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Wings of Steele #1
Destination Unknown
An epic science fiction adventure that reaches from the surface of our familiar planet and the safety of terra firma, to the dark, vast expanse of deep space and distant star systems.
Jack Steele is an ex big-city cop that left the department after losing a friend in the line of duty. Recovering from a tough divorce, he reinvents himself with a love of flying and restructures his life as a pilot for hire. Accompanied by his ever-present German Shepherd, Fritz, Jack will fly almost anything, anywhere, shuttling new & used planes for clients all over the world.
He had never been a Boy Scout, but he is a man who likes to stay prepared and in control of whatever life throws at him. But nothing could have prepared Jack and his co-pilot Brian when life suddenly goes drastically and violently sideways... in a direction and magnitude that no one could have ever anticipated. Wanted men, it seems like everyone on the planet is hunting for them and their only option is to run... but to where?
Jack Steele is an ex big-city cop that left the department after losing a friend in the line of duty. Recovering from a tough divorce, he reinvents himself with a love of flying and restructures his life as a pilot for hire. Accompanied by his ever-present German Shepherd, Fritz, Jack will fly almost anything, anywhere, shuttling new & used planes for clients all over the world.
He had never been a Boy Scout, but he is a man who likes to stay prepared and in control of whatever life throws at him. But nothing could have prepared Jack and his co-pilot Brian when life suddenly goes drastically and violently sideways... in a direction and magnitude that no one could have ever anticipated. Wanted men, it seems like everyone on the planet is hunting for them and their only option is to run... but to where?
533 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2012
555 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Burger
15 books41 followersJeffrey J Burger was born and grew up in Chicago, Illinois, moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida at the age of 28, where he still lives today with his German Shepherd, Jax. Jeff returns to Chicago on a regular basis to visit family and friends.
Originally drawn to law enforcement like his father and uncle, Jeff's extremely creative nature drove him toward a rewarding career in photography, illustration, design, marketing and advertising. With the successful launch of his first book; Wings of Steele - Destination Unknown, he has been able to add writing and publishing to his repertoire.
Jeff's choice in career and life in Florida have offered some truly unique experiences which he continues to enjoy. A certified firearms Instructor, Jeff has worked with civilians, Military Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers from many agencies. This has afforded him the opportunity to regularly handle and become proficient with firearms of all types, new and vintage, from all over the world.
An affinity for aircraft and flying have provided many opportunities to fly with talented civilian and military pilots in a wide selection of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. While Jeff finds jets to be supremely exciting, nothing beats the sublime sound or primal feeling of a piston-driven Rolls Royce Merlin V12 in a vintage P51 Mustang.
Originally drawn to law enforcement like his father and uncle, Jeff's extremely creative nature drove him toward a rewarding career in photography, illustration, design, marketing and advertising. With the successful launch of his first book; Wings of Steele - Destination Unknown, he has been able to add writing and publishing to his repertoire.
Jeff's choice in career and life in Florida have offered some truly unique experiences which he continues to enjoy. A certified firearms Instructor, Jeff has worked with civilians, Military Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers from many agencies. This has afforded him the opportunity to regularly handle and become proficient with firearms of all types, new and vintage, from all over the world.
An affinity for aircraft and flying have provided many opportunities to fly with talented civilian and military pilots in a wide selection of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. While Jeff finds jets to be supremely exciting, nothing beats the sublime sound or primal feeling of a piston-driven Rolls Royce Merlin V12 in a vintage P51 Mustang.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 24, 2015
I have read a very large number of books. This is by far THE WORST book I have ever read.
I accidentally purchased this book instead of reading an excerpt.
I actually don't mind a story in which someone starts out a nobody and then learn they have special abilities. This one took it a bit far.
First, every woman in the universe want's to sleep with him and he obliges them. While sleeping with several women, the main character supposedly has a deep connection with the first woman he slept with in the story. When she has some problems with him sleeping around, he is all "Why are you being so clingy?" Ugh...
Second, the main character who is from our current time period accidentally ends up on a spaceship. Literally within days, he is feted as the best fighter pilot in the history of the universe. Really???
The final thing that just ended my experience with this book was the conclusion of the pirate scene. Fine...they set up a trap and were able to wipe out the stupid pirates...Fine, he ends up being a perfect shot...But at the very end of the battle, the hero's dog attempts to take down the pirate captain. The pirate captain shoots the dog in self defense and then is disarmed. The hero flies into a rage, walks up to the defenseless guy and blows his head off because he shot his dog...We are supposed to like this guy? Ugh, ugh, ugh....
I accidentally purchased this book instead of reading an excerpt.
I actually don't mind a story in which someone starts out a nobody and then learn they have special abilities. This one took it a bit far.
First, every woman in the universe want's to sleep with him and he obliges them. While sleeping with several women, the main character supposedly has a deep connection with the first woman he slept with in the story. When she has some problems with him sleeping around, he is all "Why are you being so clingy?" Ugh...
Second, the main character who is from our current time period accidentally ends up on a spaceship. Literally within days, he is feted as the best fighter pilot in the history of the universe. Really???
The final thing that just ended my experience with this book was the conclusion of the pirate scene. Fine...they set up a trap and were able to wipe out the stupid pirates...Fine, he ends up being a perfect shot...But at the very end of the battle, the hero's dog attempts to take down the pirate captain. The pirate captain shoots the dog in self defense and then is disarmed. The hero flies into a rage, walks up to the defenseless guy and blows his head off because he shot his dog...We are supposed to like this guy? Ugh, ugh, ugh....
