Weapons Free

The Third Option, Book 1

By: David Bruns, J.R. Olson

Narrated by: Justin Price

The Chinese Navy has unleashed a game-changing weapon that will tip the balance of power in the Pacific.

Harrison Kohl, newly appointed Director of the CIA’s Special Activities Center, faces an impossible assignment: acquire the plans for China’s new long-range, superfast torpedo.

As Commander Janet Everett, commanding officer of the USS Illinois, tracks the Chinese Navy from under the waves of the South China Sea, Kohl’s team makes a risky move to recruit an asset from the Chinese development team. They find only more bad news: the new weapon is far more advanced than they realized. The Chinese are preparing to test-fire the torpedo, proving its power to the world.

Amidst this devastating intelligence, Harrison sees an opportunity to execute one of the boldest covert actions in the history of the CIA. But an operation of this scale requires a massive diversion. The US Navy and Everett will have to challenge the powerful Chinese Navy in the contested waters of the South China Sea—without letting their power play spiral into World War Three.

David Bruns and J.R. Olson, authors of the acclaimed Command and Control series, unleash their trademark blend of action, intrigue, and military authenticity in Weapons Free, book one in The Third Option series. Perfect for fans of Tom Clancy and Brad Thor.

©2025 David Bruns, J.R. Olson (P)2025 Severn River Publishing

Critic reviews

“…compares with the best of the timeless classics by Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, and Stephen Coonts.” —Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Mission Critical

"With their background in the U.S. Navy, both Bruns and Olson have the right stuff to create a realistic military tale." —Booklist

“These two guys have lived it. Now they’re writing it.” —Don Keith, author of Only the Brave and Final Bearing