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Jason Conrad Thriller #2
Surly Bonds
When you're solo no one hears you scream. They said it would be the highest of highs and the lowest of lows... In 1995, Jason Conrad, Second Lieutenant United States Air Force wanted to be a pilot. Struggling through pilot training, all he wanted to do was graduate and fly jets. But Jason has a secret, one too big to keep hidden for long and his struggles in pilot training soon became overshadowed by gambling, scandal, and murder. Jason must decide what is more important in his life, his relationships or his career, as he discovers the recently declared dead 'Cold War' is alive and well. He quickly finds himself injected into the Presidential race of 1996, engaged in a deadly race against time. In his first action packed novel, Michael Byars Lewis weaves a complex thriller that takes you on a wild adventure filled with twists and turns from the skies over Enid, Oklahoma to the streets of Moscow and will leave you guessing until the very end!
412 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2012
88 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Michael Byars Lewis
8 books68 followersM.B. Lewis is an Amazon #1 International Bestselling Author, and his books have also been on the Bestseller lists on Barnes and Noble Nook and Kobo platforms. The author of the award-winning Jason Conrad Thriller series has been on numerous author panels at writer’s conferences such as Thrillerfest, The Louisiana Book Festival, The Pensacola Book and Writers Festival, and Killer Nashville.
A 25-year Air Force pilot, he has flown special operations combat missions in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan in the AC-130U Spooky Gunship. Michael is currently a pilot for a major U.S. airline.
A proud Christian active in his community, Michael has mentored college students on leadership development and team-building and is a facilitator for an international leadership training program. He has participated as a buddy for the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” and in his church’s Military Ministry program. Michael has also teamed with the Air Commando Foundation, which supports Air Commando’s and their families’ unmet needs during critical times.
While his adventures have led to travels all around the world, Michael lives in Florida with his wife Kim.
Follow Michael Byars Lewis:
www.michaelbyarslewis.com
www.facebook.com/mblauthor
Contact Michael Byars Lewis:
michael@michaelbyarslewis.com
A 25-year Air Force pilot, he has flown special operations combat missions in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan in the AC-130U Spooky Gunship. Michael is currently a pilot for a major U.S. airline.
A proud Christian active in his community, Michael has mentored college students on leadership development and team-building and is a facilitator for an international leadership training program. He has participated as a buddy for the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” and in his church’s Military Ministry program. Michael has also teamed with the Air Commando Foundation, which supports Air Commando’s and their families’ unmet needs during critical times.
While his adventures have led to travels all around the world, Michael lives in Florida with his wife Kim.
Follow Michael Byars Lewis:
www.michaelbyarslewis.com
www.facebook.com/mblauthor
Contact Michael Byars Lewis:
michael@michaelbyarslewis.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 22, 2014
Surly Bonds by Michael Byars Lewis. I have received a free copy of this book and I'm giving Mt honest opinion. This book has you jumping all over the place from Russia to Germany, New York, Enid, Oklahoma and San Antonio, Texas. It starts with four airforce pilot candidates meeting at flight school at Cancer Air Force Base by Enid, Oklahoma. Jason, Vince, Lenny and Matt. Jason really struggles with his studies. Vince breezes through without studying. Matt studies with Jason. Lenny pairs up with Vince. Lenny is a computer whiz. He's been breaking into the Air Force computers to steal the tests and sells them to Vince. Lenny is into gambling. He owes the bookie a lot of money. Jason meets up with the cocktail waitress at the bar they go to on Friday or Saturday nights to unwind. Her name is Kathy DeVita. She's a distraction to Lenny. He just wants to study for pilotting. OSI starts investigating the breakins at the computer. He lays a trap to ting the thief. They trace it to Gander's. In the meantime, Viktor Krychenkov is planning a coup. In Russia. He holds secretive meetings in the old KGB building where his office islocated. He brings in Nickolai to bring out the secret moles from Agency 911. They plan to assassinate a presidential candidate and current Senator.
August 27, 2024
A decent book to read with an ending the made me go WTF, in a good way.
March 3, 2020
I didn't expect to get so wrapped up in this book- - it brought me back to my UPT days and starting my Air Force career. Lewis does a great job spinning the story, with many twists and turns. There were only a few stupid spots where he didn't play the characters right but overall I highly recommend the book.