December 4, 2013
I quite liked this book. It is really a simple but great adventure story based on one of my favourite themes, hero discovers that we are not alone and goes on wild adventure. Simple, plain adventure. Yes, it is not very deep and the characters are perhaps a wee bit simple, the plot is from time to time a bit trivial and predictable and yes, the hero have a certain “ease” when it comes to getting the ladies but when you wait in an airport, on the plane or have some time to kill in a hotel room (which is exactly when I read this book during my summer holiday to Porto), it is a perfect read. Having said that, I am quite sure I would have liked this book under any circumstances. I just happens to like simple adventure stories as well as more complex ones.
You might get the impression from the above that this is a Young Adult book. I do not think it is entirely unsuitable for the young adult segment but I would still not really classify it as such anyway. It does not really have the somewhat “immature” dream world flair about it as a young adult novel would and the characters are all adult as well.
There is plenty of action, some mystery and, my favourite, revelations that aliens are for real, in this book. I quite liked the moment where [Small Spoiler Ahead] the main characters briefly got back to Earth to spring some surprises on his friends and a certain FBI agent [End Spoiler].The hero is, of course, a real hero but unlike some books he is not infallible. Well, it is pretty close, but there are enough “whoops” moments in the book to spice things up. There is little in terms of hard science in this book. The book is made up mostly of the rather colourful characters and they were certainly colourful enough to keep my interest.
Sure, the book have some rough edges and is sometimes a wee bit predictable but not really in a bad way and it is the first book in a series so, me personally, I are really eager to read the next one. To my knowledge this is the first book from this author and I have to say that it is a promising start.
You might get the impression from the above that this is a Young Adult book. I do not think it is entirely unsuitable for the young adult segment but I would still not really classify it as such anyway. It does not really have the somewhat “immature” dream world flair about it as a young adult novel would and the characters are all adult as well.
There is plenty of action, some mystery and, my favourite, revelations that aliens are for real, in this book. I quite liked the moment where [Small Spoiler Ahead] the main characters briefly got back to Earth to spring some surprises on his friends and a certain FBI agent [End Spoiler].The hero is, of course, a real hero but unlike some books he is not infallible. Well, it is pretty close, but there are enough “whoops” moments in the book to spice things up. There is little in terms of hard science in this book. The book is made up mostly of the rather colourful characters and they were certainly colourful enough to keep my interest.
Sure, the book have some rough edges and is sometimes a wee bit predictable but not really in a bad way and it is the first book in a series so, me personally, I are really eager to read the next one. To my knowledge this is the first book from this author and I have to say that it is a promising start.
September 12, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review which is the only reason I am reviewing this book. I really don't like getting free books anymore, because I don't like to leave a negative review. I liked the dog. That's all I can honestly say, positively. I've listened to and read numerous sci fi and military sci fi novels, so I'm an enthusiastic listener/reader of the genre.
I did not like the main character's interactions with other people, especially women. I did not like the character of Maria. I felt she was a stereotypical crying, overemotional, unable to cope woman. If you're going to take the trouble to put a woman into the plot, please make her worth reading. If the author is putting a woman in just a have a female character, please stop. I am much more likely to buy into the plot if you give me a flimsy excuse for having no female characters. Honestly, Jack has a WW II era firearm, and the "only reason the aliens were still alive is that they saw (whatever it was) in his eyes?" They can cloak their ship from anyone seeing it, but they don't have superior weapons or the ability to protect themselves? Puh lease!
Why did we have the CIA involved in this story? Why was the aircraft carrier involved? I expected the co-pilot to say, "Holy aliens, Batman" at some point.
In addition, the narrator made me feel like the entire book was an infomercial. I kept finding reasons to not listen to my audiobook during this one. That's not normal for me. That's it. I'm done. No more free books in exchange for a review for me.I received this book in exchange for an honest review which is the only reason I am reviewing this book. I really don't like getting free books anymore, because I don't like to leave a negative review. I liked the dog. That's all I can honestly say, positively. I've listened to and read numerous sci fi and military sci fi novels, so I'm an enthusiastic listener/reader of the genre.
I did not like the main character's interactions with other people, especially women. I did not like the character of Maria. I felt she was a stereotypical crying, overemotional, unable to cope woman. If you're going to take the trouble to put a woman into the plot, please make her worth reading. If the author is putting a woman in just a have a female character, please stop. I am much more likely to buy into the plot if you give me a flimsy excuse for having no female characters. Honestly, Jack has a WW II era firearm, and the "only reason the aliens were still alive is that they saw (whatever it was) in his eyes?" They can cloak their ship from anyone seeing it, but they don't have superior weapons or the ability to protect themselves? Puh lease!
Why did we have the CIA involved in this story? Why was the aircraft carrier involved? I expected the co-pilot to say, "Holy aliens, Batman" at some point.
In addition, the narrator made me feel like the entire book was an infomercial. I kept finding reasons to not listen to my audiobook during this one. That's not normal for me. That's it. I'm done. No more free books in exchange for a review for me.
I did not like the main character's interactions with other people, especially women. I did not like the character of Maria. I felt she was a stereotypical crying, overemotional, unable to cope woman. If you're going to take the trouble to put a woman into the plot, please make her worth reading. If the author is putting a woman in just a have a female character, please stop. I am much more likely to buy into the plot if you give me a flimsy excuse for having no female characters. Honestly, Jack has a WW II era firearm, and the "only reason the aliens were still alive is that they saw (whatever it was) in his eyes?" They can cloak their ship from anyone seeing it, but they don't have superior weapons or the ability to protect themselves? Puh lease!
