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Sons of Valor #1
Sons of Valor
*Running Time => 12hrs. 5mins*
Sons of valor ...
Navy SEAL Keith ''Chunk'' Redman has been one of the military's top doorkickers since the day he pinned on his trident: loyal, single-minded, lethal. Tasked to lead a new, covert team of Tier One SEALs - the most elite special operators in the world - Chunk can no longer simply rely on the status quo. To safeguard America, he needs help to stay a step ahead of its adversaries.
Brilliant at spotting patterns in the data that others miss, ex-CIA analyst Whitney Watts sees evidence of a troubling link between illicit Chinese arms sales and an attack on a US military convoy in Afghanistan. If she's right, it would portend not only massive casualties, but a devastating threat to global stability.
Sons of war ...
From the ashes of a never-ending war, a new generation of terrorists has arisen: sophisticated, tech-savvy, and hiding in plain sight among America's allies. Battered by the Taliban and by the West, they call themselves al Qadr - Power and Destiny - and they're determined to wrest back control of their homeland. Armed with a powerful combat drone, they can strike with deadly precision at US forces in the region - but their ambitions reach far, far beyond that.
A new legacy ...
The new Tier One's first mission will require them to not only prove themselves, but to stop an enemy who's using military tactics against them. Chunk and his team aren't just the tip of the spear; they're America's first, last, and best counterterrorism defense. And they couldn't have arrived at a more urgent - and perilous - time.
©2021 Organic Machinery Media LLC and Jeffrey Wilson (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing
Sons of valor ...
Navy SEAL Keith ''Chunk'' Redman has been one of the military's top doorkickers since the day he pinned on his trident: loyal, single-minded, lethal. Tasked to lead a new, covert team of Tier One SEALs - the most elite special operators in the world - Chunk can no longer simply rely on the status quo. To safeguard America, he needs help to stay a step ahead of its adversaries.
Brilliant at spotting patterns in the data that others miss, ex-CIA analyst Whitney Watts sees evidence of a troubling link between illicit Chinese arms sales and an attack on a US military convoy in Afghanistan. If she's right, it would portend not only massive casualties, but a devastating threat to global stability.
Sons of war ...
From the ashes of a never-ending war, a new generation of terrorists has arisen: sophisticated, tech-savvy, and hiding in plain sight among America's allies. Battered by the Taliban and by the West, they call themselves al Qadr - Power and Destiny - and they're determined to wrest back control of their homeland. Armed with a powerful combat drone, they can strike with deadly precision at US forces in the region - but their ambitions reach far, far beyond that.
A new legacy ...
The new Tier One's first mission will require them to not only prove themselves, but to stop an enemy who's using military tactics against them. Chunk and his team aren't just the tip of the spear; they're America's first, last, and best counterterrorism defense. And they couldn't have arrived at a more urgent - and perilous - time.
©2021 Organic Machinery Media LLC and Jeffrey Wilson (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 8, 2021
334 people are currently reading
2032 people want to read
About the author
Brian Andrews
36 books1,106 followersBrian is a US Navy veteran, nuclear engineer, and former submarine officer. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in psychology, holds a Master's in business from Cornell University, and is a Park Leadership Fellow. He is a principal contributor at Career Authors, a site dedicated to advancing the careers of aspiring and published writers: www.careerauthors.com.
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2025:
- DARK RISING: (APRIL)
- SONS OF VALOR 4: (7/22)
- THE ADVERSARY: Tier One #9 (11/4)
- EXECUTIVE POWER (11/25)
In addition to their novels, Andrews & Wilson have multiple projects under development for film and television with major motion picture studios including Tier One, Dark Intercept, 4 Minutes, Portal, Glitch, and The In Between.
Find Brian online at:
Web: www.andrews-wilson.com
Instagram: @andrewsandwilson
Twitter: @BAndrewsJWilson
Sign-up for his newsletter at www.andrews-wilson.com to stay informed about all his new releases or "Follow" his Amazon Author page!
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2025:
- DARK RISING: (APRIL)
- SONS OF VALOR 4: (7/22)
- THE ADVERSARY: Tier One #9 (11/4)
- EXECUTIVE POWER (11/25)
In addition to their novels, Andrews & Wilson have multiple projects under development for film and television with major motion picture studios including Tier One, Dark Intercept, 4 Minutes, Portal, Glitch, and The In Between.
Find Brian online at:
Web: www.andrews-wilson.com
Instagram: @andrewsandwilson
Twitter: @BAndrewsJWilson
Sign-up for his newsletter at www.andrews-wilson.com to stay informed about all his new releases or "Follow" his Amazon Author page!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
March 13, 2021
I'm a big fan of Andrews & Wilson. The Tier One series with John Dempsey is one of the best series in the genre. Hence, I was stoked to receive an ARC of Sons of Valor, the first book of a new series in the Tier One universe. The hero is Keith ''Chunk'' Redman who also have appeared in the Tier One series.
I was engrossed in the story from the very first page. The story feels very realistic and it's extremely well-written.
It's a fantastic book and a great introduction to the world of Chunk Redman. I can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book if you like action-packed, suspensful and authentic military thrillers.
Thanks to Edelweiss, Blackstone Publishing and the authors for the opportunity to read this book in advance and to share my honest review.
I was engrossed in the story from the very first page. The story feels very realistic and it's extremely well-written.
It's a fantastic book and a great introduction to the world of Chunk Redman. I can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book if you like action-packed, suspensful and authentic military thrillers.
Thanks to Edelweiss, Blackstone Publishing and the authors for the opportunity to read this book in advance and to share my honest review.
December 10, 2021
The Sons of Valor was one of the better books I've read in a while and is up there with 4 1/2 stars-couldn't give it thaat so bumped it up to 5. I can not wait to read #2 assuming that this book is titled Sons of Valor Series book 1 for a reason. What a Great Book. Loved it.