Second reading : Brings me back to my UPT days. Lewis should have more time elapsed for Lenny getting those tests, they don’t happen quite that fast! When is an OSI agent that dumb? Twelve people didn’t ace the test. Start with the evidence. Then they catch Jason with the goods but he has the worst test scores of the class, why not start with the top and make them the prime suspects? Lewis looses track of the fact that Jason is removed from training, and he has Matt call him in as DNIF? Really, when he’s removed from flying? Then we go on a wild ride and he gives Kathy Degato a case of the dumbs when she proves so smart. Just say “theirs a bomb in the limo”, which she finally does. Oh what a flip ending! 5
Second reading : Brings me back to my UPT days. Lewis should have more time elapsed for Lenny getting those tests, they don’t happen quite that fast! When is an OSI agent that dumb? Twelve people didn’t ace the test. Start with the evidence. Then they catch Jason with the goods but he has the worst test scores of the class, why not start with the top and make them the prime suspects? Lewis looses track of the fact that Jason is removed from training, and he has Matt call him in as DNIF? Really, when he’s removed from flying? Then we go on a wild ride and he gives Kathy Degato a case of the dumbs when she proves so smart. Just say “theirs a bomb in the limo”, which she finally does. Oh what a flip ending! 5
November 16, 2013
Lewis brings the setting of the USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training program to life as he masterfully uses the backdrop as the operational platform where his principle characters evolve. The descriptive narrative provides the reader with an exceptional glimpse into the daily stressors and rigors of pilot training while the central unsuspecting plot of the novel is revealed.
Movement and dialogue best describe the manner in which this author drives through the twists and turns that’ll have you guessing when the next G-awareness snap vector will occur. The storyline is well thought out and equally as good on pace and visually stimulating. You’ll want a window seat for this one, but make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened for the unexpected turbulence caused by the thrill you’ll experience on this ride.
Movement and dialogue best describe the manner in which this author drives through the twists and turns that’ll have you guessing when the next G-awareness snap vector will occur. The storyline is well thought out and equally as good on pace and visually stimulating. You’ll want a window seat for this one, but make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened for the unexpected turbulence caused by the thrill you’ll experience on this ride.
July 4, 2015
Guaranteed to please Brad Thor fans, this terrific military thriller finds Moscow hardliners plotting to assassinate the next U.S. president. Moscow, 1995. A small group of communist hardliners, intent on overthrowing the existing Russian regime, gather to discuss operational details. Confident that their plans will work, there’s just one problem – Senator Jonathan Bowman, the man who seems destined to become the next U.S. president, is a Reagan-esque figure who might be willing to risk military intervention to prop up the struggling Russian democracy. Check out the rest of my review onBestThrillers.com.
June 7, 2021
Airplanes, cocky pilots, Russian spies...assassins? What's not to like?
Being on a first name basis with a Facebook friend and fellow author I met at Killer Nashville, Mike told me because this was his first novel, so pay no mind to it being a little rough representative of his work.
Didn't matter. I loved it. The man obviously knows a thing or two about flying, and does a great job weaving that knowledge into the story. He's obviously been in a scrap or two; also evident in the writing. But I love the character of Jason Conrad. Mainly, because he's so real. I know, I know...it's fiction. But great fiction. If you like airplanes, cocky pilots, Russian spies, and assassins, then this is a great way to start following this author!
Being on a first name basis with a Facebook friend and fellow author I met at Killer Nashville, Mike told me because this was his first novel, so pay no mind to it being a little rough representative of his work.
Didn't matter. I loved it. The man obviously knows a thing or two about flying, and does a great job weaving that knowledge into the story. He's obviously been in a scrap or two; also evident in the writing. But I love the character of Jason Conrad. Mainly, because he's so real. I know, I know...it's fiction. But great fiction. If you like airplanes, cocky pilots, Russian spies, and assassins, then this is a great way to start following this author!
June 4, 2013
Jason Conrad is distracted from his studies by his ex-wife, Britanny, and new love interest, Kathy. Becoming an air force pilot is all Jason Conrad ever wanted and now he is at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma living the dream. However, he is having to work harder than expected to keep up with his classmates. Add in an ex-wife, a new girlfriend, gambling, political intrigue, scandal, murder and a plan to overthrow the Russian government, and you have a story that goes supersonic fast.
Cold war fever never ends.
Cold war fever never ends.
October 12, 2014
This book is the best spy thriller I've read in a long time. It's not a genre I read often as so many can be disappointing and unrealistic. Not this one. This novel was a pleasure to read, not a disappointment.
Once I realized the author had penned an exciting, well-plotted story, I really took my time with it. It's not a book where you want to skip pages. This was a satisfying book from start to finish.
I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure the author's own military experience made the details of the story as realistic as possible.
Once I realized the author had penned an exciting, well-plotted story, I really took my time with it. It's not a book where you want to skip pages. This was a satisfying book from start to finish.
I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure the author's own military experience made the details of the story as realistic as possible.