Why did we have the CIA involved in this story? Why was the aircraft carrier involved? I expected the co-pilot to say, "Holy aliens, Batman" at some point.
In addition, the narrator made me feel like the entire book was an infomercial. I kept finding reasons to not listen to my audiobook during this one. That's not normal for me. That's it. I'm done. No more free books in exchange for a review for me.I received this book in exchange for an honest review which is the only reason I am reviewing this book. I really don't like getting free books anymore, because I don't like to leave a negative review. I liked the dog. That's all I can honestly say, positively. I've listened to and read numerous sci fi and military sci fi novels, so I'm an enthusiastic listener/reader of the genre.
I did not like the main character's interactions with other people, especially women. I did not like the character of Maria. I felt she was a stereotypical crying, overemotional, unable to cope woman. If you're going to take the trouble to put a woman into the plot, please make her worth reading. If the author is putting a woman in just a have a female character, please stop. I am much more likely to buy into the plot if you give me a flimsy excuse for having no female characters. Honestly, Jack has a WW II era firearm, and the "only reason the aliens were still alive is that they saw (whatever it was) in his eyes?" They can cloak their ship from anyone seeing it, but they don't have superior weapons or the ability to protect themselves? Puh lease!
Why did we have the CIA involved in this story? Why was the aircraft carrier involved? I expected the co-pilot to say, "Holy aliens, Batman" at some point.
In addition, the narrator made me feel like the entire book was an infomercial. I kept finding reasons to not listen to my audiobook during this one. That's not normal for me. That's it. I'm done. No more free books in exchange for a review for me.
March 29, 2025
You should read this its a good read
I enjoyed thus book good characters and interesting story line. Reads quickly and kept my attention. I believe you will enjoy it as well.
I enjoyed thus book good characters and interesting story line. Reads quickly and kept my attention. I believe you will enjoy it as well.
November 27, 2019
Wings of Steele: Destination Unknown, Book 1
Author: Jeffrey J. Burger
Narrator: Kevin Clay
Listening Time 16 Hrs. 17 Min.
I always like to preface any reviews I give with this information.
I am a 68 year old female who has been an avid reader since I was around 10 or 11 years old.
I read primarily for pleasure.
I have a great many interests and do a lot of research for personal pleasure and knowledge as well.
Ancient History, Archeology, Science, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery are some of the interests I have.
Disclaimer: "This Audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost, in exchange for an unbiased honest review."
I wasn't exactly sure what kind of a listen this would end up being but I am happy to report that it is a fun if somewhat graphically violent, (for my taste), story.
Our protagonist is Jack Steele, a former police officer who after losing a partner in the line of duty, and going through a divorce, decides to become an independent pilot.
While flying to deliver a World War II aircraft to a movie set he is... yes, you guessed it! He is abducted by aliens, and they are on an Alien Cruise Ship and it may be years before they return to earth. There are a couple of other characters who are also abducted with Jack as well. This story gets farther and farther "out there" as it progresses.
After defending the cruise ship from an attack he and his associates decide to take the ship and become galactic pirate hunters.
As I said, the story does get "out there.
While this was a completely unbelievable story, (after all it IS Science Fiction), I would have to say for the most part that I did enjoy it.
This could have been a great book except for the fact that most of the characters were really immature and sexist. A grown woman who sucks her thumb, really?
The characters were for the most part lacking real dimension except for a few of them. I will leave that to the reader to determine who those few are.
Personally, not being someone who likes a blow by blow account of violence, I was really disappointed with the descriptions of the violence.
One thing I will say that I really loved about this book and this when Jack's dog Fritz gets mortally wounded... well, read/listen to the book.
As you can surmise I have mixed feelings about this book. It was fun for the most part, irritating in places; wonderfully surprising in others and overall I would listen to more in this series.
Author Jeffrey J. Burger is an author I had never previously read/listened to and despite the fact that he seems to have a somewhat juvenile outlook towards women, (well no one is perfect), this story does have promise.
This story could have been a much better story than it was if his characters were more dimensional. Having said that, I would give his writing another chance.
Narrator Kevin Clay is a narrator I have listened to multiple times now and I am always more than willing to listen to anything he has narrated. His voice acting is outstanding and he has a wonderful grasp of accents, range of voice for masculine and feminine characters. It is always a pleasure and sometimes downright fun to listen to his body of work.
I would say this would appeal more to teenagers than anyone else. It isn't a bad story, but it isn't a great one either. It could be though
Author: Jeffrey J. Burger
Narrator: Kevin Clay
Listening Time 16 Hrs. 17 Min.
I always like to preface any reviews I give with this information.
I am a 68 year old female who has been an avid reader since I was around 10 or 11 years old.
I read primarily for pleasure.
I have a great many interests and do a lot of research for personal pleasure and knowledge as well.
Ancient History, Archeology, Science, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery are some of the interests I have.
Disclaimer: "This Audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost, in exchange for an unbiased honest review."
I wasn't exactly sure what kind of a listen this would end up being but I am happy to report that it is a fun if somewhat graphically violent, (for my taste), story.
Our protagonist is Jack Steele, a former police officer who after losing a partner in the line of duty, and going through a divorce, decides to become an independent pilot.
While flying to deliver a World War II aircraft to a movie set he is... yes, you guessed it! He is abducted by aliens, and they are on an Alien Cruise Ship and it may be years before they return to earth. There are a couple of other characters who are also abducted with Jack as well. This story gets farther and farther "out there" as it progresses.
After defending the cruise ship from an attack he and his associates decide to take the ship and become galactic pirate hunters.