December 27, 2020
When you think of the best all-time dynamic duos, your mind probably goes right to Batman & Robin, Holmes & Watson, Bert & Ernie, Han Solo & Chewbacca or even Thelma & Louise. But when it comes to military thrillers, Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson are the gold standard. They have been churning out hit after hit with their Tier One novels, a series you need to be reading if you call yourself a fan of the genre. Now after six books featuring John Dempsey, Andrews & Wilson have expanded the Tier One universe with Sons of Valor featuring Keith “Chunk” Redman. Chunk is familiar to Tier One fans as the leader of a SEAL Team who have provided door kicking support to John Dempsey and Team Ember in the past. But now Chunk is the featured character and I’m happy to report he is more than capable of carrying a book/series on his own. In fact, Sons of Valor blew me away and exceeded my incredibly high expectations. This book is incredible!
The storyline of Sons of Valor follows Chunk as he’s tapped to rebuild the Tier One element from scratch after they had been previously ambushed and wiped out. This is the dream opportunity he’s been waiting for and he jumps in with both feet, bringing along familiar SEAL Team Four members along with other accomplished operators and a highly recommended National Counterterrorism Center analyst named Whitney Watts. This team will have the autonomy to develop their own intelligence and select their own missions, circumnavigating the “bang your head against the wall” government bureaucracy that left them frustrated and unfulfilled. As the team passes their operational tests and is given the approval to proceed, Whitney unilaterally uncovers a terrorist plot that sends the new Tier One team to Afghanistan and Pakistan on an urgent mission to stop an Al-Qaeda splinter group from using Chinese drone technology to target US military forces. Finding themselves in a modern-day shell game with deadly implications, Chunk, Whitney and the team must rapidly unravel the knots and take out the terrorists before more damage is done.
Sons of Valor has the amazing military action sequences, weaponry and terminology you expect from an Andrews & Wilson novel. But for me the greatness of the book goes beyond that by exhibiting what good leadership looks like. Chunk might be an apex predator/elite operator with a gruff exterior, but he has heart and demonstrates his ability to modulate leadership styles from coaching others, to showing tough love, to admitting when he is wrong. Chunk is not perfect, but he cares deeply for his team and strives for continuous improvement. He understands what will make the team great and takes intentional actions to bring people along, helping them to be greater than they previously thought possible. Building a great, highly functioning team takes hard work and Andrews & Wilson do a fantastic job highlighting this through Chunk vs. taking the easy path of having everything automatically and magically come together. For me, this approach makes Chunk incredibly likeable and you root for him to successfully navigate the adversity he and the team face throughout the book.
As this series offshoot progresses, I believe two reasonable debates will occur. First, who’s the better character – John Dempsey or Keith “Chunk” Redman? And second, which series is better – Dempsey’s Tier One or Chunk’s Tier One? But here’s the great news…we win no matter the answer because Andrews & Wilson are spectacular authors who continue to churn out winner after winner for readers to enjoy.
Lastly, I want to share that when I read a great book, I always visualize the characters and locations. For Sons of Valor, I visualized the characters as the actors from CBS’s SEAL Team. Wasn’t intentional, it just happened. Maybe it’s because there were a lot of similar terms, maybe it’s because there’s a character named Spence (close to Spence), or maybe it’s because both the show and the book are awesome stories about SEALs. A mystery that might never be solved. Regardless, felt like sharing this revelation. Curious to hear from other readers how they visualize Chunk and team.
The storyline of Sons of Valor follows Chunk as he’s tapped to rebuild the Tier One element from scratch after they had been previously ambushed and wiped out. This is the dream opportunity he’s been waiting for and he jumps in with both feet, bringing along familiar SEAL Team Four members along with other accomplished operators and a highly recommended National Counterterrorism Center analyst named Whitney Watts. This team will have the autonomy to develop their own intelligence and select their own missions, circumnavigating the “bang your head against the wall” government bureaucracy that left them frustrated and unfulfilled. As the team passes their operational tests and is given the approval to proceed, Whitney unilaterally uncovers a terrorist plot that sends the new Tier One team to Afghanistan and Pakistan on an urgent mission to stop an Al-Qaeda splinter group from using Chinese drone technology to target US military forces. Finding themselves in a modern-day shell game with deadly implications, Chunk, Whitney and the team must rapidly unravel the knots and take out the terrorists before more damage is done.
Sons of Valor has the amazing military action sequences, weaponry and terminology you expect from an Andrews & Wilson novel. But for me the greatness of the book goes beyond that by exhibiting what good leadership looks like. Chunk might be an apex predator/elite operator with a gruff exterior, but he has heart and demonstrates his ability to modulate leadership styles from coaching others, to showing tough love, to admitting when he is wrong. Chunk is not perfect, but he cares deeply for his team and strives for continuous improvement. He understands what will make the team great and takes intentional actions to bring people along, helping them to be greater than they previously thought possible. Building a great, highly functioning team takes hard work and Andrews & Wilson do a fantastic job highlighting this through Chunk vs. taking the easy path of having everything automatically and magically come together. For me, this approach makes Chunk incredibly likeable and you root for him to successfully navigate the adversity he and the team face throughout the book.
As this series offshoot progresses, I believe two reasonable debates will occur. First, who’s the better character – John Dempsey or Keith “Chunk” Redman? And second, which series is better – Dempsey’s Tier One or Chunk’s Tier One? But here’s the great news…we win no matter the answer because Andrews & Wilson are spectacular authors who continue to churn out winner after winner for readers to enjoy.
