Jeffrey Wilson has at one time worked as an actor, a firefighter, a paramedic, a jet pilot, a diving instructor, a Naval Officer, and a Vascular and Trauma Surgeon. He also served numerous tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Navy combat surgeon, deploying with an east coast based SEAL Team as part of a Joint Special Operations Task Force.
Brian is a US Navy veteran, nuclear engineer, and former submarine officer. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in psychology, holds a Master’s in business from Cornell, and is a Park Leadership Fellow. He is a principal contributor at Career Authors, a site dedicated to advancing the careers of aspiring and published writers: www.careerauthors.com.
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind multiple series.
In addition to their novels, Andrews & Wilson have multiple projects under development for film and television with major motion picture studios including: Tier One, Dark Intercept, 4 Minutes, Portal, Quantum War, Glitch, and The In Between.
Q: How did you get the idea for the story?
Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson: After writing Act of Defiance, which focused on submarines and Russia, we wanted to explore another geopolitical flashpoint. Taiwan stood out as a critical area with the potential to spark war or shift global power. China’s plans to “reunify” Taiwan have been public knowledge for decades—it’s not a matter of if but when and how. That made it a perfect setting for fiction.
Q: Does Chang have a major role in the book, even though he dies early?
BA and JW: Yes. Chang, the Foreign Minister, symbolizes how ruthless the Chinese regime can be. His disappearance reflects a real-world trend where prominent figures vanish if they cross the government’s agenda. These individuals either never return or come back “re-educated.” Chang’s fate sets the tone for the stakes and the dangers inherent in defying the regime.
Q: Is China, more than Russia, pushing toward World War III?
BA and JW: Absolutely. While Russia is impulsive and aggressive, China is calculating, disciplined, and has a long-term vision. Their approach is rooted in dynastic thinking, aiming to reclaim their position as global rulers. China’s methodical strategies—leveraging commerce, intellectual property theft, and military expansion—make them a more formidable and insidious adversary.
Q: Why focus on Taiwan in the book?
BA and JW: Taiwan is critical geopolitically and economically. It’s just 100 miles from China’s coast, making it vulnerable to a rapid invasion. Beyond its strategic location, Taiwan produces 90% of the world’s complex semiconductors, which are vital to global commerce. A Chinese invasion would disrupt this and have catastrophic global consequences.
Q: How would you describe the U.S. asset, the Spider?
BA and JW: The Spider is a resourceful CIA support asset in Beijing. She’s a survivor who uses Cold War-era tactics and a network of contacts to move information and people safely. Her name reflects her “web” of connections, which she maintains despite living under constant threat. Her role highlights the ingenuity needed to operate under an oppressive regime.
Q: Was Katie more of a supporting character in this book?
BA and JW: While Katie is a primary protagonist, this is a Jack Ryan series, so there are many players on the board. She’s integral to outmaneuvering President Li and aiding the Spider, demonstrating her confidence and analytical skills. She doesn’t overshadow other characters, but her role is pivotal.
Q: You don’t write Katie as a superhero, correct?
BA and JW: Correct. Katie is realistic—an analyst, not an action hero. She uses intelligence and initiative rather than physical prowess. This grounded approach makes her relatable and authentic.
Q: Why include the Battleship game?
BA and JW: The Battleship game is a metaphor for the story’s strategic elements. It represents the unseen moves of opposing forces and emphasizes Katie’s relationship with her father, Jack Ryan. By having Katie win, we foreshadow her growth as a capable next-generation Ryan.
Q: What’s next for you?
BA and JW:
- Dark Rising (April): The fourth Shepherds book, exploring faith-based themes and alliances between young “Watchers” and military operatives against global evil.
- False Flag (July): A Sons of Valor novel involving the murder of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and a false flag operation implicating Mossad.
- Tier One sequel (October): Continuing the storyline from Ember, focusing on Chinese and terrorist threats.
- Next Clancy book (December): Introducing Katie’s twin brother Kyle, while continuing the series’ broader geopolitical focus
Tom Clancy’s Defense Protocol by Andrews and Wilson brings to life the whole Clancy Universe.
The new Chinese President Li Jian Jun has devised a secret military operation to conquer Taiwan. Only one man knows how to stop Li’s mad and bloody plan for reunification and that’s Minister of Defense Qin Haiyu. Fearing for his life and the safety of his family, Qin covertly contacts the CIA in Beijing and signals his desire to defect to the West. To get Qin out, John Clark creates an international task force reminiscent of Rainbow Six and goes undercover in mainland China. Meanwhile, Lt. Commander Katie Ryan is deployed to the tip of the spear on the destroyer USS Jason Dunham to defend Taiwan. Threatened by an encircling Chinese armada, she’s under pressure to find a flaw in the invaders’ plan for her father to exploit. Both she, her dad, President Ryan, and the rest of the task force must come up with a plan to prevent WWIII.
This was as good as if Tom Clancy had written it himself with an intense plot and a lot of action.