As I said, the story does get "out there.
While this was a completely unbelievable story, (after all it IS Science Fiction), I would have to say for the most part that I did enjoy it.
This could have been a great book except for the fact that most of the characters were really immature and sexist. A grown woman who sucks her thumb, really?
The characters were for the most part lacking real dimension except for a few of them. I will leave that to the reader to determine who those few are.
Personally, not being someone who likes a blow by blow account of violence, I was really disappointed with the descriptions of the violence.
One thing I will say that I really loved about this book and this when Jack's dog Fritz gets mortally wounded... well, read/listen to the book.
As you can surmise I have mixed feelings about this book. It was fun for the most part, irritating in places; wonderfully surprising in others and overall I would listen to more in this series.
Author Jeffrey J. Burger is an author I had never previously read/listened to and despite the fact that he seems to have a somewhat juvenile outlook towards women, (well no one is perfect), this story does have promise.
This story could have been a much better story than it was if his characters were more dimensional. Having said that, I would give his writing another chance.
Narrator Kevin Clay is a narrator I have listened to multiple times now and I am always more than willing to listen to anything he has narrated. His voice acting is outstanding and he has a wonderful grasp of accents, range of voice for masculine and feminine characters. It is always a pleasure and sometimes downright fun to listen to his body of work.
I would say this would appeal more to teenagers than anyone else. It isn't a bad story, but it isn't a great one either. It could be though
May 29, 2017
Reminded me a lot of Fighter Jocks, like a cross between WW2 ones and Top Gun style ones. Sort of fine, a bit meh on the diversity of characters front, mean they're all pretty much guy-y guys in charge. It was basically okay.
-- EDIT 1 --
Fyi, if you were expecting any realistic technology, or even military tactics and systems from real life, you're going to be disappointed. You can spot bits where the author has clearly researched that one specific thing, but then it's like cut back to the story and all of the realism will then be forgotten.
Generally speaking there's not a lot of consistency regarding technology, or culture, the aliens randomly do-and then do-not understand common idioms (there's a magic translatory thing), there's lots of that. People will be walking through walls, and implied FTL communication, then suddenly no FTL communication without even an excuse.
You probably won't like the main character much either, he gets lots of praise for being amazing, but really he's kinda a jerk to the women characters, and just randomly puts enemy combatants in charge of departments, people have to do amazing things around him, but mostly they're because he aggravated a situation or because he had a predictably stupid plan.
It's pretty dumb.
-- EDIT 2 --
Oh my god, I just saw a picture of the author and this explains so much about the character. He's written himself as the main character, mustache, history of being a cop and finding planes cool, and everything. I mean fine I guess but like wow, this explains so much of the other characters randomly finding a guy who I thought sounded kinda uncool super amazing.
Right, so this is his, what if I was abducted by aliens fantasy.
-- EDIT 1 --
Fyi, if you were expecting any realistic technology, or even military tactics and systems from real life, you're going to be disappointed. You can spot bits where the author has clearly researched that one specific thing, but then it's like cut back to the story and all of the realism will then be forgotten.
Generally speaking there's not a lot of consistency regarding technology, or culture, the aliens randomly do-and then do-not understand common idioms (there's a magic translatory thing), there's lots of that. People will be walking through walls, and implied FTL communication, then suddenly no FTL communication without even an excuse.
You probably won't like the main character much either, he gets lots of praise for being amazing, but really he's kinda a jerk to the women characters, and just randomly puts enemy combatants in charge of departments, people have to do amazing things around him, but mostly they're because he aggravated a situation or because he had a predictably stupid plan.
It's pretty dumb.
-- EDIT 2 --
Oh my god, I just saw a picture of the author and this explains so much about the character. He's written himself as the main character, mustache, history of being a cop and finding planes cool, and everything. I mean fine I guess but like wow, this explains so much of the other characters randomly finding a guy who I thought sounded kinda uncool super amazing.
Right, so this is his, what if I was abducted by aliens fantasy.
June 16, 2013
This was an interesting read. I did not know I was getting into a sci fi book when i started it and thought it was going to be about gun running and drug smuggling. So it was surprising when flying in the Bermuda Triangle we suddenly are dealing with UFOS and aliens.
Bad guys psychology seems to be universal. Jack applies what he knows from his days as a cop and his second life as a pilot to fight pirates in the sky. As a dog lover I loved the part where his dog Fritz gets equipped with robotic parts after an injury and gains the ability to talk on a limited basis.
The book gets some bad points for poor editing. There are some simple grammer and punctuation errors.
Bad guys psychology seems to be universal. Jack applies what he knows from his days as a cop and his second life as a pilot to fight pirates in the sky. As a dog lover I loved the part where his dog Fritz gets equipped with robotic parts after an injury and gains the ability to talk on a limited basis.
The book gets some bad points for poor editing. There are some simple grammer and punctuation errors.
December 4, 2013
Had nostalgic flashbacks to Top Gun (in space). Likable fighter jocks/heroes, camaraderie, action filled plot and more in a military scifi-space adventure setting. If you are looking for a fun action adventure this will not disappoint (not "hard" science fiction, not looking to be overly "dark" or try to twist your mind around some deep philosophical dilemma, etc.)
December 25, 2016
Not bad
But way to much cliché for my taste, the action is nice, but i don't wanne groan every dozen pages when another cliché is presented like a surprise, tada..
But way to much cliché for my taste, the action is nice, but i don't wanne groan every dozen pages when another cliché is presented like a surprise, tada..
May 16, 2022
.