Lastly, I want to share that when I read a great book, I always visualize the characters and locations. For Sons of Valor, I visualized the characters as the actors from CBS’s SEAL Team. Wasn’t intentional, it just happened. Maybe it’s because there were a lot of similar terms, maybe it’s because there’s a character named Spence (close to Spence), or maybe it’s because both the show and the book are awesome stories about SEALs. A mystery that might never be solved. Regardless, felt like sharing this revelation. Curious to hear from other readers how they visualize Chunk and team.
December 27, 2020
Sons of Valor is an excellent beginning of a new spectacular, action-packed, twists-filled, fast-paced, well thought-out series. I was on the search for a phenomenal action-heavy and smart read when I came across Sons of Valor. Knowing the excellent work of the authors on the Tier One series, I knew it would be WOW good. I just didn’t know it would be “WOW!!!” good.
Sons of Valor centers on Lieutenant Keith “Chunk” Redman, a fan favorite recurring badass in the Tier One series who assists Team Ember from time to time in their clandestine missions. Based on his stellar success record, Chunk is given command of the new Tier One element, rising from the ashes of Operation Crusader, in which the previous Tier One element was ambushed and murdered. Chunk picks a handful of his superb teammates from his SEAL team on this endeavor, enlisting intelligence assets to ensure there are no intelligence hiccups, like the one that led to Operation Crusader faux-pas. Chunk’s leadership skills are put to the test when a mysterious splinter group of Al Qaeda, known as Al Qadr, recruit a British Aero employee, whose family was killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan. With a sinister build up to the main threat of the group involving the use of a completely terrorist-controlled drone with the ability to be controlled by multiple pilots, the new Tier One operators have their hands full with their first mission.
While I enjoyed Chunk in the Tier One books, I was not sure he would be able to carry his own series. The dynamic duo of the authors proved me wrong in spectacular fashion. Chunk’s character is thoughtfully developed and displayed in a relatable manner that allowed me to immediately connect with him as the main protagonist of the story. There is a dark mystery to his persona that is hinted and saved for future stories to explore. Each character in the book feels like a personification of a real person, relatable in motivations and agendas. The kicker is that the authors brilliantly keep the genre fresh from falling into the cliches of simple good vs bad by writing multi layered characters, even the antagonists and the terrorists, who seem to have agendas rooted in reality born of hardships and bad luck that shape their paths.
An Andrews and Wilson book is not without groundbreaking action. Sons of Valor is no exception. This narrative is packed with realistic firefights that are complimented by authentic and detailed weaponry to help readers visualize the adrenaline pumping sequences in their full glory and terror. The action sequences are fast-paced and character oriented, fully immersing the readers in the action, with every weapon sight, caliber, trigger pull, recoil, working their way into the readers’ visualizations like a 4D experience. Top-notch action!
The plot was a major plus point in my eyes. While the plot features Islamist extremists as the bad guys as done so in majority of the action thrillers, this plot delves deeper into the psyche of war and perversion of nature based on horrible circumstances that start an ordinary decent man on the long but ultimately violent path of retribution. At the same time, we see the Tier One element as the necessary intervention to evil, using violence against a few as means to deter violence against thousands more. It’s a thought-provoking concept, in line with the intellectually stimulating narrative that plays on the gray moral edges of the brain instead of pure evil vs pure good.
Despite being a spin off of the Tier One series, Sons of Valor stands firm on its own. (Team-ups would be fantastic though) The chain of events felt smartly connected that further augmented the reading experience for me. Coincidence was taken over by brilliance on both, good and bad, sides of the equation. The characters were well-developed and relatable. The action sequences are excellent. Sons of Valor, so far, is the best action thriller I have read for 2021. The ending is not a simple killed-and-gone one, but rather a set-up for something bigger in the works, much like how Tier One’s story was not culminated in one book, but rather over multiple books. I look forward to more to come in this series, and Chunk is THE leader for the Tier One of a new era.
Sons of Valor centers on Lieutenant Keith “Chunk” Redman, a fan favorite recurring badass in the Tier One series who assists Team Ember from time to time in their clandestine missions. Based on his stellar success record, Chunk is given command of the new Tier One element, rising from the ashes of Operation Crusader, in which the previous Tier One element was ambushed and murdered. Chunk picks a handful of his superb teammates from his SEAL team on this endeavor, enlisting intelligence assets to ensure there are no intelligence hiccups, like the one that led to Operation Crusader faux-pas. Chunk’s leadership skills are put to the test when a mysterious splinter group of Al Qaeda, known as Al Qadr, recruit a British Aero employee, whose family was killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan. With a sinister build up to the main threat of the group involving the use of a completely terrorist-controlled drone with the ability to be controlled by multiple pilots, the new Tier One operators have their hands full with their first mission.
While I enjoyed Chunk in the Tier One books, I was not sure he would be able to carry his own series. The dynamic duo of the authors proved me wrong in spectacular fashion. Chunk’s character is thoughtfully developed and displayed in a relatable manner that allowed me to immediately connect with him as the main protagonist of the story. There is a dark mystery to his persona that is hinted and saved for future stories to explore. Each character in the book feels like a personification of a real person, relatable in motivations and agendas. The kicker is that the authors brilliantly keep the genre fresh from falling into the cliches of simple good vs bad by writing multi layered characters, even the antagonists and the terrorists, who seem to have agendas rooted in reality born of hardships and bad luck that shape their paths.
An Andrews and Wilson book is not without groundbreaking action. Sons of Valor is no exception. This narrative is packed with realistic firefights that are complimented by authentic and detailed weaponry to help readers visualize the adrenaline pumping sequences in their full glory and terror. The action sequences are fast-paced and character oriented, fully immersing the readers in the action, with every weapon sight, caliber, trigger pull, recoil, working their way into the readers’ visualizations like a 4D experience. Top-notch action!
