Command Authority is Tom Clancy’s best book in years
It’s also the best book he co-wrote with Mark Greaney. I suppose the bar is not very high given the quality of their latest books, but I really enjoyed this one. The topic is uncannily timely given the current events in Ukraine. The book cleverly integrates Red Storm Rising-style sequences, like the fantastic opening passage of the book, with the Jack Ryan intelligence analyst sections. I wish there were more of the former. However, given the gimmick of having the story unfold in parallel both in the present day and 30 years ago, I was happy to see Jack Ryan Sr. back in action as his younger more active self.
I have to admit I am not sure how objective this review is. I grew up on Clancy books in the 1980s and 1990s and lamented his passing a few months ago. This book managed to hit all the right touches of nostalgia. All the characters I grew up loving make an appearance. Somehow it also felt very relevant and I was entertained throughout.
If you are an old school Clancy-fan, Command Authority is worth checking out.
I made the “mistake” of starting some of his books on a Friday evening. Next thing you knew 24 hours had disappeared and I had not slept, eaten or done anything social 🙂
I really love it when that happens. I just have to know what’s coming next. The same thing happened to me with the first few seasons of 24 and “just one more turn” of Civilization when it came out 🙂
When the original Command & Conquer came out I played so many hours straight I lost 3D vision. I could not tell the floor from the wall anymore and had to crawl to the restroom. My eyes were so incredibly bloodshot. I forced myself into bed and promptly slept 18 hours.
Sounds like I have an addictive personality. Perhaps I should steer clear of drugs 🙂