Where to Start Reading Brian Andrews
For most readers, the absolute best place to start is with Tier One (2016), the first book in his flagship military thriller series co-authored with Jeffrey Wilson under their joint pen name Andrews & Wilson. This book introduces John Dempsey and establishes the high-stakes, realistic covert ops tone that the duo is famous for. If you prefer speculative sci-fi and techno-thrillers, you should start with his solo debut, The Calypso Directive (2012).
The Tier One Universe Reading Order
The Tier One universe is Andrews's most expansive work, following Navy SEAL John Dempsey as he transitions into a black-ops operative. While you can read the prequel novella SCARS first, it is highly recommended to read in publication order to experience the characters' evolution naturally.
The Main Tier One Series
- Tier One (2016)
- War Shadows (2017)
- Crusader One (2017)
- American Operator (2018)
- Red Specter (2019)
- Collateral (2020)
- Dempsey (2023)
- Ember (2024)
Tier One Prequels and Companion Novellas
- Black Sundown (2016) – A standalone short story featuring John Dempsey before the events of Tier One.
- SCARS (2020) – A Tier One Origins prequel novella focusing on John Dempsey's early days and military transition.
Sons of Valor Spin-Off Series
The Sons of Valor series is a direct spin-off set in the same universe as Tier One, focusing on Navy SEAL Keith "Chunk" Redman and the members of Tier One. While you can read it independently, it is best enjoyed after reading Collateral to maintain chronological continuity.
- Sons of Valor (2021)
- Violence of Action (2022)
- War Machine (2023)
The Nick Foley Series (Written as Alex Ryan)
Andrews and Wilson co-wrote this action-packed duology under the shared pseudonym Alex Ryan. It follows former Navy SEAL Nick Foley as he works in the private sector and gets caught in geopolitical conspiracies across Asia.
- Beijing Red (2016)
- Hong Kong Black (2017)
The Shepherds Series
A faith-based supernatural action thriller series that follows former Navy SEAL Jedidiah Johnson as he battles dark spiritual forces targeting humanity.
- Dark Intercept (2021)
- Dark Angel (2022)
- Dark Fall (2022)
Think Tank Series (Solo Novels)
These techno-thrillers were written solo by Brian Andrews and follow the themes of genetic mutation and corporate espionage.
- The Calypso Directive (2012)
- The Infiltration Game (2016)
Franchise Continuations & Co-Authored Works
Thanks to their reputation for realistic military action, Andrews & Wilson were tapped to continue legacy series for iconic authors.
Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan Universe
Andrews & Wilson joined the rotating team of authors keeping Tom Clancy's legendary franchise alive. They specifically co-authored the following main-line Jack Ryan novels:
- Act of Defiance (2024)
- Defense Protocol (2024)
W.E.B. Griffin's Presidential Agent Series
The duo also took over writing duties for W.E.B. Griffin's popular series, continuing the covert operations of Charley Castillo.
- Rogue Asset (2021)
Standalone Novels
If you are looking for self-contained stories, Andrews has written or co-written several standalones that blend thriller elements with science fiction.
- Reset (2018) – A solo techno-thriller by Brian Andrews about an existential threat to humanity.
- The Sandbox (2023) – A co-authored high-tech thriller centered around artificial intelligence and warfare.
- Four Minutes (2024) – A co-authored time-travel thriller about a mission to save the future.