The plot was a major plus point in my eyes. While the plot features Islamist extremists as the bad guys as done so in majority of the action thrillers, this plot delves deeper into the psyche of war and perversion of nature based on horrible circumstances that start an ordinary decent man on the long but ultimately violent path of retribution. At the same time, we see the Tier One element as the necessary intervention to evil, using violence against a few as means to deter violence against thousands more. It’s a thought-provoking concept, in line with the intellectually stimulating narrative that plays on the gray moral edges of the brain instead of pure evil vs pure good.
Despite being a spin off of the Tier One series, Sons of Valor stands firm on its own. (Team-ups would be fantastic though) The chain of events felt smartly connected that further augmented the reading experience for me. Coincidence was taken over by brilliance on both, good and bad, sides of the equation. The characters were well-developed and relatable. The action sequences are excellent. Sons of Valor, so far, is the best action thriller I have read for 2021. The ending is not a simple killed-and-gone one, but rather a set-up for something bigger in the works, much like how Tier One’s story was not culminated in one book, but rather over multiple books. I look forward to more to come in this series, and Chunk is THE leader for the Tier One of a new era.
October 25, 2021
These guys are crazy. Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson are producing books like no one else. Sons of Valor is in what I would call the Tier One universe and it will be exciting to see how many different characters we will get to follow there. Keith ''Chunk'' Redman is the main character in this and for those that has read the first books in the Tier One series will recognize him. We also get a really good analyst in this book, Whitney Watts is her name and I think she will be around a while. This book is by far the best I have read by this author duo, but I have a few more to read so we will see if it holds. I was late reading these guys but I am getting up to date in a fast way and there books are in my opinion very good and quick to read. Obviously they know what they are writing about and I will continue recommending there work and follow them.
December 23, 2020
I've probably run out of superlatives for ANDREWS & WILSON in my previous reviews, but I'll try and find some new ones.
SONS OF VALOR is the first of this offshoot series and the latest addition to the Tier One universe. Featuring Navy SEAL Keith ''Chunk'' Redman as he leads the reconstituted Tier One team.
With a new streamlined structure that partners the door kicking operators with highly nimble, team specific intel analysts, the new Tier One team finds itself pitted against an advanced and evolved upstart terror cell. After decades of fighting against the Americans and learning from the successes and failures of ISIS and Al-Qaeda, the new group seeks to level the battlefield after acquiring a piece of weaponry previously thought impossible.
With Former CIA analyst Whitney Watts on board the new Tier One team, she identifies a possible new threat and must overcome her own personal reservations to push the theory up the chain of command. With an astute mind and ability to see patterns where others do not, Watts adds another dimension to the team that had been previously lacking.
SONS OF VALOR brings all the intensity, action, and necessary emotion to suck you into the story with an unyielding grip and propel you to the end like you were strapped to a Hellfire missile. The pacing is light speed, the tension palpable, and the danger close. You'll find yourself flipping pages faster than Chunk can fall out of the sky in a Russian made helicopter.
If you have not previously read the Tier One series featuring fan favorite John Dempsey and are unfamiliar with Chunk, I highly recommend checking that out as well. That being said, SONS OF VALOR stands on it's own and is sure to have it's own dedicated fanbase.
SONS OF VALOR is the first of this offshoot series and the latest addition to the Tier One universe. Featuring Navy SEAL Keith ''Chunk'' Redman as he leads the reconstituted Tier One team.
With a new streamlined structure that partners the door kicking operators with highly nimble, team specific intel analysts, the new Tier One team finds itself pitted against an advanced and evolved upstart terror cell. After decades of fighting against the Americans and learning from the successes and failures of ISIS and Al-Qaeda, the new group seeks to level the battlefield after acquiring a piece of weaponry previously thought impossible.
With Former CIA analyst Whitney Watts on board the new Tier One team, she identifies a possible new threat and must overcome her own personal reservations to push the theory up the chain of command. With an astute mind and ability to see patterns where others do not, Watts adds another dimension to the team that had been previously lacking.
SONS OF VALOR brings all the intensity, action, and necessary emotion to suck you into the story with an unyielding grip and propel you to the end like you were strapped to a Hellfire missile. The pacing is light speed, the tension palpable, and the danger close. You'll find yourself flipping pages faster than Chunk can fall out of the sky in a Russian made helicopter.
If you have not previously read the Tier One series featuring fan favorite John Dempsey and are unfamiliar with Chunk, I highly recommend checking that out as well. That being said, SONS OF VALOR stands on it's own and is sure to have it's own dedicated fanbase.
January 1, 2021
Andrews and Wilson have been delivering amazing Tier One work for the last few years, It revolves around the creation of Jack Kemper turned John Dempsey after the tragic destruction of the Tier One SEAL community. You see amazing interaction with a number of characters that could have plenty of stories written on each. LCDR Keith 'Chunk' Redman has been one of those characters that have supported Team EMBER and Dempsey throughout the series, but now it's his turn to shine.
Chunk finds himself in the spotlight in this new off shoot of the Tier One universe. A highly trained special operations warrior destined for greatness, LCDR 'Chunk' Redman is likeable, a leader and lethal. This story leads us on a trip with a scenario that's extremely believable, high speed, and full of action.
There also happen to be a strong female character that is introduced to the crew the Chunk leads who goes by the nickname 'Heels' and she is a force to be reckoned with. She's determined, unorthodox at times, and the kind of character that we've come to expect from two of the best authors in the thriller genre. One that stakes claim to the pages that she's on and drives the story. I was extremely pleased with this one and was relieved to find that the Tier One universe is in great hands as Andrews and Wilson are constantly upping their game!
Chunk finds himself in the spotlight in this new off shoot of the Tier One universe. A highly trained special operations warrior destined for greatness, LCDR 'Chunk' Redman is likeable, a leader and lethal. This story leads us on a trip with a scenario that's extremely believable, high speed, and full of action.
