[Review] — Tom Clancy's DEFENSE PROTOCOL by Andrews & Wilson (★★★★★)

Tom Clancy's military thrillers have electrified readers for generations, and the excitement continues to buzz even after his passing. His estate, in collaboration with publisher Putnam, has ensured that his legacy lives on by bringing in exciting new voices to expand his universe. A standout is last year’s explosive release of DEFENSE PROTOCOL, the thrilling 25th installment in the Jack Ryan series, co-penned by the dynamic duo, Andrews & Wilson—Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson.

Set against the backdrop of rising tensions surrounding Taiwan, a hot-button issue for the Chinese government, DEFENSE PROTOCOL dives headfirst into a world on the brink. While much of the globe recognizes Taiwan as an independent nation, the People's Republic of China (PRC) still views it as a rogue province. Enter the ambitious new Chinese President, Li Jian Jun, who embarks on a secretive and aggressive military operation to tighten his grip on the island. However, not everything is as it seems; Defense Minister Qin Haiyu is acutely aware of the devastating consequences of this attack and desperately wants to halt the violent campaign for reunification. Faced with a dire reality, Qin fears for his own life and the safety of his family, ultimately making the bold choice to covertly reach out to the CIA in Beijing, longing to defect to the West.

As this crisis unfolds, the resourceful John Clark springs into action, assembling an elite international task force reminiscent of the legendary Rainbow Six unit. Their mission? To infiltrate mainland China and facilitate Qin's daring escape. Meanwhile, Lt. Commander Katie Ryan—daughter of President Jack Ryan—finds herself in the thick of a tense military operation aboard the USS Jason Dunham. With the daunting task of defending Taiwan against an advancing Chinese fleet, Katie must navigate a high-stakes naval standoff, searching for a chink in the enemy's armor that could turn the tide in this perilous conflict.

As President Jack Ryan bears the weight of his powerful office—a position that grants him command over the U.S. military—he realizes that the key to averting disaster lies in the secret plans of Minister Qin. The stakes couldn’t be higher: if he fails to secure this critical intel, both nations could be thrust into a catastrophic war, risking the lives of thousands—including U.S. soldiers, sailors, special operators, and even his own daughter.

Although prominently labeled "A Jack Ryan Novel," this installment uniquely places Katie Ryan at center stage as a formidable protagonist, echoing the strength and determination of her father and her brother, Jack Ryan, Jr., an operative with the unconventional Campus intelligence agency. While the narrative may be fictional, it pulses with the urgency of contemporary global issues, rendering it alarmingly plausible against today’s geopolitical backdrop. The authors masterfully honor Tom Clancy's legacy, weaving in intricately detailed military elements that pump up the story's authenticity. The brisk pacing of the 500-page novel kept me riveted, eager to tear through each chapter as the tension escalated.

DEFENSE PROTOCOL is not just a book; it’s a heart-pounding, expertly crafted espionage thriller that pays tribute to Tom Clancy's renowned legacy while ensnaring readers with its intricately woven plot and compelling character dynamics. Buckle up for a wild ride! ╍★★★★★

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