When you scour the internet looking for your next thriller to read, chances are you’ll stumble across Tom Clancy at least a few dozen times. With 17 New York Times Bestsellers and over 100 million copies of his books sold to date, it’s no surprise that Thomas Leo Clancy, Jr. is a household name just like James Patterson or Nora Roberts.
Most of Clancy’s books fall under the genre of techno-thriller or military-themed thriller. However, don’t let that description turn you off: Clancy’s novels not only provide lots of detail and suspense, but they also take the reader on a journey in a way that few other writers can do. If you’ve never experienced the thrill of a Tom Clancy book, or if you’re simply looking for a suggestion that you haven’t read yet, consider these seven Clancy novels that all receive raving reviews, top bestseller lists, and (in some cases) went on to become major motion pictures too.
1. The Hunt for Red October (1984)
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Many consider The Hunt for Red October the novel that changed Tom Clancy’s life. After all, the insurance broker never dreamed that his first novel to hit the shelves would go on to be an international bestseller. Yet it did, and it led to a very successful career!
Set during the Cold War, The Hunt for Red October introduces Jack Ryan to the world. Ryan, an analyst for the CIA, soon finds himself in the middle of a high-steaks game of underwater hide and seek with the Soviet submarine Red October. With the threat of full-on nuclear war in the background, Ryan makes it his personal mission to find the sub and figure out just what’s going on. The Hunt for Red October puts you right in the action and sets the stage for all of Clancy’s other books — gripping military thrillers that people just can’t seem to put down.
2. Patriot Games (1987)
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If you want something a little less military-based and technical that still lives up to the Tom Clancy hype, Patriot Games is a solid choice. Although Clancy wrote this novel after his debut The Hunt for Red October, it actually goes into the story of Jack Ryan’s origins and reveals the exact dangers Ryan faced before taking a job with the CIA. Between thwarting an assassination and willingly going head-to-head with terrorists, Ryan provoves just how brave (and foolish) he really is.
And as you may have already guessed, this Clancy novel was the inspiration for the 1992 film of the same title that starred Harrison Ford. The film made an outstanding $178,051,587 worldwide during its 9-week box office run, making it one of the top grossing films for the year.
3. Clear and Present Danger (1989)
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Just as Jack Ryan earns a promotion with the CIA, he’s faced with some difficult questions. When do drug lords become a problem for national security? What can the CIA even do about it? Who are the real enemies anyway? Ryan decides that he’s going to get to the bottom of it — but as usual the truth will end up being a little more complicated than he ever anticipated.
This 1989 Tom Clancy novel dives deep into the Reagan-era “War on Drugs” and features a great blend of suspense and humor. And given its appearance at the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list, what suspense and mystery lover wouldn’t want to read it?
4. The Sum of All Fears (1991)
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Jack Ryan sets a plan in motion which he believes will finally bring peace to the Middle East. That is, until terrorists share that they hid a nuclear weapon somewhere in the United States. As soon as the intelligence leaks, distrust brews and the world is suddenly on the verge of a major nuclear disaster. Can Ryan once again save the day before everyone loses control?
This 1991 novel serves as the sequel to Clear and Present Danger, and clearly illustrates the idea that “absolute power absolutely corrupts.” It includes much more detail and excitement than the theatrical adaptation, so don’t knock The Sum of All Fears until you read it.
5. Debt of Honor (1994)
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As the president’s National Security Adviser, Jack Ryan finds himself learning all about the “new world order,” where everyone uses the stock market and economic policy as weapons — instead of guns and bombs. But when a Japanese financier uses his wealth and connections to seek revenge on America, things get very messy. With the help of former colleagues John Clark and Domingo Chavez, Ryan finds a way to make the right maneuvers and work through this crisis between American and Japan.
Although some would argue this novel falls short since the action looks a little different, Tom Clancy still keeps you riveted with the political intrigue and military maneuvering throughout the novel. You probably won’t be able to put this thriller down until you reach the shocking conclusion you never saw coming.
6. Executive Orders (1996)
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The most devastating terrorist act in history leaves the President, Joint Chiefs, Supreme Court justices, and nearly all of Congress dead. Yet, somehow, Jack Ryan survives — and suddenly finds himself as the undisputed leader of the country. While putting a mourning country back together seems difficult enough, Ryan soon discovers that his real problem is not the enemies he has outside the White House — but inside. Can Ryan live up to the test and protect an already vulnerable country?
Unlike most of Clancy’s other novels, which focus more on operatives and “behind the scenes” action, Executive Orders throws the reader into what the Executive Branch of government really looks like. It brings up interesting discussion on what it means to run this country and what the President deals with on a daily basis. It’s a great read for any Clancy lover, but also anyone who just enjoys fictional works based careful research.
7. Rainbow Six (1998)
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If you’re looking for a Clancy novel that isn’t a Jack Ryan story, look no further than Rainbow Six. While it’s still a military-themed thriller in the same vein, this novel follows one of the support characters from the Jack Ryan novels: John Clark.
Former Navy SEAL John Clark is the new head of Rainbow, an international anti-terrorism task force. Clark soon finds himself deep into a complicated web created by a group of terrorists and unlike anything the world has ever seen. Can Clark thwart the terrorist group before it’s too late, or will they succeed in completely obliterating life as we know it?
We carefully crafted this list of Tom Clancy novels, but he has many more out there! For a complete list of Tom Clancy’s works, visit this page.
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