There also happen to be a strong female character that is introduced to the crew the Chunk leads who goes by the nickname 'Heels' and she is a force to be reckoned with. She's determined, unorthodox at times, and the kind of character that we've come to expect from two of the best authors in the thriller genre. One that stakes claim to the pages that she's on and drives the story. I was extremely pleased with this one and was relieved to find that the Tier One universe is in great hands as Andrews and Wilson are constantly upping their game!
December 1, 2021
A supporting character in the Tier One Series gets his own books as the new leader of a Tier One team. The last one disbanded after the events of the last novel in the Tier One series, Collateral. They Assemble The Squad, recruiting an intelligence analyst who is an alleged genius.
When she finds a military convoy that suffered a missile strike, the team learn that terrorists possess a drone. They scramble to find and destroy it. Meanwhile,the terrorists are doing their own thing, being humanized by the authors to a great degree.
A lot of action, but suffers from the post-Biden retreat.
When she finds a military convoy that suffered a missile strike, the team learn that terrorists possess a drone. They scramble to find and destroy it. Meanwhile,the terrorists are doing their own thing, being humanized by the authors to a great degree.
A lot of action, but suffers from the post-Biden retreat.
January 6, 2021
The two words that best describe this book are imagination and realism. We are very fortunate to have two authors that have the imagination to produce a book such as this one.The realism was magnificent, and deserves extra points, increasing my total rating to more than five stars.
January 8, 2023
Book Review - Sons of Valor - Andrews & Wilson
I’m a big fan of Andrews & Wilson. These guys are good authors! The Tier One series with John Dempsey is one of the best series in the military thriller genre. Hence, I was stoked to receive an autographed paperback ARC and then a digital ARC from NetGalley of Sons of Valor, the first book in a new series in the Tier One universe. A totally separate series from the John Dempsey Tier One stories; Sons of Valor focuses on a different protagonist in Navy SEAL Keith “Chunk” Redman and his team. They aren’t just another tip of the spear in this Tier One series spinoff, but they’re the best counterterrorism defense crew against a devastating threat to global stability in this separate but familiar storyline. Andrews and Wilson have consistently written rock-solid military/espionage books in the Tier One series and this one is no different…it was an absolute ‘awesome’ read! Although Sons of Valor is not being release until early June of 2021, I’m kicking myself (self-loathing headshake) for taking so long to advance read and review. The book starts out with a bang with a drone strike and doesn’t slow down until the very end. Please note, this book is not about ‘the killing business’ as some may think, but instead, it’s about ‘the intervention business’, which Andrews & Wilson do an incredible job in expressing throughout the storyline. The pace is unrelenting, the characters are very appealing and believable, and the plot is realistic and all consuming. I enjoyed this book so much; I have pre-ordered the Audible audiobook narrated by Ray Porter for when it is released in June. Audiobook narrator Ray Porter is phenomenal in all the other Tier One audiobooks. He seamlessly switches between accents, character voices and genders. And with a cast of characters as large as the Tier One series, it’s quite an achievement that he has distinguished himself as the Tier One series narrator. He also maintains the same voice for each character across all the books, you can listen to them back-to-back and it’s like Porter recorded them in a continuous stream. I was forced to switch to listening to the audiobooks in the series after my two military children – Navy and Coast Guard – borrowed my Tier One books while being deployed and never returned them. It’s okay though, because now I can listen to Ray Porter narrate and I can’t wait to hear him read Sons of Valor. The book was great in me reading it myself, but I can only imagine how awesome it’s going to be with Ray Porter narrating this remarkable story. Sons of Valor is another ‘five-star’ read by Andrews & Wilson. A blockbuster, Summer hit! Thank you Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson, NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the Advance Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for this honest and unbiased review. #SonsofValor #NetGalley #BlackstonePublishing
I’m a big fan of Andrews & Wilson. These guys are good authors! The Tier One series with John Dempsey is one of the best series in the military thriller genre. Hence, I was stoked to receive an autographed paperback ARC and then a digital ARC from NetGalley of Sons of Valor, the first book in a new series in the Tier One universe. A totally separate series from the John Dempsey Tier One stories; Sons of Valor focuses on a different protagonist in Navy SEAL Keith “Chunk” Redman and his team. They aren’t just another tip of the spear in this Tier One series spinoff, but they’re the best counterterrorism defense crew against a devastating threat to global stability in this separate but familiar storyline. Andrews and Wilson have consistently written rock-solid military/espionage books in the Tier One series and this one is no different…it was an absolute ‘awesome’ read! Although Sons of Valor is not being release until early June of 2021, I’m kicking myself (self-loathing headshake) for taking so long to advance read and review. The book starts out with a bang with a drone strike and doesn’t slow down until the very end. Please note, this book is not about ‘the killing business’ as some may think, but instead, it’s about ‘the intervention business’, which Andrews & Wilson do an incredible job in expressing throughout the storyline. The pace is unrelenting, the characters are very appealing and believable, and the plot is realistic and all consuming. I enjoyed this book so much; I have pre-ordered the Audible audiobook narrated by Ray Porter for when it is released in June. Audiobook narrator Ray Porter is phenomenal in all the other Tier One audiobooks. He seamlessly switches between accents, character voices and genders. And with a cast of characters as large as the Tier One series, it’s quite an achievement that he has distinguished himself as the Tier One series narrator. He also maintains the same voice for each character across all the books, you can listen to them back-to-back and it’s like Porter recorded them in a continuous stream. I was forced to switch to listening to the audiobooks in the series after my two military children – Navy and Coast Guard – borrowed my Tier One books while being deployed and never returned them. It’s okay though, because now I can listen to Ray Porter narrate and I can’t wait to hear him read Sons of Valor. The book was great in me reading it myself, but I can only imagine how awesome it’s going to be with Ray Porter narrating this remarkable story. Sons of Valor is another ‘five-star’ read by Andrews & Wilson. A blockbuster, Summer hit! Thank you Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson, NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the Advance Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for this honest and unbiased review. #SonsofValor #NetGalley #BlackstonePublishing
June 11, 2022
6/11/2022 - relisten before starting SOV2
6/18/2021 - Oh my gosh! I loved this! OK, backing up – if you don’t know, this is a spinoff from Andrews & Wilson’s Tier One series. Chunk participates in several ops in several of those books, but you could absolutely start here and not be lost. You could also go back & listen to those after this – though there is one major event that happens in book 1, Tier One that might lose it’s surprise/shock value, I still think you could enjoy that after this if you decide to go back. (pssstttt… if you enjoy this – you will love the Tier One series!)
