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Andrews and Wilson’s second entry in Clancy’s Jack Ryan series (following Act of Defiance) is a top-notch geopolitical thriller centered on rising tensions between China and the United States. When China’s new hardline president sets plans in motion for an invasion of Taiwan, U.S. President Jack Ryan must navigate diplomacy, military strategy, and international fallout—all while working to extract a high-ranking Chinese defector.
Though technically a military thriller, this book focuses more on strategy and global maneuvering than nonstop action. There’s some danger and suspense, but it’s the behind-the-scenes planning and diplomatic brinkmanship that drive the story.
I appreciated how current the storyline felt—it could’ve been lifted from today’s headlines. The pacing slows in spots, and I found my mind wandering occasionally (as I sometimes do with longer books), but overall, the tension builds nicely and the payoff delivers. Katie Ryan plays a key role, John Clark is reliably sharp, and Jack Ryan continues to anchor the series with steady leadership.
Plenty of excitement here for Clancy fans, especially those who enjoy the mix of tech, politics, and pulse-raising global stakes. Defense Protocol is an outstanding continuation of the Ryan legacy.
** Thanks to Edelweiss+ and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for a review copy. The opinions are my own.