Books Like...

'Red Storm Rising' by Larry Bond and Tom Clancy is a Cold War-era thriller that explores the possibility of World War III breaking out between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The book delves into detailed military scenarios, showcasing a variety of characters from different perspectives involved in the escalating conflict. Clancy's writing style is described as fast-paced, detailed, and engaging, with a focus on military strategy and advanced technology.

'Tier One' by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson is a thrilling military espionage novel that keeps readers hooked from the very first page. The story follows the leader of a SEAL team who is a veteran of special assignments, portraying him as a no-nonsense character with a dry sense of humor. The plot is a combination of espionage and thriller, with the action-packed storyline becoming more dominant towards the end of the book. The writing style is engaging, with well-described action scenes and realistic character development that keeps the readers invested in the story.

'Golden Buddha' in the series 'The Oregon Files' by Clive Cussler and Craig Dirgo follows the thrilling adventure of the Chairman of the Corporation, Juan Cabrillo, and his talented crew as they embark on a mission to return the real Golden Buddha to the Dalai Lama. The plot involves a crooked art dealer, two egotistical billionaires, and a standoff between the Russians and the Chinese, creating a romping adventure filled with high-tech defensive systems, political machinations, and fast-paced action.

The writing style of the book is described as easy to follow, with a team-based approach rather than focusing on one hero. The story incorporates real historical background, intricate details about the Oregon ship, and rich character development, particularly highlighting the charismatic hero, Juan Cabrillo, and the religious leader, the Dalai Lama.

In 'The Night Agent' by Matthew Quirk, FBI agent Peter Sutherland gets pulled into a dangerous conspiracy after receiving a call from a young woman named Rose Larkin. As they try to evade Russian assassins and government operatives, they uncover deep counterintelligence measures and face a dangerous cat and mouse chase. The novel is a blend of conspiracy, espionage, and thriller genres, with a fast-paced plot and short, tension-building chapters that keep the reader engaged.

'The Night Agent' is set in Washington, D.C., within sight of the White House, and explores themes of government corruption, responsibility, and the dangers of espionage. The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat. The writing style is described as straightforward and well-plotted, with realistic characters and a satisfying ending that ties up the various storylines.

'Open Carry' in the 'Arliss Cutter' series by Marc Cameron is a fast-paced and action-packed US Marshal suspense novel set in Alaska. The book follows the protagonist, US Marshal Cutter, as he navigates through various challenges, including dealing with dangerous criminals, solving mysteries, and facing personal dilemmas. The writing style is described as engaging, detailed, and riveting, with a mix of action, humor, and strong character development. The plot unfolds with a blend of realistic scenarios, complex relationships, and thrilling adventures, all set against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness.

'Flight of the Intruder' by Stephen Coonts is a novel set during the Vietnam War, focusing on United States Navy aviators flying the A-6 Intruder aircraft. The book is praised for its realism, detailing the experiences of carrier pilots in Vietnam with outstanding authenticity. The narrative weaves in a believable love story amidst the action-packed missions, providing a unique insight into the life of a combat pilot during the war.

The protagonist, Jake Grafton, a carrier pilot in his 20s, is portrayed as a complex and interesting character, adding depth to the story beyond just aircraft controls and missions. The author, drawing from his own experience as an A-6 Intruder pilot, infuses the book with credibility and tension, making it a gripping and page-turning read that captures the essence of military life during the early 1970s.

The Lions of Lucerne by Brad Thor is a gripping thriller that follows the ex-Navy SEAL and Secret Service agent Scot Harvath as he embarks on a mission to rescue the kidnapped President of the United States. The plot is fast-paced and filled with action, taking readers on a thrilling ride across multiple international locations. The writing style is described as engaging, with detailed settings and a focus on creating a believable and capable main character in Scot Harvath.

The Gray Man by Mark Greaney is a fast-paced thriller following Courtland Gentry, a former CIA operative turned legendary assassin known as The Gray Man. Hunted for an assassination he committed, Court finds himself in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with elite forces from around the world. The book is filled with non-stop action, improbable scenarios, and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Greaney's writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on intense action sequences and a plot that hooks readers from the first page.

In 'The Brotherhood of the Rose', the story follows two orphans, Chris and Saul, who were raised by a mentor to become highly trained assassins. When their mentor turns against them, the brothers team up to seek revenge on those who betrayed them, leading to a fast-paced and action-packed thriller. Despite some logic and believability issues, the novel is praised for its engaging concept of trained assassins operating as a cohesive unit and the well-developed characters of Chris and Saul.

'Serpent' in the NUMA Files series by Clive Cussler and Paul Kemprecos follows the underwater adventures of Kurt Austin and his team at NUMA. The story is filled with suspense, historical elements, and a treasure hunt, all while keeping the readers engaged until the final page. weaves together theories, archaeology, and action adeptly, with a compelling archaeological twist that sees Kurt and Zavalla rising to the occasion in typical fashion. Despite being a new series, some readers feel that the book resembles classic Dirk Pitt adventures, with familiar dynamics and perilous situations.