Don Bentley Books In Order Of Release

If you’re a fan of heart-pounding military thrillers packed with authentic action, intricate plots, and heroes who feel real, then Don Bentley is an author you need on your radar. A former U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot and FBI Special Agent, Bentley brings insider knowledge to his novels that few writers can match. His books blend high-stakes espionage, tactical combat, and emotional depth—perfect for readers who love Vince Flynn, Tom Clancy, Brad Thor, or Jack Carr.

Since his debut in 2020, Don Bentley has skyrocketed to New York Times bestseller status. He’s penned his own gripping Matt Drake series, continued the iconic Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr. universe, and now taken the reins of the legendary Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series. As of November 2025, his bibliography includes standalone-style series entries that are best read in publication order for maximum impact.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, this complete Don Bentley books in order guide will help you dive in without missing a beat. Let’s break it down by series!

Who Is Don Bentley? A Quick Intro to the Author

Before we jump into the books, a bit about the man behind the mayhem: Don Bentley served a decade as an Army Apache pilot, earning the Bronze Star and Air Medal with “V” device for valor in Afghanistan. After the military, he joined the FBI as a Special Agent and SWAT team member. This real-world experience shines through in his writing—his depictions of combat, intelligence ops, and high-pressure decisions are spot-on, authentic.

Bentley’s debut Without Sanction (2020) launched him into the thriller elite, and he’s been delivering nonstop adrenaline ever since.

List of Don Bentley Books in Order (as of November 19, 2025)

Here is a single, comprehensive table listing all books written by Don Bentley in chronological publication order. This includes his original Matt Drake series, his contributions to the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr. series, and his ongoing work on the Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series.

Don Bentley Books in Order: Complete Reading Guide (Updated 2025)

Matt Drake Series in Order

The Matt Drake series is Bentley’s original creation—a fast-paced thriller series featuring Defense Intelligence Agency operative Matt Drake. Haunted by his past in special operations, Drake tackles global threats with grit, skill, and moral complexity. These books stand alone but build on each other, so reading in order is highly recommended.

1. Without Sanction (2020) Drake’s mission in Syria goes sideways, leaving him wounded and questioning everything. When a betrayal surfaces back home, he must race to stop a catastrophic attack. A blistering debut that critics called “one of the most compelling in recent memory.”
2. The Outside Man (2021) While recovering in Texas, Drake stumbles into a deadly conspiracy involving a woman and child on the run. Outgunned and off the grid, he relies on old skills to survive.
3. Hostile Intent (2022) Drake uncovers a plot that hits too close to home, forcing him into a shadow war against powerful enemies.
4. Forgotten War (2023) A brotherhood forged in battle is threatened by buried secrets. Drake’s most personal mission yet—explosive and emotionally charged.

Note: As of 2025, no new Matt Drake book has been announced, but fans are hopeful for more!

Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr. Books by Don Bentley (in Order)

Don Bentley took over the beloved Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr. series (part of the massive Ryanverse) starting in 2021, succeeding authors like Mike Maden. These novels follow Jack Ryan Jr. and the Campus team as they thwart global threats off the books. Bentley’s entries amp up the action while staying true to Clancy’s legacy.

Here are Don Bentley’s contributions in publication (and chronological) order:

1. Tom Clancy Target Acquired (2021) Jack Ryan Jr. must neutralize a deadly sniper threat—pure tactical thriller gold.
2. Tom Clancy Zero Hour (2022) A high-seas crisis escalates into a potential world war. Nonstop tension!
3. Tom Clancy Flash Point (2023). The Campus faces internal and external fires in this explosive installment.
4. Tom Clancy Weapons Grade (2023) Nuclear stakes and betrayal make this one of Bentley’s most intense Ryanverse entries.

Bentley stepped away after these four books, but they remain must-reads for any Clancy fan.

Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp Series Continued by Don Bentley

In 2024, Don Bentley became the new guardian of Mitch Rapp—the ultimate CIA counterterrorism operative created by the late Vince Flynn and continued by Kyle Mills. Rapp is the gold standard for ruthless, no-holds-barred heroes. Bentley’s take honors the origins while delivering fresh, brutal action.

1. Capture or Kill (2024) Bentley’s debut Mitch Rapp novel dives into Rapp’s early days, filling in thrilling gaps from theseries’s origins.
2. Denied Access (2025) Released in 2025, this continues (and completes) key elements of Rapp’s backstory, seamlessly bridging to the classic early books like Transfer of Power. A must for die-hard fans!

More Mitch Rapp adventures from Bentley are expected—stay tuned!

Publication Order of All Don Bentley Books (Chronological List)

If you want to read everything exactly as it was released:

1. Without Sanction (2020) – Matt Drake #1
2. The Outside Man (2021) – Matt Drake #2
3. Tom Clancy Target Acquired (2021) – Jack Ryan Jr.
4. Hostile Intent (2022) – Matt Drake #3
5. Tom Clancy Zero Hour (2022) – Jack Ryan Jr.
6. Forgotten War (2023) – Matt Drake #4
7. Tom Clancy Flash Point (2023) – Jack Ryan Jr.
8. Tom Clancy Weapons Grade (2023) – Jack Ryan Jr.
9. Capture or Kill (2024) – Mitch Rapp #23
10. Denied Access (2025) – Mitch Rapp #24

Where to Start with Don Bentley Books?

• New to Bentley? Begin with Without Sanction—it’s his debut and hooks you instantly.
• Love Tom Clancy? Jump straight to Target Acquired.
• Mitch Rapp superfa n?Capture or Kill and Denied Access are essential additions.

Don Bentley’s books are available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook (narrated by top talents like Scott Brick). Grab them on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or your local indie bookstore.

What’s your favorite Don Bentley book so far? Drop a comment below if you’re team Matt Drake, Jack Ryan Jr., or Mitch Rapp! And if this guide helped, share it with a fellow thriller junkie. Happy reading—stay safe out there! 🔫📖