I was a detective for 35 years, had the shepherd, had the same Kimber, lived on Estero Island, and crossed that bridge they have there many times. Over the Matanzas Pass.
OPINION:
A good book.
.
IMPROBABLE!
Silly.
Dumb.
Stoopid.
Trite. Stock characters.
One type of “hero” eats chili and sits with his feet up on the command console.
This is the second type, who is more like a BOY SCOUT used to be.
This is a stereotypical main character. A young, handsome, “talented” man, whom the crew loves and worships, on his way up, battling pirates from an old ship that is being renovated into something MORE.
Military ops that NOBODY can make head or tail of.
He “sips” coffee and single malt. He flies a fighter. He has a beautiful wife, or woman. He has rampant sex. He always has the right answer. He always survives any encounter. There is always a BIG or HUGE man to back him up.
IT’S STEREOTYPICAL!!!
PLUS, this book has lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of REALLY annoying, absurd, ridiculous, “sipping” and “sips,” and “sipped,” and “headaches,” and “padded across the room (feet,)” and some “munching,” and “chewing,” and “accepting,” and even a few “pinched the bridge of the nose.” All Extremely annoying.
ANNOYING “LITERARY” DEVICES !!!!
This book has the most “bridge of the nose” pinching I have ever seen. An act that does NOTHING— except maybe fulfill some Vision of a fake, false, created, dream “Reality.”
Also, possibly the most sips and sippings!!!
Also, it seems to have most of the trite usual Hollywood bllsht.
ABSURD STORY.
I DO NOT LIKE THE CHANGES in YOU=KNOW=WHO!!!
A good book
.
I was a detective for 35 years, had the shepherd, had the same Kimber, lived on Estero Island, and crossed that bridge they have there many times. Over the Matanzas Pass.
OPINION:
A good book.
.
IMPROBABLE!
Silly.
Dumb.
Stoopid.
Trite. Stock characters.
One type of “hero” eats chili and sits with his feet up on the command console.
This is the second type, who is more like a BOY SCOUT used to be.
This is a stereotypical main character. A young, handsome, “talented” man, whom the crew loves and worships, on his way up, battling pirates from an old ship that is being renovated into something MORE.
Military ops that NOBODY can make head or tail of.
He “sips” coffee and single malt. He flies a fighter. He has a beautiful wife, or woman. He has rampant sex. He always has the right answer. He always survives any encounter. There is always a BIG or HUGE man to back him up.
IT’S STEREOTYPICAL!!!
PLUS, this book has lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of REALLY annoying, absurd, ridiculous, “sipping” and “sips,” and “sipped,” and “headaches,” and “padded across the room (feet,)” and some “munching,” and “chewing,” and “accepting,” and even a few “pinched the bridge of the nose.” All Extremely annoying.
ANNOYING “LITERARY” DEVICES !!!!
This book has the most “bridge of the nose” pinching I have ever seen. An act that does NOTHING— except maybe fulfill some Vision of a fake, false, created, dream “Reality.”
Also, possibly the most sips and sippings!!!
Also, it seems to have most of the trite usual Hollywood bllsht.
ABSURD STORY.
I DO NOT LIKE THE CHANGES in YOU=KNOW=WHO!!!
A good book
.
August 1, 2020
I'm writing this review whilst about a quarter of the way through the first book, so perhaps I'm being a touch unfair, but my experience of it so far is that the female characters exist purely to titillate the male characters and serve their desires, especially the desires of the main character. It is understandable that we want to indulge in fantasy and sometimes, some of us do so by writing out those fantasies through stories - we grant ourselves the best cars, have an awesome career flying beautiful aircraft, and women find us irresistible, falling madly in love with us within a day - but these elements, if they are to be there, should, in my humble view, be subtle, and here, in this book, they are a sledgehammer.
Ultimately what I've read so far seems quite sexist too. There a few comments that suggest women lack emotional control and perspective, which won't impress any women reading this book. It is designed to appeal to the fantasies of certain men, who view women as objects.
Ultimately what I've read so far seems quite sexist too. There a few comments that suggest women lack emotional control and perspective, which won't impress any women reading this book. It is designed to appeal to the fantasies of certain men, who view women as objects.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
The prologue was very strong and gives the impression that what follows will be equally compelling. Then we move on to Chapter One, where we meet the protagonist as an adult. He has become the kind of person I’ve encountered on Tinder—someone with an extremely inflated sense of self, projecting confidence that borders on arrogance. In the book, he explicitly refers to himself as having an “alpha” personality, and he comes across as exactly the kind of profile I would have swiped left on without hesitation. After reading a review by James L., I became even more convinced that this book simply isn’t for me. Overall, the book reads more like the script for a low-budget 1980s Hollywood action movie than a novel I would enjoy.
June 3, 2015
I was given the audiobook for free with the promise of an honest review. This review is honest. And brutal. And full of spoilers.
I almost never give 5 star reviews. I almost never give 1 star reviews. This are the far end of the normal distribution and take a HUGE amount of response (love or hate) to earn them from me. I am more than happy to give this book 1 star. It earned it.
The story follows Jack, an ex-cop turned pilot who transports planes for a living. He along with his friend Brian and his dog Fritz are transporting a B25 bomber to South America (full of live ammo, because... who knows. Apparently they are doing it for the CIA but don't know they are. They brush off the question of live ammo). They pick up a 'aircraft mechanic', Maria, who turns out to be a CIA operative (and almost instantly sleeps with Jack). They get into some trouble with a drug cartel, USA navy thinks they are drug runners and chases them with fighter jets. Suddenly the fighter jets and the B25 are transported onto an alien space ship (oops! we didn't realise we had picked you up until 5 days later and now we are several galaxies away). But hey, it’s okay because the first aliens they meet are female and also want to sleep with Jack.
