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Tier One #3
Crusader One
Nothing stops former Navy SEAL and Tier One operator John Dempsey from answering the call of duty—including a mission with the highest stakes he’s ever faced. When one of the most brazen and lethal acts of terrorism rocks American and Israeli intelligence forces at the highest levels, Dempsey’s ultracovert antiterror unit, Ember, mobilizes.
But this operation isn’t just a retaliatory strike by Ember; it’s a mission of vengeance for Dempsey—against the Iranian terrorist mastermind who slaughtered Dempsey’s Tier One comrades. Racing from Tel Aviv to Tehran, the elite American warrior and his formidable Israeli counterpart must forsake their backup in a capture-or-kill gambit that could turn into a suicide run.
But with missiles flying across the Middle East, Dempsey’s do-or-die quest must succeed. If it doesn’t, it’s a short countdown to World War III.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2017
1402 people are currently reading
840 people want to read
About the author
Brian Andrews
33Ìýbooks1,047ÌýfollowersBrian 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 University, 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: .
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2025:
- DARK RISING: (APRIL)
- SONS OF VALOR 4: (SUMMER)
- THE ADVERSARY: Tier One #9 (FALL)
- EXECUTIVE POWER (WINTER)
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, Glitch, and The In Between.
Find Brian online at:
Web:
Instagram: @andrewsandwilson
Twitter: @BAndrewsJWilson
Sign-up for his newsletter at to stay informed about all his new releases or "Follow" his Amazon Author page!
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2025:
- DARK RISING: (APRIL)
- SONS OF VALOR 4: (SUMMER)
- THE ADVERSARY: Tier One #9 (FALL)
- EXECUTIVE POWER (WINTER)
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, Glitch, and The In Between.
Find Brian online at:
Web:
Instagram: @andrewsandwilson
Twitter: @BAndrewsJWilson
Sign-up for his newsletter at to stay informed about all his new releases or "Follow" his Amazon Author page!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
March 5, 2021
I won an ebook version of this novel in a goodreads drawing.
A fairly typical cyber thriller, with the usual team going up against terrorists who blew up the heads of US and Israeli intelligence.
Not bad, although it occasionally seems like the author was hitting his checklist instead of letting things flow organically.
A fairly typical cyber thriller, with the usual team going up against terrorists who blew up the heads of US and Israeli intelligence.
Not bad, although it occasionally seems like the author was hitting his checklist instead of letting things flow organically.
May 20, 2023
As the 3rd book in a series I felt the background and interaction was very good. I look forward to reading more in the Tier One series.
January 14, 2020
One word: plot twists.
One more word: romance.
This third book in the Tier One series is extremely satisfying; the whole Iranian problem gets wrapped up and takes some surprising turns. The best part for me is watching John Dempsey's character grow yet again as new circumstances shape his self-image and identity in general. As always, the side characters are fantastic and the action is intense. I never imagined that I, a romance/chick-lit lover, would enjoy hearing the politics of America and Iran so much. And I think the guys in the story who are at home, computer geniuses assisting the ops via drones and specialized searches and connections and spy info in general - definite favorite elements for me.
This whole thing wouldn't be nearly as good if not for voiced by Ray Porter on audio. I cannot rave enough about his performance.
One more word: romance.
This third book in the Tier One series is extremely satisfying; the whole Iranian problem gets wrapped up and takes some surprising turns. The best part for me is watching John Dempsey's character grow yet again as new circumstances shape his self-image and identity in general. As always, the side characters are fantastic and the action is intense. I never imagined that I, a romance/chick-lit lover, would enjoy hearing the politics of America and Iran so much. And I think the guys in the story who are at home, computer geniuses assisting the ops via drones and specialized searches and connections and spy info in general - definite favorite elements for me.
This whole thing wouldn't be nearly as good if not for voiced by Ray Porter on audio. I cannot rave enough about his performance.
September 12, 2021
This series only gets better with every book I read. Brain Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson has done a great job writing this series about John Dempsey. Crusader One is the third book and here we have a sneaky attack on American soil that targets both American and Israeli security services. It leads to missiles all over the middle east and a mission into Teheran for Dempsey. We also have a new struggle for power over Ember. Read the book to find out how it will go. Lots of action in this one. Great writing guys.
