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Search and Destroy: A World War 3 Techno-Thriller Action Event
"Nick Ryan knows his craft, and his topic. His World War 3 stories are tightly-written, fast-moving, with great characters."
- LARRY BOND
Co-author of Tom Clancy's 'Red Storm Rising' and New York Times bestselling author of 'Red Phoenix'
It was one of the most dangerous secret missions of the War in the a coordinated US submarine attack against a Chinese arms shipment rumoured to be bound for Pakistan.
But as USS Oklahoma City sails towards the Chinese coast she stumbles onto an even greater threat to the West. Outnumbered, isolated and alone, with tension aboard the submarine at breaking point, the OKC and her exhausted crew must battle to outwit the Chinese navy and then finally fight for their lives.
From the book...
“Match sonar bearings and shoot tube one, Master Nine, aye!”
A second later the Oklahoma City seemed to tremble with a liquid pulse of energy that sent a tremor through the entire length of the submarine.
The Mk 48 ADCAP (Advanced Capabilities) torpedo surged from its tube and dashed towards its target. The Mk 48s were fast, deep-diving and highly maneuverable – widely regarded as the most advanced torpedoes in the world. Charged with a six-hundred-and-fifty-pound warhead of PBXN-103 explosive and an electromagnetic fuse, they were nineteen-foot-long lethal killers. Each torpedo was wire-guided to allow crucial targeting data to be relayed between the weapon and the BSY-1 fire control system aboard Oklahoma City up until the point where the torpedo reached the terminal stage of its attack. Then the Mk 48 became autonomous; using its powerful active seeker in the nose of the weapon to detect and close on the target.
Once the torpedo was racing across the dark ocean void the Combat Systems Officer reported both weapons had launched successfully.
The Mk 48 executed its wire clearance procedure and began to accelerate to its top speed of over fifty knots. The Sonar Supervisor relayed the information to Captain Coe. “Conn, sonar. Weapon running normally. No target alertment.”
- LARRY BOND
Co-author of Tom Clancy's 'Red Storm Rising' and New York Times bestselling author of 'Red Phoenix'
It was one of the most dangerous secret missions of the War in the a coordinated US submarine attack against a Chinese arms shipment rumoured to be bound for Pakistan.
But as USS Oklahoma City sails towards the Chinese coast she stumbles onto an even greater threat to the West. Outnumbered, isolated and alone, with tension aboard the submarine at breaking point, the OKC and her exhausted crew must battle to outwit the Chinese navy and then finally fight for their lives.
From the book...
“Match sonar bearings and shoot tube one, Master Nine, aye!”
A second later the Oklahoma City seemed to tremble with a liquid pulse of energy that sent a tremor through the entire length of the submarine.
The Mk 48 ADCAP (Advanced Capabilities) torpedo surged from its tube and dashed towards its target. The Mk 48s were fast, deep-diving and highly maneuverable – widely regarded as the most advanced torpedoes in the world. Charged with a six-hundred-and-fifty-pound warhead of PBXN-103 explosive and an electromagnetic fuse, they were nineteen-foot-long lethal killers. Each torpedo was wire-guided to allow crucial targeting data to be relayed between the weapon and the BSY-1 fire control system aboard Oklahoma City up until the point where the torpedo reached the terminal stage of its attack. Then the Mk 48 became autonomous; using its powerful active seeker in the nose of the weapon to detect and close on the target.
Once the torpedo was racing across the dark ocean void the Combat Systems Officer reported both weapons had launched successfully.
The Mk 48 executed its wire clearance procedure and began to accelerate to its top speed of over fifty knots. The Sonar Supervisor relayed the information to Captain Coe. “Conn, sonar. Weapon running normally. No target alertment.”
- GenresFictionMilitary Fiction
185 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 12, 2023
I enjoyed the technical element of this book, it really helped to set the scene without too much dumbing down.
I didn’t enjoy the Captain and his attitude though, he just upset his whole crew and I thought maybe it was going to end up with a mutiny, but it didn’t… he was just a grumpy old git for 99.9% of the time.
The author did well to describe the battle scenes although they never seemed to miss, strangely enough.
It would have been more dramatic if once in a while something didn’t quite go to plan. Not counting the last section where they had a bit of a leak.. not good in a sub apparently.
In a few places the author had been copied and pasted some text which gave a feeling of déja vu. I don’t think this was necessary but maybe he ran out of ideas. It was a good 3 stars and I’d be interested to read another Ryan book to compare against.
Finally, there was a typo, “enabable” so this was an automatic star deduction.