Then the humans get in a flight simulator and teach themselves to fly alien craft, only to be declared "some of the best pilots in the known universe". Which, of course, only makes every other female on the ship want Jack as well. Because he is just that amazing.
Then they meet pirates, who they thoroughly thrash. Apparently people are so impressed by Jack and his tactics. They make it sound like him defeating one pirate ship is something amazing that they struggle to do.
Seriously, this interplanetary government has the worst military ever if the humans come along and within a month become the greatest thing ever.
Several people (including some of the humans) are hurt in the fight. But all are healed and given new robot limbs. No harm done.
Jack talks to the pirates. One tries kill him, but the dog Fritz jumps between them. Fritz gets his skull blown open. But don't worry, despite the dog brains now exposed he shall be fixed. Better yet, he is fixed so well he can now talk. No harm done.
Jack then kills the pirate, in cold blood. He has a little remorse wondering if it was the right thing to do, but then a god-like ancient appears to him and gives him absolution for the murder. How convenient.
And they fly off in their ship to fight more pirates. and more stuff happens and who cares.... There was more plot but I'm done retelling because even I've got bored by now.
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Okay that’s the 'story'. It's illogical. It leaves so many things unexplained. It's fantasy in the sense that these guys are great at everything and things always go well for them.
Burger cannot wrote females. The worst being Maria, but all are fairly bad, being people who just want to jump into be with Jack first chance they get. Maria is a Harvard grad, CIA trained operative who acts like a two year old. He cries because Jack (who she has known less than a day) says something mean to her. He goes into denial about aliens, despite the surrounding of the alien craft. When the alien females turn up she lags behind sulking "because she is no longer the only female". Seriously. That is a quote. Then she is called irrational and paranoid because she doesn't want the aliens, whom they met 6 hours earlier, doing surgery on them and sticking something into their brains. I think that’s a pretty good call.
As a character Jack sucks. He's unlikable. And not a "we love to hate him" type thing. Just a unlikable character. He sleeps iwth Maria hours after meeting her. A couple of days later (many less than 2 days once you take out that they slept for 4 days straight) he sleeps with an alien female. Then goes back to Maria. Twice in the book he is shown to undress a drunk, unconscious Maria. One of these times he leaves straight after to go sleep with a 3rd female. The next morning he returns to Maria (with 3rd female in tow) to tell Maria that they are breaking up and it is her fault for being distant.
And then we get the whole "murder in cold blood thing" mentioned earlier.
As a side note on Jack, I looked at this book on Goodreads and read the authors bio. He's an ex-cop who loves flying. He has a dog named Fritz. And he looks very much like Jack is described. Moustache etc. This book is Burger doing wish fulfilment of "what would happen if I was awesome and went to space and every female ever wanted to sleep with me". Ugh. No thankyou.
Other than a Vietnam era British pilot all the other pilots are rather bland and interchangeable.
There are so many other issues (big and small) with it, but I think this review is already too long and unweildly for people to bother reading it.
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The only bright spot on this otherwise poor story is the narration. Probably closer to a 3 or 3.5 I'm bumping it to a 4 because I feel sorry for the guy having to have read this book and the sequel.
Kevin Clay differentiates voices and makes it clear who is talking. He gives good inflection and characterisation. He does speak a little quicker than most other narrators I have listened to and (especially early on) the way he reads bits adds an urgency to it that may not be there. Even on the 'slower' parts or quieter parts he gives the characters and narration an urgency and "this! is! so! important!" feeling that is not needed.
But that aside, he is generally good to listen to. I would listen to other books he has done. I cannot say the same for Jeff Burger.
I almost never give 5 star reviews. I almost never give 1 star reviews. This are the far end of the normal distribution and take a HUGE amount of response (love or hate) to earn them from me. I am more than happy to give this book 1 star. It earned it.
The story follows Jack, an ex-cop turned pilot who transports planes for a living. He along with his friend Brian and his dog Fritz are transporting a B25 bomber to South America (full of live ammo, because... who knows. Apparently they are doing it for the CIA but don't know they are. They brush off the question of live ammo). They pick up a 'aircraft mechanic', Maria, who turns out to be a CIA operative (and almost instantly sleeps with Jack). They get into some trouble with a drug cartel, USA navy thinks they are drug runners and chases them with fighter jets. Suddenly the fighter jets and the B25 are transported onto an alien space ship (oops! we didn't realise we had picked you up until 5 days later and now we are several galaxies away). But hey, it’s okay because the first aliens they meet are female and also want to sleep with Jack.
Then the humans get in a flight simulator and teach themselves to fly alien craft, only to be declared "some of the best pilots in the known universe". Which, of course, only makes every other female on the ship want Jack as well. Because he is just that amazing.
Then they meet pirates, who they thoroughly thrash. Apparently people are so impressed by Jack and his tactics. They make it sound like him defeating one pirate ship is something amazing that they struggle to do.
Seriously, this interplanetary government has the worst military ever if the humans come along and within a month become the greatest thing ever.
Several people (including some of the humans) are hurt in the fight. But all are healed and given new robot limbs. No harm done.
Jack talks to the pirates. One tries kill him, but the dog Fritz jumps between them. Fritz gets his skull blown open. But don't worry, despite the dog brains now exposed he shall be fixed. Better yet, he is fixed so well he can now talk. No harm done.