March 11, 2024
Book Review - Crusader One - Andrews & Wilson
Following a terrorist attack on the U.S. Director of National Security and his Israeli counterpart, John Dempsey and his team of anti terrorists operators are dispatched to Tehran to apprehend the person responsible. But once underway, Dempsey realizes that failure could be the beginning of another world war. “Crusader One,� Book Three in coauthors Andrews and Wilson’s Tier One series is a very written paramilitary/espionage thriller with a nice balance of plot line and action. I especially like how the ‘dynamic duo� of action thrillers didn’t skimp on the character development of the antagonists in the story either. The ‘bad guys� are just as well fleshed out as the good guys and this added so much more validity to the story. As usual in all their books, Andrews and Wilson’s attention to details is outstanding and adds authenticity to their well researched stories. Each book in this series just gets better and better. The plentiful action and the ‘what’s-next� suspense had my heart pounding with each turn of the pages and the storyline is so close and real to current affairs. Although fiction, one’s gotta wonder if some of these scenarios told doesn’t have some truth to them. Either way Andrews and Wilson are master writers of ‘excitable� paramilitary/espionage action thrillers. This is a great read and an awesome series!
Following a terrorist attack on the U.S. Director of National Security and his Israeli counterpart, John Dempsey and his team of anti terrorists operators are dispatched to Tehran to apprehend the person responsible. But once underway, Dempsey realizes that failure could be the beginning of another world war. “Crusader One,� Book Three in coauthors Andrews and Wilson’s Tier One series is a very written paramilitary/espionage thriller with a nice balance of plot line and action. I especially like how the ‘dynamic duo� of action thrillers didn’t skimp on the character development of the antagonists in the story either. The ‘bad guys� are just as well fleshed out as the good guys and this added so much more validity to the story. As usual in all their books, Andrews and Wilson’s attention to details is outstanding and adds authenticity to their well researched stories. Each book in this series just gets better and better. The plentiful action and the ‘what’s-next� suspense had my heart pounding with each turn of the pages and the storyline is so close and real to current affairs. Although fiction, one’s gotta wonder if some of these scenarios told doesn’t have some truth to them. Either way Andrews and Wilson are master writers of ‘excitable� paramilitary/espionage action thrillers. This is a great read and an awesome series!
September 18, 2020
Book was amazing. i know it might sound like a broken record by now but this is my favorite book of the series. it just goes to show how every book so far has raised the stakes for our hero John and his team. For goodness sake going to a hostile country that if caught its basically over. wow. other threats were stopping WW3? Did he stop a nuclear warhead from going off? Well you have to read this book to find out. i know the answer cuz i finished reading it. ha. i will take a break from the series. not cuz I'm bored of reading it. just to take a break. bought the next two books immediately after finishing the third book to be ready to continue the series. read this book. its worth it.
June 14, 2022
I'm liking this series. I like the MC, John. He has his shadows and his shiny spots. He seems to be fairly humble...has his successes and his losses. I like the balance.
The other characters were also solid anchors. This gave the story a nice ebb and flow. And the last thing I'll mention was the ending. I thought it was perfect. Can't wait to read the next one. So 4 stars.
The other characters were also solid anchors. This gave the story a nice ebb and flow. And the last thing I'll mention was the ending. I thought it was perfect. Can't wait to read the next one. So 4 stars.
January 12, 2018
Great Trilogy
All 3 books in this series were fantastic reads. Lots of action, well told story & interesting & likeable characters.
Looking forward to more books in this series.
All 3 books in this series were fantastic reads. Lots of action, well told story & interesting & likeable characters.
Looking forward to more books in this series.
August 6, 2024
Very pleased with this series. Each book is better than the last.
After another attack on American soil kills some significant people Ember is sent to Israel to coordinate a precision strike to take out the engineer of these attacks.
Kelso, Dempsey and the team are planning and executing their plan while a DC know nothing who thinks they know everything is attempting to shut them down.
After another attack on American soil kills some significant people Ember is sent to Israel to coordinate a precision strike to take out the engineer of these attacks.
Kelso, Dempsey and the team are planning and executing their plan while a DC know nothing who thinks they know everything is attempting to shut them down.
January 14, 2020
Lives up to the other books in the series
Fast-paced interesting, loaded with details. A good read. Hard to put down. Can’t wait to read the next one. Hope the author keeps them coming. Gene O
Fast-paced interesting, loaded with details. A good read. Hard to put down. Can’t wait to read the next one. Hope the author keeps them coming. Gene O
September 16, 2020
Stunning
I loved every bit of this. So well written the tension and logistics of the missions are easily imagined. Another unputdownable Tier One read.
I loved every bit of this. So well written the tension and logistics of the missions are easily imagined. Another unputdownable Tier One read.
September 13, 2020
Right in the Action!
These guys stick you right in the middle of the action. Crusader One is another excellent read with one heck of a teaser for the next one—which is where I’m heading now.
These guys stick you right in the middle of the action. Crusader One is another excellent read with one heck of a teaser for the next one—which is where I’m heading now.
November 27, 2021
I am really enjoying this series. Will continue on to see what transpires between Dempsey, Grimes, Smith, Kelso and Katherine, and all the rest of the Ember team. Sounds like we are moving away from the Middle East and into Russia. And Katherine-wow-totally did not see that twist. Looking forward to book 4
March 19, 2019
Moving right along with a great series
March 29, 2020
Crusader One is a fast-paced action-heavy race-against-time thriller that retains the spirit of excellence that is imbued in the Tier One series. Brian Andrews and Jeffery Wilson form a dynamic duo of action writers.
Crusader One continues the narrative of Team Ember and John Dempsey, hot on the trail of the VEVAK operative who orchestrated the deaths of his Dempsey's previous team of soldiers. With nuclear tensions rising between Israel and Iran due to a devastating attack on the US and Israeli clandestine superiors, Team Ember is put right into the eye of the storm, with an imperative to stop the escalations between Israel and Iran into a full blown World War 3, by capturing the VEVAK operative, Modiri. The espionage and political climate of the book is riveting and interesting without getting bogged down in any unnecessary details. This highly aided the page-turner vibe of the book.
As with all Tier One books, the action is one of the best in books out right now. Accurate and detailed but not over-detailed descriptions of weaponry coupled with hardcore cinematic shootouts and devastation caused by high caliber bullets made for an extremely pleasing read. Team Ember is a force to be reckoned with.
John Dempsey's character continues to grow further, putting him in vulnerable positions emotionally as he navigates through his feelings of guilt and loneliness pertaining to his family, as well as a budding romance between him and Grimes. This causes some interesting friction between the two, but it is handled maturely without falling into a cliche. While Dempsey has no equal in the field as an operator, Dempsey emotional state is a roller coaster of emotions, giving his character a whole another level of depth and humanity.
Team Ember also has a new addition to its roster in the form of a combat surgeon from Dempsey's past, keeping the series fresh with new blood while evolving the original characters even further.
All in all, Crusader One presents a more personal vendetta for Team Ember and Dempsey in particular, with Crusader being the name of the operation that gave birth to John Dempsey. The narrative is packed with twists and turns that kept me turning the pages to find out more. The beauty of the thriller is that it wraps up the arc of the first two books wonderfully while seeding the roots for a new and even more sinister arc to begin in the next book. A top-notch action thriller with everything an action thriller fan could ask for. Looking forward to reading the next in series.
Crusader One continues the narrative of Team Ember and John Dempsey, hot on the trail of the VEVAK operative who orchestrated the deaths of his Dempsey's previous team of soldiers. With nuclear tensions rising between Israel and Iran due to a devastating attack on the US and Israeli clandestine superiors, Team Ember is put right into the eye of the storm, with an imperative to stop the escalations between Israel and Iran into a full blown World War 3, by capturing the VEVAK operative, Modiri. The espionage and political climate of the book is riveting and interesting without getting bogged down in any unnecessary details. This highly aided the page-turner vibe of the book.
As with all Tier One books, the action is one of the best in books out right now. Accurate and detailed but not over-detailed descriptions of weaponry coupled with hardcore cinematic shootouts and devastation caused by high caliber bullets made for an extremely pleasing read. Team Ember is a force to be reckoned with.
John Dempsey's character continues to grow further, putting him in vulnerable positions emotionally as he navigates through his feelings of guilt and loneliness pertaining to his family, as well as a budding romance between him and Grimes. This causes some interesting friction between the two, but it is handled maturely without falling into a cliche. While Dempsey has no equal in the field as an operator, Dempsey emotional state is a roller coaster of emotions, giving his character a whole another level of depth and humanity.
Team Ember also has a new addition to its roster in the form of a combat surgeon from Dempsey's past, keeping the series fresh with new blood while evolving the original characters even further.
All in all, Crusader One presents a more personal vendetta for Team Ember and Dempsey in particular, with Crusader being the name of the operation that gave birth to John Dempsey. The narrative is packed with twists and turns that kept me turning the pages to find out more. The beauty of the thriller is that it wraps up the arc of the first two books wonderfully while seeding the roots for a new and even more sinister arc to begin in the next book. A top-notch action thriller with everything an action thriller fan could ask for. Looking forward to reading the next in series.