Sons of Valor kicks off the Tier One Shared-World series with a bang! While it’s almost all new characters and they are completely unique – this contains all that I have come to love about Andrews & Wilson’s writing. Excellent pacing, engaging ops, characters – even antagonists – that I really feel connected to, competent but not perfect operators, smart & capable women, and a story that keeps me listening practically non-stop from beginning to end. (At just over 12 hours – I haven’t quite figured out how to listen in only one day, but I definitely feel frustrated any time I have to push pause.)
While SEAL Keith “Chunk” Redmond is the main character, I really enjoy that Whitney Watts get nearly as much focus. They make an excellent team and balance each other out in personality and talent. Secondary & tertiary characters are equally developed and losses from all sides are deeply felt. This is a full and complete story – but there is definitely an ongoing series arc established that has me eagerly anticipating what happens next.
Narration:
Get the audio!!!!! I enjoy Andrews & Wilson’s writing, but Ray Porter continues to be phenomenal as a narrator elevating the experience even more. He seamlessly switches between accents, personalized voices, genders, etc. immersing the listener into what feels like a pristine full cast production. I can’t say enough about how much I love listening to his work.
Also… Ray Porter singing Baby Shark. Epic!
6/18/2021 - Another amazing listen from A&W. Will write better review tomorrow.
6/7/2021 - Just received an email that the audio has been pushed back to the 9th. I know it’s only one more day, but I might have cried a little.
6/18/2021 - Oh my gosh! I loved this! OK, backing up – if you don’t know, this is a spinoff from Andrews & Wilson’s Tier One series. Chunk participates in several ops in several of those books, but you could absolutely start here and not be lost. You could also go back & listen to those after this – though there is one major event that happens in book 1, Tier One that might lose it’s surprise/shock value, I still think you could enjoy that after this if you decide to go back. (pssstttt… if you enjoy this – you will love the Tier One series!)
Sons of Valor kicks off the Tier One Shared-World series with a bang! While it’s almost all new characters and they are completely unique – this contains all that I have come to love about Andrews & Wilson’s writing. Excellent pacing, engaging ops, characters – even antagonists – that I really feel connected to, competent but not perfect operators, smart & capable women, and a story that keeps me listening practically non-stop from beginning to end. (At just over 12 hours – I haven’t quite figured out how to listen in only one day, but I definitely feel frustrated any time I have to push pause.)
While SEAL Keith “Chunk” Redmond is the main character, I really enjoy that Whitney Watts get nearly as much focus. They make an excellent team and balance each other out in personality and talent. Secondary & tertiary characters are equally developed and losses from all sides are deeply felt. This is a full and complete story – but there is definitely an ongoing series arc established that has me eagerly anticipating what happens next.
Narration:
Get the audio!!!!! I enjoy Andrews & Wilson’s writing, but Ray Porter continues to be phenomenal as a narrator elevating the experience even more. He seamlessly switches between accents, personalized voices, genders, etc. immersing the listener into what feels like a pristine full cast production. I can’t say enough about how much I love listening to his work.
Also… Ray Porter singing Baby Shark. Epic!
6/18/2021 - Another amazing listen from A&W. Will write better review tomorrow.
6/7/2021 - Just received an email that the audio has been pushed back to the 9th. I know it’s only one more day, but I might have cried a little.
October 1, 2025
One of those books you want to stay up all night and finish. Fortunately, it’s the first of a four book series. An elite American special ops team with a female CIA analyst gets involved in a mission against a terrorist group who intends to fire drone missiles at an American drone base in Afghanistan. Awesome characters, good story and great action.
July 27, 2023
Genres: Military Fiction/Thriller
This is book #1 in the Sons of Valor series by Andrews and Wilson. I read book #2 last week and picked this one up immediately. It was nice to get some of the back story that explained some things I read about book #2.
I liked the humor and the characters. I also liked the way events unfolded. It wasn't rushed and it didn't feel orchestrated. So yay for that. The action scenes were also well done. So 4 stars.
This is book #1 in the Sons of Valor series by Andrews and Wilson. I read book #2 last week and picked this one up immediately. It was nice to get some of the back story that explained some things I read about book #2.
I liked the humor and the characters. I also liked the way events unfolded. It wasn't rushed and it didn't feel orchestrated. So yay for that. The action scenes were also well done. So 4 stars.
April 13, 2022
They did it again.
It really surprises me that somehow I can forget how brilliantly this duo can put together a story. Apparently this is a spin off from their Tier One series and is set in the same world. Here, we get to focus on Keith Redmond "Chunk" as the leader of the new Tier One group that is set up after the devastating tragedy the destroyed the prior Tier One program.
This is the first book, and based on the ending, it is just the beginning. We are back in the Spec Ops world that this duo so realistically describes as we see the making of this new team. I especially enjoyed getting to meet their new analyst, Whitney Watts, as she tries to get her mind around this world that these men live in. There are great characters in this story and I found myself holding my breath several times during the moments of action as I waited to see that everyone was okay.