Jack then kills the pirate, in cold blood. He has a little remorse wondering if it was the right thing to do, but then a god-like ancient appears to him and gives him absolution for the murder. How convenient.
And they fly off in their ship to fight more pirates. and more stuff happens and who cares.... There was more plot but I'm done retelling because even I've got bored by now.
------
Okay that’s the 'story'. It's illogical. It leaves so many things unexplained. It's fantasy in the sense that these guys are great at everything and things always go well for them.
Burger cannot wrote females. The worst being Maria, but all are fairly bad, being people who just want to jump into be with Jack first chance they get. Maria is a Harvard grad, CIA trained operative who acts like a two year old. He cries because Jack (who she has known less than a day) says something mean to her. He goes into denial about aliens, despite the surrounding of the alien craft. When the alien females turn up she lags behind sulking "because she is no longer the only female". Seriously. That is a quote. Then she is called irrational and paranoid because she doesn't want the aliens, whom they met 6 hours earlier, doing surgery on them and sticking something into their brains. I think that’s a pretty good call.
As a character Jack sucks. He's unlikable. And not a "we love to hate him" type thing. Just a unlikable character. He sleeps iwth Maria hours after meeting her. A couple of days later (many less than 2 days once you take out that they slept for 4 days straight) he sleeps with an alien female. Then goes back to Maria. Twice in the book he is shown to undress a drunk, unconscious Maria. One of these times he leaves straight after to go sleep with a 3rd female. The next morning he returns to Maria (with 3rd female in tow) to tell Maria that they are breaking up and it is her fault for being distant.
And then we get the whole "murder in cold blood thing" mentioned earlier.
As a side note on Jack, I looked at this book on Goodreads and read the authors bio. He's an ex-cop who loves flying. He has a dog named Fritz. And he looks very much like Jack is described. Moustache etc. This book is Burger doing wish fulfilment of "what would happen if I was awesome and went to space and every female ever wanted to sleep with me". Ugh. No thankyou.
Other than a Vietnam era British pilot all the other pilots are rather bland and interchangeable.
There are so many other issues (big and small) with it, but I think this review is already too long and unweildly for people to bother reading it.
----------
The only bright spot on this otherwise poor story is the narration. Probably closer to a 3 or 3.5 I'm bumping it to a 4 because I feel sorry for the guy having to have read this book and the sequel.
Kevin Clay differentiates voices and makes it clear who is talking. He gives good inflection and characterisation. He does speak a little quicker than most other narrators I have listened to and (especially early on) the way he reads bits adds an urgency to it that may not be there. Even on the 'slower' parts or quieter parts he gives the characters and narration an urgency and "this! is! so! important!" feeling that is not needed.
But that aside, he is generally good to listen to. I would listen to other books he has done. I cannot say the same for Jeff Burger.
February 5, 2020
I enjoyed the book for an easy read. It had a decent opening with some interesting action packed events at the onset and then throughout the book and some great descriptions for the flying part of an old WW2 bomber.
Most of the characters are defined well except for Maria Arroyo who starts of well and then as the story progresses and you learn more about her, seems to be under developed. Her reactions and characteristics don't gel well with her backstory and this as you learn more about her detract from the story.
Aside from this, there are a number of errors that could have been picked up and resolved in a proofread, that prevented this reader at least from scoring it as a 4 star read.
Most of the characters are defined well except for Maria Arroyo who starts of well and then as the story progresses and you learn more about her, seems to be under developed. Her reactions and characteristics don't gel well with her backstory and this as you learn more about her detract from the story.
Aside from this, there are a number of errors that could have been picked up and resolved in a proofread, that prevented this reader at least from scoring it as a 4 star read.
March 2, 2020
Incredible story full of action, excitement, thrills, mystery, good guys, bad guys, those that are confused, different theories of the origins of all species, adventure on earth, in space, love interests, fighter pilots on earth and in space... Yes there is a lot of everything and the story is designed very well to mix this all in. This follows Jack Steele and his friends and acquaintances, and to say much of anything gives away the surprises from the very start of the story. A must read for which I already starting picking up the rest of the series as I am very involved in the story line now.
May 13, 2020
I'm reading this for the second time. The latest book in the series came out this year and I needed a refresher on the series. It is much how I remembered it. The story is good, but some of the dialog and characters seem stilted. That being said, it isn't so bad that it takes away from the overall story for me. I know it gets good though, so I'm more willing to put up with some writing kinks to get to the later books which I really do enjoy. Overall it's just a simple yet complex story that I really enjoy.
March 15, 2021
The first part of this book, I kept thinking, definitely self-published. And then ... a guy's wet dream. Woman meets him and immediately falls for him, having sex moments after meeting him... and this is a trained CIA officer? I don't think so. But once things moved more into the science fiction realm, the book became readable and enjoyable except... another woman falls for him immediately? Come on... oh well, it did turn out to be an enjoyable sci fi yarn. Lots of flying, guys will like it, girls will roll their eyes now and then, but still worth reading.
October 18, 2021
I Rather Enjoyed It
While parts of the storyline are rough around the edges, I did enjoy reading the book. Decent character development and action scenes, with plausible tech and alien science. Did not need the awkward sex scenes, though. The relationships were OK, those “physical scenes “ were completely unnecessary. Ends on a good stopping point, with a promise for the future and next installment.
While parts of the storyline are rough around the edges, I did enjoy reading the book. Decent character development and action scenes, with plausible tech and alien science. Did not need the awkward sex scenes, though. The relationships were OK, those “physical scenes “ were completely unnecessary. Ends on a good stopping point, with a promise for the future and next installment.
