Jack Stewart, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), delivers a narrative defined by technical realism and intricate geopolitical plotting in his thriller, Declared Hostile. This latest entry into the Battle Born series, offers a compelling look at the vulnerabilities of high-level leadership and the complexities of modern proxy conflicts.

The story is built on two parallel tracks that eventually collide with explosive results. In Washington, D.C., NCIS Special Agent Emmy “Punky” King is a focused investigator who uncovers a connection between a convicted Marine traitor, Adam Garett, and President Jonathan Adams. What initially appears to be a simple investigation into espionage evolves into the discovery of a secret powerful enough to compromise the highest office in the land.

Simultaneously, the novel takes readers to the front lines of the conflict in Ukraine. Lieutenant Commander Colt “Mother” Bancroft leads a flight of A-29 Super Tucanos to provide air support for an operation to recover RA-115 “suitcase nukes” before they can be sold to terrorist organizations.

Read my deep dive on the RA-115 suitcase nuke: The Real Terror Behind Declared Hostile: the RA-115 suitcase nuke.

Declared Hostile really takes it up a notch, and that’s saying something because the previous book in the series, Bogey Spades, was one a hell of a ride. What makes this book so good is the way Jack Stewart continues to build on what came before. This isn’t just a new story in an existing universe, this continues plot lines, character arcs, and plot devices that Stewart put down across several previous books.

This level of continuation isn’t seen often enough in other series, where plot lines tend to be contained to one book for ease of new readers joining the series. However, Stewart writes Declared Hostile so it absolutely can be picked up by a new reader without prior knowledge of earlier books. Yet for an established reader of the series, it also doesn’t feel like the refresher on prior details is either too much or too simplistic.

I really hope Stewart will bring this style of ongoing narrative to the Jack Jr. series, as this type of development is definitely needed there. I mentioned in my review of Terminal Velocity how M.P. Woodward has set up the Campus and the cast of characters in such a way that they are more of a coherent and consolidated team than ever before, and how this is the perfect launch pad for the next author—Stewart. If Stewart can bring this ongoing narrative development to that series then I’m more excited than ever as to where things will go, especially if Woodward also takes that approach with the Jack Sr. series, continuing the developments Andrews & Wilson made with Katie and Kyle Ryan.

But now back to Declared Hostile.

The strength of the novel lies in its portrayal of the “gray zone” of political compromise. The President’s chief of staff, Samuel Chambers, is depicted as a man caught in an impossible position: trying to protect his lifelong friend while being blackmailed by a Russian intelligence officer, Viktor Drakov. This subplot serves as a sobering exploration of how personal history can become a tool for foreign adversaries.

Stewart manages to balance heavy themes with fast-moving action.

I really enjoy the ongoing partnership between Colt and the SEALs. The Black Ponies is a great concept and the Super Tucarno is a great platform for all manner of adventures. This time, it’s Colt’s turn to ditch his aircraft and face action on the ground. Because of this, we get to see him more fully in the fight than ever before, going hand to hand with Voronov, a Russian on the frontline in Ukraine.

The combat scenes in Ukraine are described with a precision that highlights the split-second decision-making required in modern aerial engagements. Furthermore, the novel does not shy away from the human cost of these operations, particularly in its treatment of characters who are used as pawns in larger power struggles.

Stewart does a great job of laying out the Ukrainian perspective, defending their homeland from the Russian invaders. I feel genuine passion coming through from Polina, the Ukrainian pilot of a Mig-29 Fulcrum. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been going on for so many years now that the plight of the Ukrainian experience on the frontlines has largely slipped from the headlines. It’s pleasing to see Declared Hostile put this back in focus and bring greater awareness to the nature of total war, that Ukrainians are there to fight until the end, for their homeland. And contrasted to the American experience of six to twelve month deployments. While the stakes are high either way, it’s interesting to see exploration of the difference in psychological toll, where the Ukrainian soldiers have little hope of reprieve, except through total victory.

Of course, the reason the Black Ponies are in Ukraine is to assist with the recovery of a cache of RA-115 suitcase nukes left over from the Soviet era. I really enjoy this concept and the way Stewart introduces it. By putting the nukes in Ukraine, rather than already smuggled into the U.S., this feels fresh, and the situation in Ukraine makes it an absolutely perilous mission to recover them. All this is against the backdrop of Russians still in possession of the directed energy weapon stolen from the U.S. in Bogey Spades.

I really enjoy the tough, grizzled, character of Master Chief Dave White. And in particular the duo he forms with Colt. They make for a very enjoyable pair with the way they contrast each other, yet also in having a clear vision of their singular purpose and mission. The banter between them is great. I want more of these two, up to their necks in the action, in future books.

Punky is also back to her usual antics in Declared Hostile, getting newly acquired vehicles wrecked. Luckily for her, this time, it isn’t one of her own. Perhaps “Declared Hostile” is the view auto manufacturers have of Punky! But seriously, she’s great in this book too, providing the investigative backbone to the plot, tying everything together. And this time she’s deeper into the swamp of corruption and counterintelligence then ever before, having found herself in D.C. and dodging bullets intended for the president’s chief of staff.

Declared Hostile is the perfect conclusion to a four book arc in the Battle Born series. But not yet a conclusion to the series. There’s absolutely more life in this series yet—the characters, action, and undoubtedly whatever new plots Jack Stewart has to offer. Stewart does appear to be on a Battle Born hiatus, however, while he writes the Silent Horizons series with Chad Robichaux, and the Jack Jr. series. He also has Alpha Strike planned with Andrews & Wilson’s new imprint, AWE.

Declared Hostile is a thriller that will resonate with students of political science and military history alike. If you are looking for a story that combines authentic military detail with political corruption and nuclear security, this is a essential read. I highly recommend it, including to those who haven’t read any prior books in the series. Sure, if you have the time then go back and read the prior books. But know that if you start here, you won’t be at a disadvantage.