Mit-Ro-Don by D. R. Spires is an action-packed sci-fi novel that follows Jim DeLuca as he gets caught up in events he never expected, facing danger, tough choices, and intense battles along the way.
Everything changed when Jim Deluca joined his sister, Terry, and her husband, Ronny, in the Arizona desert, where they were tracking UFOs. Their curiosity paid off when they actually encountered a UFO. One day, an alien craft abducted the trailer carrying Ronny, along with Mike and Ben. Jim pursued the ship and was taken aboard as well. They discovered that the aliens, known as the Mit-Ro-Don from Jessup, had brought them in because Earth was facing an imminent attack from another alien species, the Chit-Chit-Kunak. The Mit-Ro-Don needed experienced combat pilots to help defend against the threat, and Jim and Ronny, both veterans, were called into action. Their skills, courage, and survival are tested in a war far larger than anything they could have imagined.
I love how Spires made Jim and Ronny feel like real pilots. They adapt quickly to the alien aircraft they are assigned to. Their fights are tactical, with maneuvers that kept me at the edge of my seat. Spires clearly knows a lot about aircraft and combat, and it really shows in the way he writes the flight sequences and battle scenes. The descriptions of ships, maneuvers, and tactics are detailed, which makes the action way more intense. Everything is easy to follow, even for someone with no background in aviation or military strategy. I could picture the scenes clearly in my mind, feel the tension, and understand everything without getting lost in jargon. This balance between technical knowledge and readability is commendable. Spires knows his subject, but he also knows how to make it engaging for anyone reading.
From that first UFO sighting in the desert straight into abductions and battles, there is not a single dull moment. There are no filler setups or scenes that drag on; every page urged me on, making it hard to put the book down. The world-building is another aspect I admire. Spires does not try too hard, yet he delivered a fully immersive world. The war makes the setting tense, which is another element that kept me engaged.
Mit-Ro-Don is an engaging science fiction novel that combines UFOs, military expertise, and alien warfare and gives us an entertaining story. This is a thrilling book, and I found absolutely nothing to dislike. I wholeheartedly rate it 5 out of 5 stars. Readers who like science fiction will definitely enjoy this book.
MIT-RO-DON: 1974 by D. R. Spires is a science fiction novel set in the Arizona desert during the 1970s. The story follows helicopter pilot and engineer Jim DeLuca. The routine visit to his sister unexpectedly draws him into a series of unsettling extraterrestrial encounters. The time period plays an important role, grounding the story in an era when technology, war experience, and mystery collided in compelling ways.
Spires’ detailed descriptions of aircraft, radar systems, and flight maneuvers add credibility. These elements support the story’s escalating danger and reinforce the characters’ professionalism.
Beyond the action, the novel explores deeper questions about alien presence, hidden bases, and humanity’s readiness for contact with an advanced intelligence. Conversations among the characters touch on theories involving alien logistics, time travel, and long-term observation of Earth. These ideas are presented organically, allowing the reader to engage without feeling overwhelmed by exposition.
The vivid imagination of the author has created an impressive world. Spires knows how to keep the readers hooked until the last page. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book to sci-fi fans.
D. R. Spires’ MIT-RO-DON: 1974 is set during the Cold War era, a time already rich with paranoia and unanswered questions. The story unfolds through the eyes of Jim DeLuca, a helicopter pilot whose practical mindset and engineering background make him an ideal anchor for the novel’s escalating strangeness. From aviation procedures to radar interpretation, the novel feels well researched and lived-in, giving the impression that these events could plausibly occur just beyond public awareness.
The UFO encounters are sustained events with real consequences: physical, emotional, and psychological. As aircraft disappear, strange lights dominate the desert sky, and people begin to vanish, the narrative steadily shifts from intrigue to urgency.
MIT-RO-DON: 1974 is a thoughtful blend of classic science fiction themes and grounded realism. The book is well paced and there are no dull moments in it. Sci-fi fiction fans would have a great time reading this book. I am looking forward to getting my hands on more books by the author.
Told through the perspective of Jim DeLuca, the novel captures the shock of encountering the unexplainable while maintaining a realistic tone. The desert setting amplifies the isolation and danger, creating an atmosphere where secrecy and discovery coexist.
The book is well paced. Early chapters build curiosity through strange radar readings and unsettling aerial encounters, while later sections increase urgency as characters face direct consequences of their pursuit. The UFO sightings are not fleeting spectacles; they are sustained events that alter lives, relationships, and priorities. This gradual escalation made this book an unputdownable read.
Jim’s rational mindset contrasts with Ronny’s obsession, while Terry’s reactions ground the story in human fear and loyalty. Supporting characters such as Ben and Mike contribute not only practical expertise but also philosophical viewpoints, helping the novel explore multiple interpretations of the unknown.
Add this book to your tbr. I had a great time reading it. I am excited to get my hands on more books by Spires soon.