon series, books and games, but there's not much for any other reader to expect.
January 16, 2024
Great
What a wonderful prequel to the game Ghost Recon Wildlands!!! Loved the insight from Nomad and the rest of his fire team. Definitely recommend this book to fans of Ghost Recon and Tom Clancy.
What a wonderful prequel to the game Ghost Recon Wildlands!!! Loved the insight from Nomad and the rest of his fire team. Definitely recommend this book to fans of Ghost Recon and Tom Clancy.
May 27, 2017
So first of all, since I am already halfway through the game when I stumbled across this book, it was rather obvious to me that . But even leaving that aside, the story didn't really have a lot of unexpected stuff going on. Sure, was sort of unsettling, but then again, something just had to go massively wrong. But then in the end everything fell into place just a little too conveniently.
Story issues aside (I didn't even really notice them until after I finished), I found the book the book to be pretty well written, with lots of attention to detail - with the exception of character names. One issue I had is that the author would in some sections just randomly interchange call signs and actual names, which made me stumble multiple times since I couldn't for the life of me remember who is who in that regard. To make matters worse, the author managed in at least two instances to use the wrong name altogether. Throw an occasional typo into the mix and I'm wondering whether nobody at Ubisoft bothered to copy-edit this book.
But even with all the above in mind, I found it an entertaining and worthwhile read, especially for those who want to know more about the main characters of the Ghost Recon Wildlands game.
On a side note, this was probably the most cheaply-made book I have ever held in hands ("hardware"-wise), but I reckon that's another issue altogether.
Story issues aside (I didn't even really notice them until after I finished), I found the book the book to be pretty well written, with lots of attention to detail - with the exception of character names. One issue I had is that the author would in some sections just randomly interchange call signs and actual names, which made me stumble multiple times since I couldn't for the life of me remember who is who in that regard. To make matters worse, the author managed in at least two instances to use the wrong name altogether. Throw an occasional typo into the mix and I'm wondering whether nobody at Ubisoft bothered to copy-edit this book.
But even with all the above in mind, I found it an entertaining and worthwhile read, especially for those who want to know more about the main characters of the Ghost Recon Wildlands game.
On a side note, this was probably the most cheaply-made book I have ever held in hands ("hardware"-wise), but I reckon that's another issue altogether.
October 15, 2022
If you're looking for more background or tie-ins for the Wildlands series, Dark Waters is a good choice. An interesting take of "origin story" is told for each of the characters. I was not expecting a genre such as a novel to explore these aspects of characters I got to know in a video game platform.
I love the exploration. I feel like Dansky does a really good job expanding on something that he helped to create in Wildlands and turning it into something that feels lived in. There is strong character development in the interludes. I do feel like there were a few too many interludes, however, as it often broke the story flow in order to focus on another character's backstory or a mission they'd previous been on.
For this reason, I also feel like the climax of the story feels a little tacked on as well. By the time the main antagonist was introduced as Nomad's captor, I had no idea that Nomad had previously learned about who the other hostages were and when they were just traitors to the cause, it just felt very stretched out (even though there is evidence in the book itself that explains who this main threat was and why he was holding people hostage).
Overall, a great tie-in to an already loved series, very action packed and engaging. I was pulled in until the last page and absolutely loved the Bowman cameo at the end with the Santa Blanca threat growing. Very solid story only complaint is that the interludes felt like they could almost be used as something else, like a prelude or a separate story altogether.
I love the exploration. I feel like Dansky does a really good job expanding on something that he helped to create in Wildlands and turning it into something that feels lived in. There is strong character development in the interludes. I do feel like there were a few too many interludes, however, as it often broke the story flow in order to focus on another character's backstory or a mission they'd previous been on.
For this reason, I also feel like the climax of the story feels a little tacked on as well. By the time the main antagonist was introduced as Nomad's captor, I had no idea that Nomad had previously learned about who the other hostages were and when they were just traitors to the cause, it just felt very stretched out (even though there is evidence in the book itself that explains who this main threat was and why he was holding people hostage).
Overall, a great tie-in to an already loved series, very action packed and engaging. I was pulled in until the last page and absolutely loved the Bowman cameo at the end with the Santa Blanca threat growing. Very solid story only complaint is that the interludes felt like they could almost be used as something else, like a prelude or a separate story altogether.
August 3, 2017
After finishing up the game, found there was a book about the team and how it was formed before the events of the game. The book stands by itself. You do not necessarily have to play the game to enjoy the book. Flushes out the characters back stories well. Only complaint I had was the use of actual names and call signs. It felt like it confused the author or editor as well with a misuse of a call sign a couple of times. The use of interludes for each characters back story in the middle of the main story throws off the rhythm of the main story. I hope there is another book in the series that covers the beginning of El Sueno and Santa Blanco. Good quick read but don't expect an award winner.
September 14, 2020
The story was much better than I thought it was going to be. This read easily, the action was fun and the book flushed out the characters from the game. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to my next military read. However, there were frequent errors throughout. Sometimes spelling and grammar, or the more glaring error of referring to Nomad speaking or acting when he wasn't in the scene.
January 25, 2023
This novel is a Ubisoft sponsored fan fiction that acts as a prequel to Wildlands.
This book sets the timeline and the story up for the game start, and mentions some of the characters that appear in the game - El Pulpo. However, I already knew that the ghosts would be out unscathed as I played the game years ago.
Very good thriller, recommended.
This book sets the timeline and the story up for the game start, and mentions some of the characters that appear in the game - El Pulpo. However, I already knew that the ghosts would be out unscathed as I played the game years ago.
Very good thriller, recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2024
This excellent novel is sure to delight anybody who like Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon. From the start, it was enjoyable and thrilling. Surprisingly, the storyline exceeded my expectations. The book made the characters from the game more developed, the action was entertaining, and it read well. I relished the experience.
