Clear and Present Danger

Tom Clancy

51 pages 1-hour read

Tom Clancy

Clear and Present Danger

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989

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Book Brief

Tom Clancy

Clear and Present Danger

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

688

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction

Action & Adventure
Setting

United States • 1980s

Theme
Politics & Government

Power & Greed

Truth & Lies
Topic
Military & War

Politics & Government
Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

920L

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Super Short Summary

Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy, published in 1989, follows Jack Ryan as he investigates and intervenes in a covert U.S. operation against Colombian drug cartels. The President seeks to boost his re-election campaign, leading to a secret mission spearheaded by National Security Adviser James Cutter. The mission quickly spirals as Ryan uncovers internal corruption and travels to Colombia to rescue abandoned American troops. Sensitive subjects such as drug trafficking, murder, and political manipulation are depicted.

Suspenseful

Informative

Adventurous

Dark

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.4

145,690 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Tom Clancy's Clear and Present Danger offers a thrilling narrative with well-researched military details, keeping readers engaged through a complex plot. Praised for its suspense and action, some readers find it overly detailed and challenging to follow. Character development is robust, but the narrative's pacing may seem slow to some. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of military espionage.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Clear and Present Danger?

Fans of military and political thrillers will revel in Tom Clancy's Clear and Present Danger. Readers who enjoy intricate plots and detailed action, akin to those in Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Identity or Vince Flynn's American Assassin, will find themselves captivated by Clancy's blend of suspense, espionage, and realism.

4.4

145,690 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

A CIA Acting Deputy Director (Intelligence) introduced as a reluctant leader, who is shown to prioritize loyalty and a clear moral code in his intelligence work.

A seasoned CIA operative known for his imposing presence and expertise in covert operations, pivotal in Colombian missions and interactions with Jack Ryan.

A young Latino Army Ranger with exceptional tactical skills, recruited for operation SHOWBOAT and portrayed as an ideal soldier passionate about his service.

A former Cuban intelligence officer and antagonist linked to the Colombian cartel, characterized by his charm and strategic ambition.

The CIA’s Deputy Director (Operations), known for his pragmatic approach to missions and evolving stance on moral frameworks in covert operations.

The National Security Advisor tied to the Colombian operation, whose ambition and inexperience complicate his government dealings.

Leader of the Colombian cartel, depicted as part of a chaotic alliance of drug lords, with behavior often described as reckless and impulsive.

Assistant to the FBI Director, whose personal vulnerability places her at the center of an international scandal.

Book Details
Pages

688

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction

Action & Adventure
Setting

United States • 1980s

Theme
Politics & Government

Power & Greed

Truth & Lies
Topic
Military & War

Politics & Government
Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

920L

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