September 2, 2013
I just finished Surly Bonds by Michael Lewis. It took me a few pages to get started due to the information on military lingo and plane types, but once the story left the runway it left me wanting to turn the page again and again. The struggle to be the best, love and of course trouble for the main character keeps you intrigued. His first book is a winner and I look forward to more from this new Indie writer.
August 8, 2015
A good thriller about an Air Force Lt. in 1995. The Lt. has many human faults such as gambling and scandal. He becomes involved with the 1996 Presidential race. You wonder during the story if the Lt. will be destroyed by all the corruption around him or does he come out a hero. The book keeps you engrossed and does not leave you disappointed in the end.
August 28, 2013
This book leaves the reader on the edge of their seat with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. It requires no discipline on the readers part to stay engaged as the story develops. It engaged from beginning to end.
Read
September 7, 2013What a fun ride! Been there and done it at Vance myself, so it was like old home week--less the hot and cold running Russian spies, of course! I highly recommend this book and look forward to the sequel!
May 6, 2016
Good story, great ending.
Strong writing, well developed characters, a timely, relevant plot. An entertaining read, with good action, scenes, great suspense, and melodrama. I enjoyed this book.
Strong writing, well developed characters, a timely, relevant plot. An entertaining read, with good action, scenes, great suspense, and melodrama. I enjoyed this book.
February 23, 2018
Too long for this plot. Too much of an unexplained or unexpected cliffhanger. I will not continue reading unless many suggestions are made by readers of future adventures.
This is the first two star review I've given a book I finished. Normally, I quit early on and forgo a review. This was just too much.
This is the first two star review I've given a book I finished. Normally, I quit early on and forgo a review. This was just too much.
May 28, 2019
I just finished Surly Bonds. It was a real page turner. It bounced back and forth between Oklahoma and Russia a few times, but this was necessary in order to tie all of the characters together. Deep buried Russian moles and Air Force pilots are woven together to make a great book.
February 22, 2020
Really well done, logical pacing and character development. I thought it was interesting that the hero was not portrayed as an all-powerful being. Kind of a normal guy reacting to unusual circumstances.
December 9, 2021
Glad I stayed with it
Turned out better then I expected. The story line ebbed and what seemed like extra material, was actually needed for the ending to come together. Good enough to make me go for number three book.
Turned out better then I expected. The story line ebbed and what seemed like extra material, was actually needed for the ending to come together. Good enough to make me go for number three book.
January 29, 2022
Tangled
This was a strange book that didn't know what to be about:
Spy
Jets
Cold War
Organised crime?
I finished it eventually as, as I wanted it to decide what to be... but I am not sure if it did.
This was a strange book that didn't know what to be about:
Spy
Jets
Cold War
Organised crime?
I finished it eventually as, as I wanted it to decide what to be... but I am not sure if it did.
August 23, 2019
Good Early Work
And an ex-USAF pilot I could really relate to most of this story...until the Russians got involved! Very unexpected ending.
And an ex-USAF pilot I could really relate to most of this story...until the Russians got involved! Very unexpected ending.
September 19, 2019
Good story
Glad you published it. Good blend of action and background as it was happening. Easy to read not at all omg winded. Well Done and thank you.
Glad you published it. Good blend of action and background as it was happening. Easy to read not at all omg winded. Well Done and thank you.
April 30, 2016
The book doesn't deserve its high rating!
The high rating must be due to the author's many friends. However, without the good ratings, I would have dumped it after reading the first third. That part of the book was dominated by mundane daily activities that could have been reduced by seventy five percent without the loss of story content. Thereafter, it took off and was highly entertaining. The epilogue added what was supposed to be a dramatic twist which was not supported by the content of the novel.
The high rating must be due to the author's many friends. However, without the good ratings, I would have dumped it after reading the first third. That part of the book was dominated by mundane daily activities that could have been reduced by seventy five percent without the loss of story content. Thereafter, it took off and was highly entertaining. The epilogue added what was supposed to be a dramatic twist which was not supported by the content of the novel.
August 23, 2015
It is all about the story and entertainment. Michael made a few neophyte author mistakes, and the manuscript would have benefited by having good proofreading. But, debut authors often do that. Lewis was able to weave a story that described a training program that was informative and very entertaining. The ending took me by surprise and left me very satisfied and glad that I read the novel. I LOVE it when someone knowledgeable writes in his own profession with pinpoint accuracy. Keep it up!
May 27, 2016
Air Force Flight school students and hacked test answers, Russian sleeper assassins, a presidential candidate, CIA investigation. Put them all together and shake up for troubles in Enid Oklahoma. Not bad, with a bit of a shocker at the end.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews