Best Tom Clancy Books Ranked: Top 13 Picks for 2024

For new readers, we have 'Tom Clancy books ranked' to help you find gripping spy and military thrillers.
Red Storm Rising coverClear and Present Danger coverThe Sum of All Fears cover

When it comes to action-packed thrillers, few names stand out like Tom Clancy. We’ve made a list of the 13 best Tom Clancy books ranked, focusing on gripping plots, unforgettable characters, and thrilling geopolitical drama. Whether you’re new to his work or a long-time fan, this guide will help you find your next great read.

On this list:

13 Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy

Red Storm Rising cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1986
  • Pages: 656

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This one is the ultimate war game fantasy. It’s like Risk on steroids.

12 Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy

Clear and Present Danger cover

  • Genre: Political Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1989
  • Pages: 656

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This book is all about drug cartels and political shenanigans. It’s like ‘Narcos’ with more tech.

11 The Sum of All Fears by Tom Clancy

The Sum of All Fears cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1991
  • Pages: 928

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Nuclear bombs and football games, this one’s got it all. Just don’t read it during the Super Bowl.

10 Patriot Games by Tom Clancy

Patriot Games cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 640

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Ever saved a member of the royal family? No? Well, this book lets you live that fantasy.

9 Without Remorse by Tom Clancy

Without Remorse cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1993
  • Pages: 752

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The origin story of John Clark, this one’s dark and gritty. Not for the faint-hearted.

8 Debt of Honor by Tom Clancy

Debt of Honor cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1994
  • Pages: 766

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Corporate wars and political intrigue—it’s the perfect book for anyone who loves drama at the highest levels.

7 Rainbow Six by Tom Clancy

Rainbow Six cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1998
  • Pages: 740

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Rainbow Six is a treat for anyone who loves special ops stories. Think SEAL Team Six but with more international flair.

6 The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy

The Hunt for Red October cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1984
  • Pages: 387

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Submarines, defection, Cold War drama—this book has it all. It’s like a chess game under the sea.

5 Command Authority by Tom Clancy with Mark Greaney

Command Authority cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 784

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Russian politics and cyber warfare. It’s like Mr. Robot meets House of Cards.

4 Executive Orders by Tom Clancy

Executive Orders cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 1392

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When the entire US government gets wiped out, it’s up to good ol’ Jack Ryan to save the day.

3 The Bear and the Dragon by Tom Clancy

The Bear and the Dragon cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2000
  • Pages: 1137

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China vs. Russia with the US caught in the middle. It’s the ultimate global showdown.

2 Red Rabbit by Tom Clancy

Red Rabbit cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2002
  • Pages: 640

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A prequel to The Hunt for Red October, this one shows Jack Ryan in his younger, greener days.

1 The Cardinal of the Kremlin by Tom Clancy

The Cardinal of the Kremlin cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1988
  • Pages: 480

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Spies, lasers, and lots of Cold War tension. Plus, you get to see more of Jack Ryan’s espionage skills.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!