"Patriot Games" is a thriller novel by Tom Clancy, published in 1987. The novel follows the story of Jack Ryan, a former marine and CIA analyst who is on vacation in London with his family. While there, he intervenes in a terrorist attack on the Prince and Princess of Wales, killing one of the attackers and capturing another. This makes him a target of the surviving members of the terrorist group, who seek revenge on him and his family. The novel deals with themes of terrorism, revenge, and family loyalty, and is known for its action-packed plot and intricate details of military and intelligence operations. It was a commercial and critical success upon its release, and helped establish Clancy as a major figure in the thriller genre. The book has been adapted into a successful film and video game franchise.