I didn’t enjoy the Captain and his attitude though, he just upset his whole crew and I thought maybe it was going to end up with a mutiny, but it didn’t… he was just a grumpy old git for 99.9% of the time.
The author did well to describe the battle scenes although they never seemed to miss, strangely enough.
It would have been more dramatic if once in a while something didn’t quite go to plan. Not counting the last section where they had a bit of a leak.. not good in a sub apparently.
In a few places the author had been copied and pasted some text which gave a feeling of déja vu. I don’t think this was necessary but maybe he ran out of ideas. It was a good 3 stars and I’d be interested to read another Ryan book to compare against.
Finally, there was a typo, “enabable” so this was an automatic star deduction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2022
Nick Ryan’s sixth book in his World War III techno-thriller series is gripping stuff. Where the earlier books relate to combat in Europe, this one concerns submarine warfare in the Pacific against China.
Commander Chris Coe is an old-school submariner and is abrasive with regard to his XO, Richard Wickham, so we have two types of conflict – personal and military.
The nuclear boat Oklahoma City is tasked with searching for a Chinese convoy and destroying it. The technical details seem authentic: the tension is raised as the vessels employ counter-measures, guile and gutsy experience.
Interestingly, Ryan’s website gives a blow-by-blow account of WWIII – without recourse to nuclear weapons! He must have been prescient, anticipating the January 2022 announcement from the five powers that they would not resort to nuclear weapons in any conflict!
The website is www.worldwar3timeline.com – and it makes fascinating reading. Gradually, he appears to be writing thrillers of similar length based on this timeline.
Let’s hope it all stays as fiction.
(There were issues with the paperback, but they didn't detract from my appreciation of the story).
Commander Chris Coe is an old-school submariner and is abrasive with regard to his XO, Richard Wickham, so we have two types of conflict – personal and military.
The nuclear boat Oklahoma City is tasked with searching for a Chinese convoy and destroying it. The technical details seem authentic: the tension is raised as the vessels employ counter-measures, guile and gutsy experience.
Interestingly, Ryan’s website gives a blow-by-blow account of WWIII – without recourse to nuclear weapons! He must have been prescient, anticipating the January 2022 announcement from the five powers that they would not resort to nuclear weapons in any conflict!
The website is www.worldwar3timeline.com – and it makes fascinating reading. Gradually, he appears to be writing thrillers of similar length based on this timeline.
Let’s hope it all stays as fiction.
(There were issues with the paperback, but they didn't detract from my appreciation of the story).
September 30, 2025
I think that this was another one of those authors that I might have found after becoming a member of this great little piece of the internet, Military Thriller Book Group, and subsequently added to the never-ending TBR pile.
I decided to read Nick Ryan's Search and Destroy, which, according to FantasticFiction.com, is the sixth book in this exciting series of twelve books thus far. The great thing about his books (according to Goodreads, I think that I have read the first four books) is that each short novel can easily be read as a stand-alone, rather than having to be concerned about reading each as part of a series. My "problem" is that I seem to have fallen out of order (and missed book #5.....I guess that I'll blame it on the order that I loaded them on my tablet.....lol).
Nick Ryan's World War 3 is a series of standalone military techno-thrillers that collectively portray a modern global conflict. The books are not sequential but explore different battles and theaters of the war, primarily focusing on conflicts between Russia and NATO forces in Europe and involving other world powers.
While each novel features a different narrative and set of characters, the overarching scenario is a conventional, non-nuclear World War 3 fought with contemporary military hardware. I have been really impressed with Nick Ryan's fast-paced, action-packed style and attention to military detail.
The story follows the crew of the U.S. submarine USS Oklahoma City, which is sent on a covert mission in the Pacific to intercept a Chinese arms shipment. However, the submarine uncovers a greater threat to the West. The crew, already facing high tensions and isolation, must outwit the Chinese navy in a fight for their lives. As with other books in Ryan's WW3 series, the novel focuses on a specific military conflict using modern hardware.
Its greatest strengths are its technical accuracy and relentless pace, which many readers found compelling and hard to put down.
On my self-determined five-star rating scale, the sixth book in Nick Ryan's WW3 series is definitely worthy of a four-star rating, as I believe that it will satisfy fans of the submarine combat sub-genre of the action/adventure genre. Search and Destroy is a well-researched, action-focused military techno-thriller that will appeal to fans of submarine warfare and tactical fiction.
While it may not satisfy readers seeking deep character development or complex prose, its detailed and authentic action makes it a popular entry in Nick Ryan's World War 3 series. The book's strengths far outweigh its flaws for readers of the genre, who value authenticity and high-stakes military action. This entry in Nick Ryan's series would quickly become a favourite for those aficionados who enjoy the writing styles of authors such as Thriller/Fiction Authors such as Tom Clancy, Michael DiMercurio, and Peter Sasgen.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents' worth.
