Devlin Books In Order

Publication Order of Devlin Books

The American author and influential music critic Machael Walsh has been writing for a number of years now, with a number of both fiction and non-fiction novels in his extensive backlog of work. Focusing on thrillers, and primarily espionage thriller novels, he definitely has a very visual flair, something which is exemplified through his abilities as a screenwriter. Working onscreen and off, he’s also known for his political opinions, along with his various commentaries and personal viewpoints on the current direction of modern media. One series of novels that he’s particularly well known for, though, is that of his Devlin titles which follow the exploits of a secret agent working ‘off the grid’. Going only by the codename of ‘Devlin’ he works undercover for the NSA as one of their top agents, operating completely undetected whilst remaining one of the top most lethal assets. With over three novels in the series so far and counting, along with an omnibus edition, it’s perhaps his most successful and efficient franchise to date.

Understanding the genre well, it follows the exploits of agent Devlin over the course of the novels, slowly providing backstory along the way. Whilst many might become overburdened with all the plot elements running simultaneously, Walsh manages to retain the reigns tightly over the course of the novels. There is definitely a strong visual sense remainging throughout as well, along with a high-action and intense pace, something which he keeps going throughout.

Hostile Intent

Originally published through the Pinnacle publishing label back in 2009 on the first of September, this was the book that really established the series as a whole. Introducing the character of Devlin for the first time it brings his story to the forefront, setting up the action alongside his character, providing him with his first assignment to deal with. It also works at building up the world with its style and its overall tone, creating a clear sense of ambiance and atmosphere in the process too.

Taking on grand ideas of national security and safety, this particular series takes a look at what it takes to defend a country through the prism of an NSA agent. Whilst this may appear to be simple and straightforward at first glance, author Michael Walsh goes deep into the world of the undercover operative and the dangers they must face. Not only that, but it also works on a level of entertainment, all whilst examining the effects of modern terrorism and how it threatens everyday life. Whilst Devlin may be protecting the United States, his quest for national security takes place on an international scale, with his journey taking place worldwide. This is something that Walsh clearly has an eye for as an author, as he works global interests into the picture, with his assignment being not just of national importance. Starting out in America itself, though, it uses its locations well, showing a well researched perspective of where the actions is taking place throughout. With the character of Devlin himself lurking in the shadows, though, it manages to use his surrounding environment to reflect his personality, as well as his mission.

There’s an evil and terrifying act of terroism set underway and there’s only one man who can stop it, and he goes by the code-name of Devlin. Working within the NSA and completely off the grid, he goes entirely undetected taking on the nations biggest enemies to date, with him being their most lethal weapon. That’s when a terrorist decides to draw him out into the open by threatening the lives of innocent people, in the hopes of eliminating him as a threat. Will he be able to stop them? Can he stay alive whilst doing so? What will become of him as he faces those with hostile intent?

Early Warning

Released the following year, this works as a direct sequel to the first, with it being brought out in 2010 on the first of September through the Pinnacle label once again. Continuing in much the same vein as before, it provides action and excitement at an extremely fast pace, building the tension over the course of the narrative. That’s not to say that it doesn’t also provide some twists and turns of its own along the way, as it keeps the reader guessing right until the very last page.

Still taking place within the world of the NSA, it manages to create an air of suspense and trepidation that’s been taken up a notch from the previous novel. Facing new and far more intense challenges this time, Walsh still retains the core principals that came before, as he remains true to his ideals. Combining ideas on what it takes to maintain national security and the cost of this in the face of great danger, Walsh also manages to bring new ideas to the table this time as well. With another enemy to America bent on destroying the nation, it’s up to Devlin to stop them, doing whatever it takes to keep the citizens out of harm’s way, even if it means risking his own life in the process.

This time facing a threat of cyber-terrorism Devlin faces an entirely new breed of criminal. Looking to defend the top tiers of government, he must do whatever it takes to stop the enemy. With a band of radical insurgents on the loose, though, this might be more difficult than he first anticipated. Will he be able to stop them? Can he make it out in one piece? What will become of the early warning?

The Devlin Series

For any long-time readers of Michael Walsh, in both fiction and non-fiction, many of his ideas are just as prominent here as they are elsewhere. This remains true for both his political and general outlook, something which is reflected in many of his characterizations, and he is truly at his peak here. Over time he has found his audience and his look into and understanding of the inner workings of the NSA is extremely in-depth, with an obviously clear passion for the subject matter that shines through. Writing for publications ranging from ‘BigJournalism.com’, which he launched with Andrew Breitbart, to The National Review, he has been a highly prominent figure in the modern conservative movement. It is this insight that he brings to his work, as he remains true to his ideals whilst portraying an engaging and entertaining story for his many readers worldwide. With more set to follow from this author, he should continue for some time yet, as it appears that the Devlin series is not stopping anytime soon.