December 16, 2017
"WOW WOW WOW- What a Thrill!!!!!!"
Brian Andrews and Jeffery Wilson have become my favorite authors and this last book in the Tier One trilogy truly solidifies this. Holy cow, what a ride!
Because this is the third book in the series, I felt I knew the characters and their subtleties. However, Andrews and Wilson had some surprises up their collective sleeves that I didn't see coming. That is the mark of truly great writers- the fact that after two books, the third book still had new depths.
The story (and I'm not going to go into that here because I don't want to spoil anything) is fabulous with lots of twists, turns and OMG moments! That being said, PLEASE read the three books in order. Otherwise, you will not fully understand or appreciate the story or the characters.
I actually listened to all three books in the trilogy. The narrator, Ray Porter, is AMAZING. His narration brought this story (and the first two books in the series) to life. His skill with nuance, subtlety, despair, joy, and just great acting is incredible. His ability to take one descriptive one-syllable word (trust me, you'll understand when you hear it) and draw it out to about 27 syllables with so much meaning is unmatched. I love these books- and I love them more because of Ray Porter!
This book has it all- action, adventure, plot twists & turns, great characters and Navy Seals. Need I say more??? Good. Now- BUY THIS BOOK!!!
Brian Andrews and Jeffery Wilson have become my favorite authors and this last book in the Tier One trilogy truly solidifies this. Holy cow, what a ride!
Because this is the third book in the series, I felt I knew the characters and their subtleties. However, Andrews and Wilson had some surprises up their collective sleeves that I didn't see coming. That is the mark of truly great writers- the fact that after two books, the third book still had new depths.
The story (and I'm not going to go into that here because I don't want to spoil anything) is fabulous with lots of twists, turns and OMG moments! That being said, PLEASE read the three books in order. Otherwise, you will not fully understand or appreciate the story or the characters.
I actually listened to all three books in the trilogy. The narrator, Ray Porter, is AMAZING. His narration brought this story (and the first two books in the series) to life. His skill with nuance, subtlety, despair, joy, and just great acting is incredible. His ability to take one descriptive one-syllable word (trust me, you'll understand when you hear it) and draw it out to about 27 syllables with so much meaning is unmatched. I love these books- and I love them more because of Ray Porter!
This book has it all- action, adventure, plot twists & turns, great characters and Navy Seals. Need I say more??? Good. Now- BUY THIS BOOK!!!
February 26, 2018
Once again the Ember team is called upon to stop an all out war from starting. John Dempsey goes back to his past to pull one of his former SEAL team members into the Ember unit. It isn't easy for his old friend to accept he has been alive this whole time but is ready to be called to action as the units new field medic. With a lethal terrorism attack, both American & Israeli intelligence agencies call on their respective elite secret forces to combat together the brewing problem. For Dempsey isn't just about taking down the bad it is also about getting payback for the fallen SEALS of Tier One. This is an all out race against time to bring the terrorist to their end or die trying.
This is another amazing installment of the elite fighting force, Ember. The co-authors write seamlessly & bring about an action packed thriller that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. These books can be read independently from one another but reading them in order helps to create the back story of all the characters involved. I would recommend this & the other Tier One books to anyone who enjoys a good terrorist current events thriller.
I voluntarily reviewed a Net Galley copy of this book.
This is another amazing installment of the elite fighting force, Ember. The co-authors write seamlessly & bring about an action packed thriller that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. These books can be read independently from one another but reading them in order helps to create the back story of all the characters involved. I would recommend this & the other Tier One books to anyone who enjoys a good terrorist current events thriller.
I voluntarily reviewed a Net Galley copy of this book.
April 27, 2018
Thank God there are only three books in this series! Every time my husband asked me to do anything until him I couldn't because I was in the middle of a Mission!
Loved this Series! The books are written so that you feel like you are part of the book! I felt like I was a part of the team! I read it in my Kindle so Silly me didn't find the important military "slang" until the end of first book! I recommend this series to anyone that always wanted to live as a Warrior!
Loved this Series! The books are written so that you feel like you are part of the book! I felt like I was a part of the team! I read it in my Kindle so Silly me didn't find the important military "slang" until the end of first book! I recommend this series to anyone that always wanted to live as a Warrior!
March 17, 2019
A very good read
Action packed reading that will keep you coming back for more. You become involved with the characters and want to see them in the next book.
Action packed reading that will keep you coming back for more. You become involved with the characters and want to see them in the next book.