I decided to read Nick Ryan's Search and Destroy, which, according to FantasticFiction.com, is the sixth book in this exciting series of twelve books thus far. The great thing about his books (according to Goodreads, I think that I have read the first four books) is that each short novel can easily be read as a stand-alone, rather than having to be concerned about reading each as part of a series. My "problem" is that I seem to have fallen out of order (and missed book #5.....I guess that I'll blame it on the order that I loaded them on my tablet.....lol).
Nick Ryan's World War 3 is a series of standalone military techno-thrillers that collectively portray a modern global conflict. The books are not sequential but explore different battles and theaters of the war, primarily focusing on conflicts between Russia and NATO forces in Europe and involving other world powers.
While each novel features a different narrative and set of characters, the overarching scenario is a conventional, non-nuclear World War 3 fought with contemporary military hardware. I have been really impressed with Nick Ryan's fast-paced, action-packed style and attention to military detail.
The story follows the crew of the U.S. submarine USS Oklahoma City, which is sent on a covert mission in the Pacific to intercept a Chinese arms shipment. However, the submarine uncovers a greater threat to the West. The crew, already facing high tensions and isolation, must outwit the Chinese navy in a fight for their lives. As with other books in Ryan's WW3 series, the novel focuses on a specific military conflict using modern hardware.
Its greatest strengths are its technical accuracy and relentless pace, which many readers found compelling and hard to put down.
On my self-determined five-star rating scale, the sixth book in Nick Ryan's WW3 series is definitely worthy of a four-star rating, as I believe that it will satisfy fans of the submarine combat sub-genre of the action/adventure genre. Search and Destroy is a well-researched, action-focused military techno-thriller that will appeal to fans of submarine warfare and tactical fiction.
While it may not satisfy readers seeking deep character development or complex prose, its detailed and authentic action makes it a popular entry in Nick Ryan's World War 3 series. The book's strengths far outweigh its flaws for readers of the genre, who value authenticity and high-stakes military action. This entry in Nick Ryan's series would quickly become a favourite for those aficionados who enjoy the writing styles of authors such as Thriller/Fiction Authors such as Tom Clancy, Michael DiMercurio, and Peter Sasgen.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents' worth.
March 12, 2026
I enjoyed this book more than the others in the series. I'm not sure whether that's because I like submarine based stories or that this one was actually a better written tale. The characters were created well and with just enough depth to make the whole thing seem real. There was also enough tech stuff to keep me happy (I like a bit of tech stuff with a good explanation of how and why it works!). There was plenty of action going on, the description of which was good and was immersive. All in all, this one was the best so far and, if there was a break away series based on this, it would be a series I would read!
February 7, 2022
The submarine technology and action was great! But the plot was thin and the protagonist was an asshole and totally one dimensional. This author may have gotten great naval help from ex-sub skippers but he really ignored giving the protagonist any sort of personality other than angry, old school sub skipper. I would have rated this book much higher had he corrected this one dimensional character! In real life, ship captains can't be so lacking of people skills to make the ranks of a ships' commander. Just not realistic...
March 14, 2022
Decent read.
Overall the book is worth reading. I generally enjoy books about the "silent service". It seems technically accurate and detailed. It's well edited. For me there is too much time spent on the relationship between the commander and his XO. The commander is pretty much a micromanaging jerk for the bulk of the book. You get the feeling that he will come around, but doesn't until he epilogue. I know the new Navy is overly woke, but great leaders respect and appreciate their subordinates, in an out of the military.
Overall the book is worth reading. I generally enjoy books about the "silent service". It seems technically accurate and detailed. It's well edited. For me there is too much time spent on the relationship between the commander and his XO. The commander is pretty much a micromanaging jerk for the bulk of the book. You get the feeling that he will come around, but doesn't until he epilogue. I know the new Navy is overly woke, but great leaders respect and appreciate their subordinates, in an out of the military.
January 7, 2022
Below the Sea
This is an action packed book about under sea warfare. Not only does it give you a fairly accurate sense of the technical side of submarine warfare, it explores that various relationships that form when men and women are confined in close quarters for extended periods and how that can impact their missions. Another great read in the series and I can't wait for the next in the series, Airborne Assault.
This is an action packed book about under sea warfare. Not only does it give you a fairly accurate sense of the technical side of submarine warfare, it explores that various relationships that form when men and women are confined in close quarters for extended periods and how that can impact their missions. Another great read in the series and I can't wait for the next in the series, Airborne Assault.