I listened to most of it on audio and Ray Porter is phenomenal as the narrator. Seriously, he is fantastic. There are a couple of series that he does that actually make it better to listen to than to read - this is one of those.
So, I guess now I will be waiting until book 2. We have a story set up and a new "bad guy" that is out there. Patience, patience.....
It really surprises me that somehow I can forget how brilliantly this duo can put together a story. Apparently this is a spin off from their Tier One series and is set in the same world. Here, we get to focus on Keith Redmond "Chunk" as the leader of the new Tier One group that is set up after the devastating tragedy the destroyed the prior Tier One program.
This is the first book, and based on the ending, it is just the beginning. We are back in the Spec Ops world that this duo so realistically describes as we see the making of this new team. I especially enjoyed getting to meet their new analyst, Whitney Watts, as she tries to get her mind around this world that these men live in. There are great characters in this story and I found myself holding my breath several times during the moments of action as I waited to see that everyone was okay.
I listened to most of it on audio and Ray Porter is phenomenal as the narrator. Seriously, he is fantastic. There are a couple of series that he does that actually make it better to listen to than to read - this is one of those.
So, I guess now I will be waiting until book 2. We have a story set up and a new "bad guy" that is out there. Patience, patience.....
December 29, 2020
Sons of Valor, by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, is the first book in a new series that branches off of their Tier One series. Keith "Chunk" Redman is a Navy Seal who is tasked with forming and leading a new team of Tier One operators who will be the tip of the spear. Chunk, who has made numerous appearances in the previous Tier One books, usually comes in when the situation is less than ideal. In those appearances, it was evident Chunk was a badass as well as an extremely likable character. So, it was no surprise Andrews and Wilson wanted to give Chunk his due. Teamed with Chunk are some characters from previous books as well as a few new characters who will become fan favorites. Many spin-offs feel forced and needless but Sons of Valor works in everyway. The fact Andrews and Wilson are able to write in one voice while switching chapters will never cease to amaze me. I cannot praise, or recommend, Sons of Valor enough.
September 6, 2021
Exciting story line
If you like action, thinking, the ability to read and see a story simultaneously, then this is where you should be. Twists and turns that could not be guessed. Just buckle in and go for a ride!
If you like action, thinking, the ability to read and see a story simultaneously, then this is where you should be. Twists and turns that could not be guessed. Just buckle in and go for a ride!
July 31, 2021
First off let me say I know little to nothing about how SEAL teams operate in real life so this review is strictly
Based on how I enjoyed the story, not it’s authenticity. I gave this book 5 stars for the very simple reason that I did not want to stop listening. The narrator is outstanding, the characters interesting and believable, changing in authentic ways, and the plot line (at least to a non-military reader) understandable and believable as well. Chunk and Whitney aka Heels are a great combo and both of our “bad guys” you come to understand why they are “bad guys”. Highly recommend this one; and who would’ve guessed I’d enjoy the military thriller genre as much as I do! 🤷🏼♀️
Based on how I enjoyed the story, not it’s authenticity. I gave this book 5 stars for the very simple reason that I did not want to stop listening. The narrator is outstanding, the characters interesting and believable, changing in authentic ways, and the plot line (at least to a non-military reader) understandable and believable as well. Chunk and Whitney aka Heels are a great combo and both of our “bad guys” you come to understand why they are “bad guys”. Highly recommend this one; and who would’ve guessed I’d enjoy the military thriller genre as much as I do! 🤷🏼♀️
June 24, 2021
Awesome!
Non-stop, credible, authentic action. Characters well- fleshed out and very human. Great plot. Cant wait for the next installment im this great action series.
Non-stop, credible, authentic action. Characters well- fleshed out and very human. Great plot. Cant wait for the next installment im this great action series.
June 2, 2021
Sons of Valor #SonsofValor #NetGalley I received an ARC of Sons of Valor in exchange for my review. Thanks to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and the authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson for the ARC.
Sons of Valor is about a new Tier One team headed up by “Chunk” Redman. The story begins by relating the forming of the team and its inclusion of new team-dedicated intelligence personnel (one of whom is a key figure to the tale). The novel is about a new terrorist group that has acquired a drone and missiles allowing the terrorists to strike at Americans operating in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The existence of the drone is itself hard to detect as it is assumed that only the Americans are operating drones so there was never cause to worry about this situation.
The new Tier One team intelligence analyst detects the terrorists use of the drone. The team is now on the prowl to destroy the drone and capture or kill the terrorists operating it.
This was a very enjoyable read describing the struggles of the team and its’ members as they cycle through the missions to achieve the end goal. The technical and intellectual ability of the Americans to analyze and combat the terrorists is laudable. The terrorist leader has a level of sophistication that is frightening. I highly recommend this book.
Sons of Valor is about a new Tier One team headed up by “Chunk” Redman. The story begins by relating the forming of the team and its inclusion of new team-dedicated intelligence personnel (one of whom is a key figure to the tale). The novel is about a new terrorist group that has acquired a drone and missiles allowing the terrorists to strike at Americans operating in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The existence of the drone is itself hard to detect as it is assumed that only the Americans are operating drones so there was never cause to worry about this situation.
The new Tier One team intelligence analyst detects the terrorists use of the drone. The team is now on the prowl to destroy the drone and capture or kill the terrorists operating it.
This was a very enjoyable read describing the struggles of the team and its’ members as they cycle through the missions to achieve the end goal. The technical and intellectual ability of the Americans to analyze and combat the terrorists is laudable. The terrorist leader has a level of sophistication that is frightening. I highly recommend this book.
June 28, 2021
I have to admit, I like the world in which this is set (which is the real world, so that's good). This had a slow start but picked up pretty quickly. The new-ish characters are wonderful - full of insecurity that diminishes with experience. Chunk certainly threw Heels into the deep end without teaching her to swim! I appreciated all the abject terror she was feeling because I'm a regular woman with a regular life and I'd be the same way, but without the gun training.