December 7, 2017
John Dempsey is working for Embers but still has the Seal thinking he'll never leave behind. There are some things from the past he is not ready to close the book on but in this story he has his opportunity and he takes it. The whole thing starts at the home of the DNI director with the Israel counter part visiting. After the bomb goes off John meets with the team and they team up with their counterpart in Israel. Who can he trust? Is this the chance to make Iran pay for the death of his Seal team mates? John has a chance to get his revenge he thinks and does not look at the signs he may be going into a trap. Be sure to read to see how the guys get through this time.
May 24, 2018
Holy crap! I love these books! Reading these books sucked me in to the point I was creeping through the jungle, repelling out of helicopters, using the .50 cal to defend my team from terrorists, and otherwise kicking ass and saving the day. Can't wait for the next book! If you're looking for a really solidly written, exciting adventure with a little mystery and a little espionage thrown in, you've got to read these books. Then YOU can kick ass and save the day!
February 26, 2019
Amazing
One of the best in the series to date! John Dempsey is the best character and Wilson and Andrews bring out the inner workings of his mind. Additionally, I would follow Kelso Jarvis into battle any day! It amazes me how attached I have become to all of the characters in this series. It is so entertaining to watch their growth as operators and the internal struggles they must battle during their quest to complete the mission. American Operator is perhaps the best book of the series and one of the best I have ever read so I am looking forward to book 5 with great anticipation.
One of the best in the series to date! John Dempsey is the best character and Wilson and Andrews bring out the inner workings of his mind. Additionally, I would follow Kelso Jarvis into battle any day! It amazes me how attached I have become to all of the characters in this series. It is so entertaining to watch their growth as operators and the internal struggles they must battle during their quest to complete the mission. American Operator is perhaps the best book of the series and one of the best I have ever read so I am looking forward to book 5 with great anticipation.
January 6, 2019
What a ride!
Crusader One was one heck of a ride! I have come to expect heart pounding action sequences with our JD, and this does NOT disappoint! We see JD battle some vicious demons in this installment, and how does he come out on the other side? Read Crusader One and find out!
Crusader One was one heck of a ride! I have come to expect heart pounding action sequences with our JD, and this does NOT disappoint! We see JD battle some vicious demons in this installment, and how does he come out on the other side? Read Crusader One and find out!
December 15, 2020
Crusader One
I’ve read the previous two books and enjoyed them so much I wanted to read this third. Like the first two, it is action packed and a definite pager turner. You could read this as a one off, but I would strongly recommend you read the other two first, as you have far more of the back story. As I have mentioned in my reviews of book 1 and 2, these are equal to Lee Child’s Reacher books. My suggestion is buy all three and have a good read over Christmas.
I’ve read the previous two books and enjoyed them so much I wanted to read this third. Like the first two, it is action packed and a definite pager turner. You could read this as a one off, but I would strongly recommend you read the other two first, as you have far more of the back story. As I have mentioned in my reviews of book 1 and 2, these are equal to Lee Child’s Reacher books. My suggestion is buy all three and have a good read over Christmas.
February 1, 2021
The action keeps on rolling
It’s awesome when authors lead you in one direction that’s exciting and interesting only to suddenly grip you with a diversion, heightening your anticipation of a new twist and protagonist challenge. Tier One continues to entertain.
It’s awesome when authors lead you in one direction that’s exciting and interesting only to suddenly grip you with a diversion, heightening your anticipation of a new twist and protagonist challenge. Tier One continues to entertain.
June 16, 2018
engaging, hard to put down
July 2, 2018
Crusader One : HOOH YAH !
Loved this book and the series . The bravado through out the book is not hokey it had this reader in the suck against all odds battling by proxy . Great read !
Loved this book and the series . The bravado through out the book is not hokey it had this reader in the suck against all odds battling by proxy . Great read !
September 1, 2018
Improving Thrill Rides
This 3rd book in the series is the strongest so far; skillfully plotted and filled with action. Dialogue now better too.
This 3rd book in the series is the strongest so far; skillfully plotted and filled with action. Dialogue now better too.
September 26, 2018
Another great read from this amazing duo
The writing is so well done and the characters so well laid out that you go through all the emotions they do. The authors do such an amazing job with action sequences that your brain pulls in your other senses and you end up out of breath.
The writing is so well done and the characters so well laid out that you go through all the emotions they do. The authors do such an amazing job with action sequences that your brain pulls in your other senses and you end up out of breath.
November 29, 2019
Great read! Loved it.
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