January 30, 2022
Relieved for cause
I come from an old navy family. Admirals galore. I have had to work with command assholes like the captain of this boat. Did a big stint in organizational leadership. The Martinet in this book would have been relieved. Kick ass is not an effective leadership style. Not a book you can get into or identify with. Would have never been left in command by my grandfather..
I come from an old navy family. Admirals galore. I have had to work with command assholes like the captain of this boat. Did a big stint in organizational leadership. The Martinet in this book would have been relieved. Kick ass is not an effective leadership style. Not a book you can get into or identify with. Would have never been left in command by my grandfather..
February 17, 2022
War story that unfolds makes you aware of the skills they need
This war story that unfolds makes you aware of the skills they need to keep going and the characters grow in many ways during the storyline and plot. The submariners world is unlike any battlefield its cold dark world without daylight in a steel ship deep under the oceans being silent and listening for your enemy that can detect you if you make a wrong move
This war story that unfolds makes you aware of the skills they need to keep going and the characters grow in many ways during the storyline and plot. The submariners world is unlike any battlefield its cold dark world without daylight in a steel ship deep under the oceans being silent and listening for your enemy that can detect you if you make a wrong move
September 17, 2022
A grab you by he throat thriller.
I really enjoyed this book as I’ve read many WW-2 submarine books over the years and to read how different technology’s has changed a subs ability to sink the enemy from long distances. It also portrays the raw fear that submarine crews suffer from while in action. I found this book and it’s characters totally believable and I lost a bit of sleep as I couldn’t put it down.
I really enjoyed this book as I’ve read many WW-2 submarine books over the years and to read how different technology’s has changed a subs ability to sink the enemy from long distances. It also portrays the raw fear that submarine crews suffer from while in action. I found this book and it’s characters totally believable and I lost a bit of sleep as I couldn’t put it down.
June 11, 2023
Excellent portrayal of life in the US Navy.
Another adventure about Submarines and their crews who when ordered go into action never knowing if they will return safely back to their families or not,their selfless service to somehow try and keep the peace around the world and ultimately stop the people who would prefer to terrorise and ultimately kill innocent civilians is worthy of the traditions their forefathers set long ago.
Another adventure about Submarines and their crews who when ordered go into action never knowing if they will return safely back to their families or not,their selfless service to somehow try and keep the peace around the world and ultimately stop the people who would prefer to terrorise and ultimately kill innocent civilians is worthy of the traditions their forefathers set long ago.
January 11, 2022
A one sided fight
This story is a one sided fight where one sides weapons work and the others does not and totally neglects the fact that an asw frigate costs one tent the price of a submarine and can be built by the hundreds .
Last I checked China has a lot of brilliant engineers.
This story is a one sided fight where one sides weapons work and the others does not and totally neglects the fact that an asw frigate costs one tent the price of a submarine and can be built by the hundreds .
Last I checked China has a lot of brilliant engineers.
February 18, 2022
Submarine Warfare at its best.
The action is fast paced and none stop. Kept me involved from start to finish and I really enjoyed the characters interplay, the angst between the Captain and the XO was so awesome and well written that it made the story so real. Looking for the next one.
The action is fast paced and none stop. Kept me involved from start to finish and I really enjoyed the characters interplay, the angst between the Captain and the XO was so awesome and well written that it made the story so real. Looking for the next one.
March 29, 2022
Note - The World War 3 Techno-Thriller Action Event Series by Nick Ryan can be read in any sequence and each book in the series restricts to one battle.
The mission given to USS Oklahoma City, a Nuclear Powered Submarine, was to find and sink the Chinese convoy on the way to Pakistan to deliver a shipment of arms. In the process they found something more dangerous for the US forces and the captain of the lone submarine decided to dent a blow on this new convoy.
The mission given to USS Oklahoma City, a Nuclear Powered Submarine, was to find and sink the Chinese convoy on the way to Pakistan to deliver a shipment of arms. In the process they found something more dangerous for the US forces and the captain of the lone submarine decided to dent a blow on this new convoy.
July 3, 2022
Rather dull and repetitive descriptions of loading and firing torpedoes along with course changes. Characters have no real personality so you don’t feel anything for them.
Book feels very incomplete- starts with a war going on and finishes with it still going on and no indication of whether their mission was successful or what was happening at the time. A bit of a waste of time reading it.
Book feels very incomplete- starts with a war going on and finishes with it still going on and no indication of whether their mission was successful or what was happening at the time. A bit of a waste of time reading it.