April 10, 2024
A solid action fest in the Amazonas jungle full of the military jargon and set pieces you come to expect from a Ghost Recon novel.
As a fan of the series I was satisfied to find a complete origin arc of Nomad before he turns into the mature character you see in the video games Wildlands & Breakpoint.
Can be read as a standalone novel as it perfectly slots after the original trilogy of novels.
As a fan of the series I was satisfied to find a complete origin arc of Nomad before he turns into the mature character you see in the video games Wildlands & Breakpoint.
Can be read as a standalone novel as it perfectly slots after the original trilogy of novels.
March 19, 2017
It took some time for the story to build up momentum, but once it did the book was a worthwhile read. If you're playing the game, this book gives you some insight into the members of the team. I wouldn't mind reading another installment of Nomad's team.
June 30, 2019
Great Fan Fiction Read.
Fans of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon will love this well written book and fans of military action fiction will discover new squad mates. Looking forward to the next Tom Clancy Ghost Recon adventure with Nomad and the crew.
Fans of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon will love this well written book and fans of military action fiction will discover new squad mates. Looking forward to the next Tom Clancy Ghost Recon adventure with Nomad and the crew.
April 13, 2023
Cool action sequences.
Breath-taking jungle fights.
Cocky and likable lead characters.
Typical USA special force trope.
Weak villain.
Predictable ending.
Overall, I had a load of fun nonetheless.
Breath-taking jungle fights.
Cocky and likable lead characters.
Typical USA special force trope.
Weak villain.
Predictable ending.
Overall, I had a load of fun nonetheless.
April 18, 2025
Felt like I was there with the team but they couldn't see me!
Could not put this book down and hoping that all made it back. The author really brought the characters to life. When they were at the bar in the end, I had to have beer and gave them a toast, job well done!
Could not put this book down and hoping that all made it back. The author really brought the characters to life. When they were at the bar in the end, I had to have beer and gave them a toast, job well done!
June 2, 2025
Excellent story, interesting to the last page.
An interesting and exciting story with a riveting finish. A different aspect to a typical “Clancy” adventure but a most captivating insight into sponsored skullduggery becoming part of the national scene!
An interesting and exciting story with a riveting finish. A different aspect to a typical “Clancy” adventure but a most captivating insight into sponsored skullduggery becoming part of the national scene!
June 18, 2017
Pretty good story, interesting characters and setting. This guy is a video game writer, and I can see how it can read that way, but I enjoyed it and will look for his next.
December 25, 2017
OK
Actually a 2.5. Not a good Clancy book. Had to go back to this book inbetween reading other books. This Ghost team died.
Actually a 2.5. Not a good Clancy book. Had to go back to this book inbetween reading other books. This Ghost team died.
January 10, 2018
Ok, fast, read
Not a bad tie in for the game, it goes down easy and it expands on the characters of the game. If you didn’t or won’t play the game, it still makes for a nice read
Not a bad tie in for the game, it goes down easy and it expands on the characters of the game. If you didn’t or won’t play the game, it still makes for a nice read
May 15, 2020
Very good book with some interesting turn of events in the book and good writing about the characters.
July 22, 2020
A great Ghost Recon book. Definitely recommend
One of my favorite Ghost recon books, hoping to see more in the Nomad series. Its One I definitely recommend.
One of my favorite Ghost recon books, hoping to see more in the Nomad series. Its One I definitely recommend.
November 24, 2020
nice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2021
Great story
I love this series and I only hope that there will be more to come. The characters are solid and the story line keeps you engrossed. Excellent read!
I love this series and I only hope that there will be more to come. The characters are solid and the story line keeps you engrossed. Excellent read!
August 28, 2024
Edge of my seat reading.
Great writing, Richard. I can’t wait for the next one and am looking forward to reading your other books. Shawn
Great writing, Richard. I can’t wait for the next one and am looking forward to reading your other books. Shawn
November 22, 2024
Perfect origin story for the game: Ghost Recon Wildlands! I couldnt put it down
May 10, 2017
Really an Awesome Read
I can honestly say I really, really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and exciting from the outset. More, please, right away!! The auth of r did everything right and I cannot wait for the next one. When us the next book scheduled? Sign me up now.
I can honestly say I really, really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and exciting from the outset. More, please, right away!! The auth of r did everything right and I cannot wait for the next one. When us the next book scheduled? Sign me up now.
March 22, 2017
Another great adventure in the Ghost Recon series. It is fantastical but not fantasy and really expands upon the characters in the game.
I love the references to the other series, makes it feel like a whole "open world". Plus, author Richard Dansky has been with the series from the beginning so that helps.
Loses one star for avoidable errors, such as giving Scott Mitchell the wrong rank.
I love the references to the other series, makes it feel like a whole "open world". Plus, author Richard Dansky has been with the series from the beginning so that helps.
Loses one star for avoidable errors, such as giving Scott Mitchell the wrong rank.
April 22, 2017
Quick and exciting read but don't expect any epiphanies about life or deep meanings behind this prequel story to the game. The narrative follows Nomad prior to him being a team lead and up to the events leading to the beginning of the Wildlands game. As such, there is no real connection to Santa Blanca Cartel that is obvious. Also, myself not being a Ghost Recon follower apart from this game, I felt like there was some other characters that I should know from the history of the franchise that I didn't. Regardless, this was a fun read that stays true to the excitement of the games and pins you to your seat for a wild ride. I also noticed a couple of editing errors that tick me off because it shows a lack of QA. That's probably the real reason I removed a star from the rating.
August 31, 2017
It was an interesting read, but I feel as if the storyline jumps around to much, it doesn't really pull you in, plus the ending was already inevitable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews