Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book. Red Star Down by D. B. John is a high-octane international spy thriller that plunges readers into a world of political intrigue and espionage. The story kicks off with a series of explosive global events—a Korean man is poisoned in Malaysia, a Russian intelligence officer is assassinated in Washington, and a real-estate mogul becomes the U.S. president. These incidents set the stage for a conspiracy that threatens global stability. It is a story of power, betrayal, international espionage and the fragility of global peace. If you're a fan of politically charged thrillers with heart-pounding suspense and a darkly witty edge, this might be one to add to your to read list.

As far as spy thrillers go I have to say Red Star Down is one of the best I have read in this genre. The author is new to me and I will be reading his other books when I can. I was pulled into the story right from the start and it held my interest and attention right to the last page although initially it did take time for the characters to slot into place in my mind. The main character Jenna, a CIA operative, is very likeable as is Lyosha and I was rooting for them throughout. The story writing is excellent and flows seamlessly and is full of intricate threads and a very, VERY believeable plot line. I love the different place and country settings and think the portrayal of the world leaders who have their own agendas and are self serving is spot on. The poignant, sad and humorous moments add to the story. The pacing is perfect and the author raises the suspense, tension and suspense that made me want to know what would happen next. As always there are characters I loathed and I think the author does their job well when I feel like this about the characters. I really like the ending and hope there will be a follow up book featuring Jenna.

If you like spy, espionage thrillers then I think this book would be for you and I'd recommend it.

D.B. John has come up with a cracker of a read here and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

4 stars

Fast paced ,relevant novel.It had me on the edge of my seat,unable to put down until I could find out what happened next.
I lived through the experience to the end.A well written credible tale which opens up a world currently in which we live,spellbinding and fascinating to say the least,A riveting must read for everyone.

This is the first book I have read by D.B John and I certainly hope that it won't be the last. I was immediately gripped by this contemporary political thriller. The characters were completely believable and the attention to the power struggle between Donald Trump, Putin and Kim Jong-un caused different emotions at one point humorous and another disbelief. I didn't manage to read this book at one sitting despite attempting to, but my husband wanted to sleep which meant that I read over two days. The combination of Jenna a C.I.A operative, Eric a North Korean spy within the Trump administration, could all change the balance of the political power as it is today.

I am grateful to NetGalley and Random House UK/Vintage for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy to review.




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Defiantly a very well crafted novel, full of current issues and concerns re global situations, Characters are life like in mannerisms and speech - yes Putin, Trump and Kim Jong Un of North Kore; yes John weaves a great story with our world leaders and all the bit players in the background.
At one point the story mentions North Korea and Russia's Seed Bearing Program which triggered my deep seated memories of true events where citizens were abducted from South Korea and Japan to breed children, indoctrinated and sent back to their original country to create havoc. Methods of assassinations used those used by the Russians even today - poisoning radio isotope exposure.
So a very intelligent up to date thriller.
At the end of the book a well written 'authors notes' shares the deeper aspects of the story and basis for the book, well worth reading.

This books was fantastic, it was edgy and thrilling and fast paced. I hadn’t read a political spy thriller before but this was so intriguing I couldn’t put it down. There’s a couple of things going on in this book but it isn’t confusing or boring and is a real page turner. Highly recommend

The Red Star Down by D.B. John is a gripping and atmospheric thriller set in the shadowy world of North Korea. John masterfully weaves espionage, political intrigue, and human resilience into a fast-paced narrative. With vivid descriptions and taut pacing, the novel explores the high stakes of intelligence work and the harrowing realities of life under a brutal regime. The characters are complex and believable, particularly the operatives navigating moral gray zones. Fans of The Spy and the Traitor or The Defector will find this a compelling read. It’s both an engrossing page-turner and a chilling glimpse into a closed world.

Red Star Down is the first book I’ve read by D.B. John, and it definitely won’t be the last. I read this thriller in just over a day — and if I didn’t need sleep, I’d have devoured it in one sitting. It’s that gripping.

This is an intricately researched and masterfully plotted story that brilliantly balances high-stakes international tension with razor-sharp, often laugh-out-loud observations of global political gameplay. I was fully transported into the volatile battlefield between Putin, Trump, and Kim Jong-un, and found myself racing through the pages, emotions pinging wildly between dread, disbelief, hilarity and heartbreak.

Jenna is a powerhouse of a protagonist — smart, gritty, and emotionally complex. Her dynamic with Eric, a North Korean spy embedded within Trump’s administration, crackles with tension. The stakes feel sky-high as they navigate a treacherous world in an effort to protect Lyosha, Stephen, and Soo-min. The twists are relentless, the pace exhilarating, and the portrayal of real-world political figures and power plays is so sharply observed I kept bursting out laughing in disbelief.

D.B. John has pulled off something extraordinary: a thriller that is both deeply intelligent and thoroughly entertaining. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year — insightful, fast-paced, tense, and unexpectedly hilarious in its truth-telling. I honestly wanted to start all over again the moment I finished the last page.

Highly recommended for fans of heart-racing political thrillers with substance. More, please!

Red Star Down is an excellent follow up to Star of the North where the reader is back in the company of CIA Officer Jenna. The characterisation is excellent and believable and the plot is fairly fast moving with compelling threads and interesting and damning political insights.
A hugely enjoyable and gripping thriller that I’d highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

A truly global thriller, Red Star Down takes the spy game to dizzying heights. Eric, a Korean working for the US president, has an agenda but is in awe of his boss. Jenna, a CIA officer has a story to unravel and it’s one that has the potential to reset the balance of power. And there’s the leaders of the US, Russia and North Korea.

With scenes built around recent real life events, there’s a sharpness to the narrative which itself is elevated by some cutting satire. Make no mistake, Red Star Down is a pulsating thriller for the world of shifting allegiances and power games that we live in today, absolutely outstanding.

I was granted a review copy of Red Star Down and am leaving this review voluntarily.