The Recommended Reading Path
For the most rewarding experience, readers should follow the hybrid publication order. While the prequel novella SCARS is chronologically first, it contains spoilers and thematic elements that are best appreciated after reading the early books in the main series. The spin-off series, Sons of Valor, runs parallel to the later books of the main series and should be integrated once you reach that point in the timeline.
The Master Checklist
- Tier One (2016)
- War Shadows (2017)
- Crusader One (2017)
- SCARS (Tier One Origins Novella, 2020) — Best read here to learn the origin of Dempsey's signature scar and his history with Mahmoud Bin Jabbar.
- American Operator (2018)
- Red Specter (2019)
- Collateral (2020)
- Sons of Valor (Sons of Valor Book 1, 2021) — Start the parallel spin-off series here.
- Violence of Action (Sons of Valor Book 2, 2022)
- Dempsey (2023)
- War Machine (Sons of Valor Book 3, 2023)
- Ember (2024)
- False Flag (Sons of Valor Book 4, 2025)
- The Adversary (2025)
- Insurgent (2026)
The Tier One Main Series
The primary series follows John Dempsey, a legendary Navy SEAL formerly known as Jack Kemper. After a tragedy destroys his life and team, he is recruited into Task Force Ember, a highly secretive, off-the-books counterterrorism unit designed to operate outside the constraints of traditional military bureaucracy.
- Tier One (2016): Jack Kemper must transition into his new identity as John Dempsey to hunt down those responsible for a devastating attack on his former team.
- War Shadows (2017): Dempsey races against the clock to stop a shadowy conspiracy that threatens global security.
- Crusader One (2017): Following a deadly attack in the heart of America, Dempsey and his team carry out a retaliatory strike that risks igniting a global conflict.
- American Operator (2018): Task Force Ember must rescue a hostage held by a terrorist cell, leading Dempsey to team up with a mysterious operator.
- Red Specter (2019): Dempsey goes head-to-head with a Russian intelligence asset who has targeted Task Force Ember for destruction.
- Collateral (2020): A high-stakes mission leads to unforeseen collateral damage, forcing Dempsey to question the boundaries of his duty.
- Dempsey (2023): Imprisoned in a brutal Russian gulag, Dempsey must fight for survival while executing a dangerous undercover mission.
- Ember (2024): Task Force Ember faces an existential threat as their secrets are exposed, putting the entire operation at risk.
- The Adversary (2025): A new, deadly threat emerges from the shadows, challenging Dempsey to push past his limits to prevent a catastrophic war.
- Insurgent (2026): The stakes reach an all-time high as Dempsey confronts domestic and foreign threats aligned to tear down Task Force Ember from within.
The Origins and Spin-Offs
Tier One Origins
The companion series Tier One Origins consists of shorter novellas that examine the backstories of the main characters before they joined Task Force Ember. The first entry, SCARS (2020), focuses on John Dempsey's final deployment as Navy SEAL Jack Kemper in Iraq. It explains how he earned his iconic serpentine scar and introduces his long-term adversary, Mahmood Bin Jabbar.
Sons of Valor Spin-off Series
Co-authored by Andrews and Wilson, the Sons of Valor spin-off focuses on a new generation of Tier One Navy SEALs, particularly operational commander Keith "Chunk" Redman. While it features cameos and crossover elements from Task Force Ember, it follows its own standalone story arcs focusing on active-duty special operators responding to tactical threats around the globe.
- Sons of Valor (2021)
- Violence of Action (2022)
- War Machine (2023)
- False Flag (2025)
What to Know Before You Start
One of the reasons the Tier One universe feels so authentic is the background of its creators. Brian Andrews is a former Navy nuclear submarine officer, and Jeffrey Wilson is a former Navy combat surgeon who served alongside SEAL teams. Their real-world experience brings an unparalleled level of realism, tactical detail, and emotional depth to Dempsey's journey. Additionally, the series has been optioned for a television adaptation, promising to bring the high-stakes missions of Task Force Ember to the screen.