Don Brown Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Don Brown

For most readers, the best place to begin is with the Navy Justice series, which is Don Brown's signature work. Specifically, starting with the publication order is highly recommended. Reading Treason (2005) first introduces you to Lieutenant Zack Brewer, the military prosecutor, in the way the author intended. This allows you to experience the character development and growing stakes naturally.

However, if you are a stickler for strict timeline order, you might be tempted to start with Destiny (2014), which is a historical prequel. We outline the differences between these two pathways below to help you decide.

The Zack Brewer / Navy Justice Series

The Navy Justice series is a legal thriller series focused on U.S. Navy JAG officer Zack Brewer. Zack is a brilliant prosecutor who faces complex international conspiracies, high-stakes military courtrooms, and deep personal and spiritual trials.

Recommended Reading Pathways: Publication vs. Chronological Order

There is a minor debate among fans about whether to read the series in the order the books were published or in chronological order due to the release of the prequel novel, Destiny, in 2014.

The Publication Order (Recommended)

This pathway is recommended because Destiny is a historical prequel that focuses on Zack Brewer's grandfather during World War II. It was written with the assumption that readers are already familiar with the family legacy established in the main series.

• Treason (2005)
• Hostage (2005)
• Defiance (2007)
• Black Sea Affair (2008)
• The Malacca Conspiracy (2010)
• Destiny (2014)

The Chronological Order

If you prefer to follow the family's historical timeline from the very beginning, start with the WWII prequel before jumping into the modern-day JAG cases.

1. Destiny (2014) - Prequel featuring Walter Brewer during World War II.
2. Treason (2005) - Zack Brewer prosecutes Islamic chaplains accused of terrorism.
3. Hostage (2005) - Zack defends a high-profile case while dealing with personal hostage crises.
4. Defiance (2007) - A tense legal and physical battle involving military secrets.
5. Black Sea Affair (2008) - A submarine thriller set against the backdrop of Russian aggression.
6. The Malacca Conspiracy (2010) - High-seas piracy and global terrorism in the Malacca Strait.

The Pacific Rim Series

Published between 2011 and 2014, the Pacific Rim series moves away from purely legal drama into broader geopolitical and naval military operations. This series is best read in publication order, as the political climates and character statuses build on previous events.

1. Thunder in the Morning Calm (2011) - Follows Lieutenant Commander "Gunner" McCormick as he leads a rogue mission into North Korea to search for Korean War POWs, including his grandfather.
2. Fire of the Raging Dragon (2012) - Focuses on a massive naval standoff in the South China Sea between the US, China, and Taiwan, complicated by the kidnapping of the US President's daughter.
3. Storming the Black Ice (2014) - Features a conflict over energy resources discovered in Antarctica, drawing in global navies and submarine commanders.

The Navy JAG Series

The Navy JAG series is a spin-off/companion series that returns to the classic courtroom-drama style of the Navy Justice books, focusing on different lead attorneys within the JAG corps.

1. Detained (2015) - Matt Davis is tasked with defending Lebanese nationals held at Guantanamo Bay under terrorism charges.
2. Code 13 (2016) - Lt. Cmdr. Caroline McCormick (sharing a last name with the Pacific Rim protagonist) investigates a secretive legal branch at the Pentagon and a deadly domestic surveillance conspiracy.

Non-Fiction Works

In addition to his thriller novels, Don Brown has written two acclaimed non-fiction books focusing on modern military history and controversy:

• Call Sign Extortion 17 (2014) - An investigative look into the tragic shootdown of a US military helicopter in Afghanistan in 2011, which killed 30 American service members, including 17 Navy SEALs.
• The Last Fighter Pilot (2017) - The true story of Captain Jerry Yellin, who flew the final combat mission of World War II over Japan, hours after the atomic bombs were dropped.

An Important Distinction: The Graphic Novel Namesake

If you are browsing bookstores or databases, you may notice a graphic novel listed under Don Brown's name:

• 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary (2023)

Note for readers: This graphic novel was written and illustrated by a different author named Don Brown (born 1949), who is a celebrated children's book illustrator and graphic novelist. The military thriller author Don Brown (the former Navy JAG officer) was not involved in this work. We include this distinction to save you confusion when tracking down the complete Navy thrillers catalog.

What to Know Before You Start

• Authenticity of Law and Lore: Because Don Brown served as a Navy JAG officer, military prosecutor, and Pentagon insider, the courtroom procedures, military jargon, and command structures are highly realistic.
• Prophetic Plots: Brown has earned comparisons to Tom Clancy due to his uncanny ability to predict real-world conflicts. For example, Treason (2005) predicted major themes of internal military infiltration, and Black Sea Affair (2008) hit bookshelves just before the Russia-Georgia war erupted.
• Christian Themes: Brown’s books are published by Zondervan and include prominent Christian themes, focusing on the characters' personal faith, moral choices, and prayer life alongside fast-paced action.