September 2, 2023
Hard to stop ...the action never seems to ease up
Would recommend this as one of the better submarine stories I've read recently. Action, of course, but combined with personal insights into each of the main characters as well as what appears to be a good knowledge of
Submarine technology and warfare techniques
Would recommend this as one of the better submarine stories I've read recently. Action, of course, but combined with personal insights into each of the main characters as well as what appears to be a good knowledge of
Submarine technology and warfare techniques
January 28, 2026
Search and Destroy is a gripping, high-stakes techno-thriller that immerses readers in tense submarine warfare and global conflict. Nick Ryan’s precise attention to military detail and fast-paced storytelling keeps the action intense and engaging from start to finish. A must-read for fans of modern military thrillers and naval action.
January 6, 2022
Superb undersea warfare novel of courage against overwhelming odds…
Mr. Ryan has done a spectacular job of what a future submarine conflict with the Communist Chinese may well involve. Bravo Zulu, Mr. Ryan. You’ve honored our Silent Service, and America…
Mr. Ryan has done a spectacular job of what a future submarine conflict with the Communist Chinese may well involve. Bravo Zulu, Mr. Ryan. You’ve honored our Silent Service, and America…
January 12, 2022
Another winner
We have a totally different setting for this book, but the same superb action shines through. These are really good reads, short, but so well told that you feel a part of the action.
We have a totally different setting for this book, but the same superb action shines through. These are really good reads, short, but so well told that you feel a part of the action.
January 26, 2022
Not bad. Not bad at all!
It's not often that I read any Navy story (or any war story for that matter) that contains as much combat action as this story does. Well written and entertaining.
It's not often that I read any Navy story (or any war story for that matter) that contains as much combat action as this story does. Well written and entertaining.
February 7, 2022
At war with china
I wonder if these tales are read in China. Might give them heartburn. Tons of detailed procedures which I found wearing as they accumulate. But otherwise great story.
I wonder if these tales are read in China. Might give them heartburn. Tons of detailed procedures which I found wearing as they accumulate. But otherwise great story.
February 8, 2022
Book review of "Search and Destroy" by Nick Ryan:
Having read this novel, I have a new appreciation of the complexity of nuclear submarines and submarine tactics in warfare. It is well-written, and I found it difficult to put down. Highly recommended!
Having read this novel, I have a new appreciation of the complexity of nuclear submarines and submarine tactics in warfare. It is well-written, and I found it difficult to put down. Highly recommended!
February 14, 2022
Taught, very entertaining read packed with tension
Ryan's series of WW3 are entertaining and filled with page turning action. Search and Destroy focuses on submarine Avion and offers a tense story that flows extremely well and is hard to put down. Highly recommended
Ryan's series of WW3 are entertaining and filled with page turning action. Search and Destroy focuses on submarine Avion and offers a tense story that flows extremely well and is hard to put down. Highly recommended
May 22, 2022
Great read
I always like to read about submarine stories. This is 1 of the better books I have read yours It keeps you interested all the way through. The end is a little bit anti Climatic , I will certainly read more of his books.
I always like to read about submarine stories. This is 1 of the better books I have read yours It keeps you interested all the way through. The end is a little bit anti Climatic , I will certainly read more of his books.
August 15, 2022
teriffic book!
Well paced story that vividly portrays the tension and danger of the ship’s mission. The personalities are painted with detail and stark style befitting the stress they live with.
Well done.
Well paced story that vividly portrays the tension and danger of the ship’s mission. The personalities are painted with detail and stark style befitting the stress they live with.
Well done.
September 3, 2026
It was a book.
Actually, I liked it. Bare bones this is what people do on a submarine. Thin characters. Comical motivations beyond the obvi. Lots of acronyms and numbers. 688 being a big one.
Fun anyway.
Actually, I liked it. Bare bones this is what people do on a submarine. Thin characters. Comical motivations beyond the obvi. Lots of acronyms and numbers. 688 being a big one.
Fun anyway.
December 5, 2021
Yes was the most exciting of all the books
This book on submarine warfare is 1 of the best he's written. I highly recommend Reading this 1 it's very exciting.
This book on submarine warfare is 1 of the best he's written. I highly recommend Reading this 1 it's very exciting.
December 20, 2021
Not my mind of book
This is the second book of the series and I have found Nick Ryan isn't my mind of author. Very boring
This is the second book of the series and I have found Nick Ryan isn't my mind of author. Very boring
December 23, 2021
All I can say is WOW! This was a great military thriller. I was surprised in that it was also a study in leadership - an excellent study in leadership.
January 2, 2022
Edge of your seat.
Couldn’t put this down I know nothing about submarines but feel like a I have been on one engaged in combat.
Couldn’t put this down I know nothing about submarines but feel like a I have been on one engaged in combat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews