Mike Maden Brings New Life to Tom Clancy Series with 'Tom Clancy Line of Sight'

As a fan of Tom Clancy, Mike Maden was both thrilled and intimidated by the opportunity to continue the beloved series. In an interview, Maden shared his thoughts on taking on the challenge and honoring the master's legacy.

'They were very clear that in no way did they want me to try to imitate Tom Clancy, which I knew I couldn't do anyway,' Maden said. 'I was a reader and a fan of Clancy first, so I have to bring something worthy of the name for the fans.' The first rule of writing a Tom Clancy novel? Don't try to emulate the master.

Maden didn't panic, and his first Clancy venture, 'Tom Clancy Point of Contact,' reviewed very well and reached No. 3 on the New York Times hardcover and eBook bestseller lists. His success was not limited to this single title, as he went on to achieve widespread and critical acclaim with his 'Drone' series of four novels.

The opportunity to write a Tom Clancy novel arose about two years ago when Maden received a life-changing phone call from one of his editors. 'I got the call and was asked if I wanted to write a Tom Clancy novel,' Maden said. 'That was both the greatest honor and the most terrifying day of my literary life because, suddenly, I had committed myself to writing a Tom Clancy novel.'

Since Clancy's death in 2013, the series has been continued with annual releases from publisher Penguin Random House that follow two paths - one featuring Jack Ryan, the other centered on Jack Ryan Jr. The latest installment, 'Tom Clancy Line of Sight,' hit shelves June 12.

Maden takes his responsibility to continue the series seriously, acknowledging the great canon established by Clancy. 'This is a tremendous privilege and honor and I'm blessed to be a part of it,' he said.

With 'Line of Sight' now available, fans of the series can look forward to another thrilling installment that honors the memory of Tom Clancy while bringing fresh perspectives and storylines to the table.

Mike maden tom clancy