Last updated on January 12th, 2026 at 01:37 pm
Jack Carr has become one of the most respected names in modern thriller fiction.
A former Navy SEAL turned bestselling author, he’s known for blending his real-world military experience with heart-pounding storytelling.
His novels are filled with tactical precision, raw emotion, and deep moral questions, all wrapped in high-stakes action that feels frighteningly real.
Whether you’re new to his work or want to catch up on the James Reece series before the next release, here’s the complete guide to all Jack Carr books in order.
Who is Jack Carr?
Before becoming a novelist, Jack Carr served for over 20 years in the U.S. Navy SEALs, commanding special operations teams across Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines.
His military background shapes the authentic tone of his thrillers, from the weapon details to the mindset of soldiers operating under immense pressure.
After retiring in 2016, Carr channeled his experiences into fiction. His debut novel, The Terminal List, exploded in popularity and was later adapted into a Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt.
Since then, Carr has continued building a loyal fanbase of readers who crave realism, grit, and complex characters.
He also hosts The Danger Close Podcast, interviewing military leaders, intelligence experts, and authors while continuing to write full-time from his home in Park City, Utah.
Jack Carr Books in Order
Publication Order of James Reece Books
| Book Title | Year of Release | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Terminal List | 2018 | The story that started it all. Navy SEAL James Reece discovers a government conspiracy behind the ambush that killed his entire team. Betrayed and broken, he sets out on a mission of vengeance and justice. |
| True Believer | 2019 | Reece becomes the most wanted domestic terrorist in America. But when global attacks cripple the world economy, the CIA turns to him for help. Packed with espionage, political intrigue, and moral conflict. |
| Savage Son | 2020 | Inspired by The Most Dangerous Game, this entry explores Reece’s darkest side as he’s hunted by assassins and forced to face his own primal instincts. |
| The Devil’s Hand | 2021 | Two decades after 9/11, America faces a new biological threat and Reece uncovers how power, politics, and science intertwine in terrifying ways. |
| In the Blood | 2022 | A sniper’s bullet sets off a globe-trotting hunt. Reece follows the trail of an assassin with shocking connections to his past. Fast-paced and deeply personal. |
| Only the Dead | 2023 | An old murder resurfaces, linked to a secret organization aiming to reshape the world order. Trapped and imprisoned, Reece must fight back from the shadows. |
| Red Sky Mourning | 2024 | Reece races against time to stop a cyberattack capable of collapsing the U.S. government. This book pushes him and the nation to the brink. |
| Cry Havoc | 2025 | The next chapter in Reece’s saga, promising an explosive confrontation that tests loyalty, vengeance, and freedom itself. |
Publication Order of Tom Reece Books
| Book Title | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cry Havoc | 2025 | Set to expand the Reece universe with new characters and military intrigue. Details remain under wraps, but expect the same intensity that defines Jack Carr’s storytelling. |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Book Title | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Fourth Option (with M.P. Woodward) | 2026 | A new standalone collaboration blending Carr’s military realism with espionage-driven suspense. |
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
| Book Title | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted (with James Scott) | 2024 | A non-fiction deep dive into leadership, warfare, and decision-making under extreme pressure — combining Carr’s experiences with real-world insights. |
The James Reece Series Overview
Jack Carr’s James Reece series is the heart of his writing career. Each novel follows Reece, a former Navy SEAL betrayed by his own government, as he seeks truth, justice, and redemption.
The series stands out because Carr writes from lived experience. His descriptions of tactics, weaponry, and mindset aren’t just researched, they’re remembered.
Beyond the action, the books explore moral questions: What happens when those trained to defend freedom are betrayed by it? How far should justice go when laws fail?
The blend of realism, intensity, and personal conflict makes the James Reece saga one of the most authentic modern thrillers in print.
Why Readers Love Jack Carr
Authenticity: Every detail, from weapons to mission planning, feels real because Carr lived it.
Character Depth: Reece isn’t just a soldier; he’s human. He struggles with loss, anger, and purpose.
Fast-Paced Plotting: Each book is cinematic, filled with tight pacing and unexpected turns.
Themes of Honor and Vengeance: Carr explores the cost of loyalty, morality, and the price of violence.
If you enjoy authors like Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Mark Greaney, or Tom Clancy, Jack Carr’s books will feel like home.
About the Author
Jack Carr’s journey from SEAL sniper to bestselling author is as compelling as his fiction.
He served as a Platoon Commander, Task Unit Commander, and Troop Commander, leading special operations teams on critical missions worldwide.
His career included counterinsurgency operations, hostage rescues, and intelligence work, experiences that directly influence his storytelling.
Today, Carr continues to write full-time, speak on national security issues, and support veteran foundations such as the Navy SEAL Foundation and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Final Thoughts
Jack Carr’s books deliver everything a thriller reader could want, realism, emotional stakes, and action that never lets up.
From The Terminal List to Red Sky Mourning, each story builds upon the last, shaping a saga that feels both deeply personal and globally relevant.
If you’re new to Carr’s work, start with The Terminal List and move through the series in publication order for the full, immersive experience.
Namrata is a nature lover and frequently spends their time making elaborate plans of settling near the banks of Manasarovar lake with their best friend. If not, then they can be found reading mangas, books, comics, or science journals. Quite interested in science and will start talking about its endless theories if given the opportunity.
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