"Patriot Games" by Tom Clancy is a thrilling adventure centered around a scheme by the Ulster Liberation Army to kidnap the Prince of Wales. Jack Ryan, with his Marine training, thwarts this attempt but becomes a target of Northern Ireland's most dangerous men. The plotline gradually accelerates through planning details to an exciting showdown, leaving readers stunned and awestruck by the explosive conclusion. Clancy's writing style immerses readers in the worlds he creates, offering a mix of tedious moments and fast-paced action.

Jack Ryan, the protagonist, finds himself in the midst of international terrorism, protecting his family from the IRA in a page-turner that is hard to put down. is an action-packed and exciting read, with detailed descriptions of gunfights that some may find excessive. It delves into themes of family, military culture, terrorism, and the 1980s, offering a mix of fast-paced excitement and slower, plodding moments that make it an entertaining read for a rainy afternoon.

Characters:

Characters revolve around Jack Ryan, a conflicted hero facing moral dilemmas, alongside a cast of military-oriented supporting players. The villains are largely depicted as one-dimensional.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions that create engaging scenes, blending action with humor while offering deep emotional insights into characters. However, it can be lengthy and overly detailed at times.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Jack Ryan thwarting a terrorist attack on the royal family, leading to a sequence of events where he and his family become targets. The narrative explores Jack's emotional struggles, the buildup of tension as threats escalate, and provides insights from both sides of the conflict.

Setting:

The setting spans London and the U.S., grounded in the historical context of IRA-related terrorism in the 1980s.

Pacing:

The pacing begins with an exhilarating start but includes slower sections that may detract from the momentum. The story ultimately culminates in a gripping finale.

"Excuse me, sir." Ryan turned to see a police officer—they call them constables over here, he reminded himself—in uniform complete to the Mack Sennett hat. "Please do be careful and cross at the corne...

Notes:

Jack Ryan foils a kidnapping of the royal family while on vacation in London.

The book mixes action, tension, and humor throughout its narrative.

Clancy's writing evokes vivid imagery, making scenes feel real.

Jack Ryan's relationship with his wife is portrayed as realistic and relatable.

The story reflects themes of guilt, revenge, and justice as Jack navigates danger.

Both good and bad characters are explored, showcasing their motivations and plans.

The novel highlights security issues during the IRA's peak as a terrorist organization.

Clancy introduces technical details about aircraft and satellite technology, providing a sense of realism.

The hospital scenes are noted for their humor and Jack's interactions with medical personnel.

The detailed portrayal of intelligence and military procedures was praised as well-researched.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, terrorism, and injury to characters, particularly related to family and personal trauma.

Has Romance?

The book contains a medium level of romance, particularly between the protagonist Jack Ryan and his wife Cathy, showcasing their relationship amidst the turmoil.

From The Publisher:

Don't Miss the Original Series Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan Starring John Krasinski!

Tom Clancy reveals Jack Ryan's origins in this electrifying #1 New York Times bestselling thriller that pits the former Marine turned family man against a vicious group of international terrorists.

As an American in London on vacation with his family, Jack Ryan never imagined his quick thinking would prevent an assassination attempt on Britain's royal family and earn him the gratitude of an entire nation-and the scorn of an ultra-left-wing faction of the IRA. Irish terrorist Sean Miller and his followers in the Ulster Liberation Army intend to make sure Ryan pays for his interference in blood. But he's not the only one they're after…

With the lives of his pregnant wife and young daughter in mortal danger, Ryan accepts a role as a CIA analyst in order to find Miller and shut down the ULA. Going head to head with a ruthless terrorist is a fool's errand, but Jack Ryan is the kind of man who will do whatever it takes to protect his family.

Ratings (22)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (32):

Read It (23)
Want To Read (9)

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Patriot Games?

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About the Author:

A little more than thirty years ago Tom Clancy was a Maryland insurance broker with a passion for naval history. Years before, he had been an English major at Baltimore's Loyola College and had always dreamed of writing a novel….

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Patriot Games

Tom Clancy

Book 2 in the series:Jack Ryan Universe