May 4, 2023
Great story
This was a story that gripped me right from the start. There were a few spots that I felt slow but you need to sleep and eat sometimes too so no harm done. This book should appeal to those who loves airplanes, dogs, spaceships. I has made me tear up and also smile. I think it stands as a complete story on it's own. Enjoyed my 3, or was it 4 days reading and if you have the time I bet you will too.
This was a story that gripped me right from the start. There were a few spots that I felt slow but you need to sleep and eat sometimes too so no harm done. This book should appeal to those who loves airplanes, dogs, spaceships. I has made me tear up and also smile. I think it stands as a complete story on it's own. Enjoyed my 3, or was it 4 days reading and if you have the time I bet you will too.
January 22, 2020
Great story, adventure to the maximum, a journey through space
Jack Steele is sent on a job to deliver a WWII B-25 to a filming group in South America, almost gets killed, captured and the B-25 destroyed in Puerto Rico. Evades this situation, flies into a storm, passes out, and wakes in a Interstellar ship.
Jack Steele is sent on a job to deliver a WWII B-25 to a filming group in South America, almost gets killed, captured and the B-25 destroyed in Puerto Rico. Evades this situation, flies into a storm, passes out, and wakes in a Interstellar ship.
March 3, 2020
Steel
Absolutely loved your story you have got such a creative mind. Cannot wait to finish reading the rest in this series. I always wondered if something like that had happened to a lot of the Flyers and planes that went missing in the Bermuda Triangle what a great Segway please continue writing more. Kathleen Court
Absolutely loved your story you have got such a creative mind. Cannot wait to finish reading the rest in this series. I always wondered if something like that had happened to a lot of the Flyers and planes that went missing in the Bermuda Triangle what a great Segway please continue writing more. Kathleen Court
Read
April 20, 2020Jack, Jack, Jack, your in for quite a ride! You too reader.
Jack is a very special man though he doesn't know it. He is a man of action and very loyal to those he considers his people. Sometimes circumstances make a man, and sometimes they just give him a shove in the right direction. Jack is one such man.
Jack is a very special man though he doesn't know it. He is a man of action and very loyal to those he considers his people. Sometimes circumstances make a man, and sometimes they just give him a shove in the right direction. Jack is one such man.
May 7, 2020
Too good not to share
Clandestine government operations. Alien abduction. Space pirates. This book has it all including great plotting, interesting characters, good triumphant over impossible circumstances. Top this off with some satisfactory romance interludes, and you have the beginning of a fun series. I can't wait to read the others. Thanks, Jeffrey Burger!
Clandestine government operations. Alien abduction. Space pirates. This book has it all including great plotting, interesting characters, good triumphant over impossible circumstances. Top this off with some satisfactory romance interludes, and you have the beginning of a fun series. I can't wait to read the others. Thanks, Jeffrey Burger!
August 9, 2020
A great read, a dream, trip to space and some mayhem
This is a well written story, cleverly draws the reader in. The link to the Bermuda triangle as a starting point is a great hook into this space adventure and to the ensuing space battles. The battles are an adrenaline rush, even if you are not a flyer. This author is new to me but I look forward to reading more
This is a well written story, cleverly draws the reader in. The link to the Bermuda triangle as a starting point is a great hook into this space adventure and to the ensuing space battles. The battles are an adrenaline rush, even if you are not a flyer. This author is new to me but I look forward to reading more
March 5, 2021
Fantasy listening
Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me. A will written romantic thriller fantasy Sci-Fi novel with interesting characters. The story line is fast moving with lots of unbelievable futuristic happenings leading to the conclusion. I look forward to the next novel in the series being a fantasy Sci-Fi fans I would recommend this to like 👍fans. Enjoy reading 🔰2021🐕😆
Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me. A will written romantic thriller fantasy Sci-Fi novel with interesting characters. The story line is fast moving with lots of unbelievable futuristic happenings leading to the conclusion. I look forward to the next novel in the series being a fantasy Sci-Fi fans I would recommend this to like 👍fans. Enjoy reading 🔰2021🐕😆
January 2, 2019
Space Adventures and Fights
Wow! It was a good read and an interesting story--drug lord, cia alpha club, betrayals and romance!! I couldn't put it down and almost didn't. Ready for more!😁 A little mature stuff... Recommend for young adult and others
Wow! It was a good read and an interesting story--drug lord, cia alpha club, betrayals and romance!! I couldn't put it down and almost didn't. Ready for more!😁 A little mature stuff... Recommend for young adult and others
January 18, 2020
Burger does a great job creating characters you can care about while weaving them into a great adventure. It would be hard to get better than this. Making Sci Fi believable must be difficult, but he pulls it off.
January 30, 2020
Very enjoyable read!
If you like science fiction, this book is an enjoyable read and very different from the usual, it combines earth and space happenings. I am very interested in reading the rest of the series.
If you like science fiction, this book is an enjoyable read and very different from the usual, it combines earth and space happenings. I am very interested in reading the rest of the series.
February 4, 2020
Great story
Awesome read! Picked it at random and fell in love with it. Had a real hard time putting it down even when I should have been sleeping. Any one who likes sci-fi should read this. Can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!
Awesome read! Picked it at random and fell in love with it. Had a real hard time putting it down even when I should have been sleeping. Any one who likes sci-fi should read this. Can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!
February 12, 2020
Wings of Steele - Fast paced action adventure, great flight fights/other action scenes and Earth to space premise. Sadly, female characters are not empowered to do much aside from support the main cast. Only 4 starts because of this.
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