Tom Clancy is at it again with “Locked On,” his latest addition to the Jack Ryan series. Only this time, it is Jack Ryan Jr. that takes on the unceasing danger and cagey lifestyle of the CIA’s most enigmatic branch, The Campus.
Co-authored by Mark Greaney, the book begins with the capture of the world’s most wanted terrorist, The Emir. This causes followers to form their own group with the intention of global destruction. This spurs the five active members of The Campus to counter the group by conducting a series of missions all over the world. The covert operation must also evade the suspicions of the government.
Meanwhile, Jack Ryan Sr. runs the campaign of his life to re-enter the oval office.
The elder Jack’s opponent, current President Edward Kealty, turns to blackmail and deceit in an effort to win re-election. He also targets one of Jack’s colleagues and confidantes, former CIA agent John Clark, by accusing him of illegally capturing The Emir.
With John Clark on the run from a Kealty-lead FBI investigation, the members of The Campus are left to anticipate a possible terrorist attack led by Russian radical, General Riaz Rehan. Jack Jr. also engages in a more personal mission: capturing the heart of Melanie Kraft, a brilliant analyst for the National Counterterrorism Center.
Tom Clancy succeeds in writing his usual style of thrill and suspense throughout the novel. From the first pages describing the imprisonment of a potential leader for the Dagestani Islamic revolution to the ultimate mission of preventing Russian and Dagestani nuclear war, Clancy provides the perspective of both the enemy and the ally in each mission.
The novel distinguishes itself by being able to appeal to the reader’s emotional sympathy for the enemies. This extra insight leads the reader to flinch at their imminent destruction.
Additionally, the book includes maps for several of the novel’s locations to help the reader identify and follow Jack Jr.’s team all around the world.
Chapters of added details give the audience insight to the history of The Emir and the experience of each Campus member - there is even an entire section dedicated to describing the weapons used for every attack. The lengthy 850-page novel provides a constant sense of anticipation that causes the reader to wonder if the characters can remain indestructible after taking on their most dangerous mission to date.
Reach the reporter at mkthomp5@asu.edu
