If I had to sum up my gut feeling after finishing Jack Stewart’s debut novel, Unknown Rider, in one word, it would be this: deep satisfaction.

For those who haven’t been following the news, Jack Stewart is a name you’re going to be hearing a lot more of. He is taking over the Jack Ryan Jr. series, and his first book in the series drops September 2026.

Jack Stewart is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Navy’s TOPGUN school, Stewart served for over two decades as a fighter pilot, flying combat missions and deploying with special operations forces. His extensive, hands-on experience is what gives his writing such a powerful ring of authenticity.

His debut novel, Unknown Rider, is the first in the Battle Born series, and right from the off he proved he can craft a compelling, modern military thriller.

This book was such a smooth, enjoyable read from start to finish. The plot lines are clean and clear, the characters are relatable, and it delivers exactly what it promises: a high-stakes thriller that blends cutting-edge military tech with a solid espionage subplot.

The story kicks off when a squadron of mysterious glowing orbs appears over a naval exercise, disabling the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay. The only pilot to get airborne is Lieutenant Colt “Mother” Bancroft in his F-35C Lightning II. When his advanced fighter is mysteriously hijacked and sent into a dive toward the cruiser, he manages to save the day but finds his career in shambles, blamed for a malfunction he suspects was an outside attack.

From there, the novel splits into two compelling storylines that are woven together perfectly. On one side, you have Colt, fighting to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the attack. On the other, you have NCIS Special Agent Emmy “Punky” King, who is hunting for a traitor aboard Colt’s carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln.

I really connected with both Colt and Punky. They have an honorable ethos and drive that makes them instantly relatable and admirable. You root for them because their focus and determination feel earned and real.

The balance between the two plots is what makes the book work so well. I’m a huge fan of high-tech thrillers, and I was absolutely thrilled by all of the scenes in the F-35. You can tell Stewart is a former Top Gun instructor; his real-world expertise shines through, making the action feel incredibly authentic and exciting. All of the flight scenes were highlights for me, especially the final F-35 scene with Colt and Jud—just fantastic stuff.

The spy side of the plot was equally solid, providing a great counterbalance to the high-tech action. It kept the pages turning and added a layer of grounded intrigue to the futuristic mystery of the UAPs.

If I have any comment, it’s not a weakness, but a hope for future books in the series. Stewart should feel free to lean into the high-tech stuff even more. I enjoy those granular details and love turning the last page of a book feeling like I’ve learned something new and substantial.

The ending was solid but equally left me ready to just dive into the rest of the series.

Unknown Rider is a stellar debut that delivers a satisfying, authentic, and thrilling experience. I highly recommend it.