I really do love this series and just want more military fiction at this point. I keep running out of the genre as narrated by Ray Porter or RC Bray. Whatever I can find is always stellar. I'm looking forward to the next in this series - hopefully soon!
I really do love this series and just want more military fiction at this point. I keep running out of the genre as narrated by Ray Porter or RC Bray. Whatever I can find is always stellar. I'm looking forward to the next in this series - hopefully soon!
September 20, 2021
Making a Statement
While the characters are strong, the story told well, and was very exciting, a strong statement was made that needs to be made: the purpose of the Tier One unit is to intervene successfully so that an enemy cannot successfully achieve a strike or at least limit their impact on US or allied forces or innocent civilians.
While the characters are strong, the story told well, and was very exciting, a strong statement was made that needs to be made: the purpose of the Tier One unit is to intervene successfully so that an enemy cannot successfully achieve a strike or at least limit their impact on US or allied forces or innocent civilians.
June 2, 2021
Sons of Valor, the best word I can think of to describe this book is Outstanding! A heart felt thank you to Gina Panettieri for the Advanced copy! Tier One is back! With Chunk now leading the rebuilt Tier One team along with the addition of the newest member “Heels”, this new group will be a force to be reckoned with. The pacing of this book could not be better, the ebb and flow of the story and the crescendo and diminuendo of the action sequences kept the suspense at a level that made it impossible to put the book down. I read this book in less than two days. The only other book to hook me and pull me in this completely was Jack Carr’s, The Devil’s Hand. Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson hit this one out of the park and prove once again why their books are always highly recommended and now a regular fixture on my Must be Read list.
September 19, 2021
A little more "combat" than I normally read, but fast paced and engaging!!
January 14, 2021
Sons of Valor is the first spin-off from the terrific Tier One series. Keith "Chunk" Redman is a Navy SEAL introduced in that series, but you don't have to read it to get all you need to know about Chunk.
The authors take time to set up all the characters - heroes and villains. This is a military ops thriller, firmly on the pro-USA side, but the authors take care to walk through why someone would choose to take terrorist action. They are not one-dimensional crazies here. They are men who have suffered real loss and view themselves as warriors in a fight for their land and their loved ones.
The military and OGA staff (if you don't know what OGA stands for, there is an acronym glossary at the end of the book) use jargon that is not necessarily explained, such as Head Shed and white side SEAL. Most can be picked up from context, but you may have to google a few terms. What that jargon does is drop the reader right in the middle of the action. And there is plenty of action here - a particularly good sequence at a hotel will leave your palms sweating. Because of character setup, the beginning of the book moves a little slower than the rest, though there is action sprinkled in there too. But the rest of the book flies at a furious pace. My only quibble is a couple of instances where the authors lay it on a little too thick regarding the SEALs being heroes. Don't get me wrong - I 100% believe they are heroes. But the book gives plenty of evidence for that. No need to state the obvious.
Operation Crusader is referenced a few times and John Dempsey is mentioned once. That story is what Tier One is about.
Sons of Valor is not a family friendly book due to language and violence. But if you enjoy military ops, you're going to love this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of this novel.
The authors take time to set up all the characters - heroes and villains. This is a military ops thriller, firmly on the pro-USA side, but the authors take care to walk through why someone would choose to take terrorist action. They are not one-dimensional crazies here. They are men who have suffered real loss and view themselves as warriors in a fight for their land and their loved ones.
The military and OGA staff (if you don't know what OGA stands for, there is an acronym glossary at the end of the book) use jargon that is not necessarily explained, such as Head Shed and white side SEAL. Most can be picked up from context, but you may have to google a few terms. What that jargon does is drop the reader right in the middle of the action. And there is plenty of action here - a particularly good sequence at a hotel will leave your palms sweating. Because of character setup, the beginning of the book moves a little slower than the rest, though there is action sprinkled in there too. But the rest of the book flies at a furious pace. My only quibble is a couple of instances where the authors lay it on a little too thick regarding the SEALs being heroes. Don't get me wrong - I 100% believe they are heroes. But the book gives plenty of evidence for that. No need to state the obvious.
Operation Crusader is referenced a few times and John Dempsey is mentioned once. That story is what Tier One is about.
Sons of Valor is not a family friendly book due to language and violence. But if you enjoy military ops, you're going to love this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of this novel.
October 16, 2021
Loved the details!
September 11, 2021
Exciting adventure. A what if situation
The blending and development of all the characters helps to make this a relatable book. Lots of action as well as lots of thought provoking incidents. Buy it, you’ll like it.
The blending and development of all the characters helps to make this a relatable book. Lots of action as well as lots of thought provoking incidents. Buy it, you’ll like it.
January 6, 2022
Riveting
Good collective with the Dempsey novels
Similar storytelling
Relatable characters
Good suspense
And action sequences
Can't wait to read the next one
Good collective with the Dempsey novels
Similar storytelling
Relatable characters
Good suspense
And action sequences
Can't wait to read the next one
January 13, 2022
New series that ties tier one in to give the reader an inside look into the Seals. Another winner where you meet old and new characters!!! Can’t wait for book 2
June 23, 2021
Excellent
This was a very good book. I actually thought it was better than the Tier One novels with John Dempsey as the lead character.
This was a very good book. I actually thought it was better than the Tier One novels with John Dempsey as the lead character.
September 10, 2021
Andrews & Wilson some of the best
Awesome story & great writing. I have read the previous tier one series & truly enjoyed it. Looking forward to this current series as it continues. Highly recommended reading
Awesome story & great writing. I have read the previous tier one series & truly enjoyed it. Looking forward to this current series as it continues. Highly recommended reading
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