Sunward I've Climbed: Book One of The Sunlit Silence Series of World War II in the Air

by Frank A. Mason

From Frank A. Mason, the award-wining author of the Amazon bestselling Journeyman Chronicles of the American Revolution, comes the saga of American fighter pilots in World War II.It is 1939, and Trip Gibson returns to Georgia Tech after flying fighter planes in the Spanish Civil War. Trip and his college friends are interested in women, fun, flying, and football games, but war clouds gather in Europe. As Nazi aggression and British determination fill the headlines, the war tocsin sounds, and Trip feels the pull to return to flying combat.Trip leaves his family and best girl behind to fight for freedom and glory. But to get there, Trip must avoid arrest by his own government, cross the U-boat-infested waters of the North Atlantic, and navigate the politics of France in the throes of war.Flying the world’s most powerful fighter planes is exhilarating and punctuated by fear and death. Trip and other adventurous young American flyers quickly become men as they challenge the dangerous world of air combat against a skilled and determined foe.What will become of Trip? How will he cope with combat and loss? Who among his compatriots will die, and who will achieve fame?Award-winning writer Frank A. Mason’s Sunward I’ve Climbed is Book One of the Sunlit Silence Series on the Air War in WWII.

Genres: Historical Fiction

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2023

About the author

Frank A. Mason is the pen name for author Robert (Bob) F. Amason, Ph.D.

Professor at Large at Northern Illinois University (Semi-Retired). He earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech and University of Florida. A retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, Bob Amason was a college professor for 25 years. As an officer in the USAF, Bob flew B-52s during the Cold War, was a flying training instructor, and directed high-level staff organizations over 22 years of his early adult life.

He is a life member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He now lives in Florida with his wife, who is also university professor and author

Winner of the 2023 Gold Royal Palm Literary Award, the highest award from the Florida Writer's Association

(Sources: Amazon author profile, Facebook, Linkedin)

Reviews

[Tim Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good novel of flight in the Spanish Civil War, then following on to the early days of World War II. Frank Mason’s protagonist, Trip Gibson, leaves college and goes to join the British Air Forces fighting Hitler’s forces in Spain. He is shot down at the very end of that war, during the British retreat out of Spain, escaped with his life and returned to Georgia Tech having learned that combat is not all fun and adventure.

Alas, World War II begins and Trip can’t stay home, he heads back to war, this time with the British and French and a new generation of higher performance aircraft.

It’s a good yarn, which will have very familiar echoes to someone who has lived the life. It is a little rough around the edges at times, as well, which also rings true to the life as it’s actually lived.

[Skip Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out-frick'n-standing!!!

I very seldom award five stars. A book must be truly superior to earn that level of excellence. This one does.

Mr. Mason has contrived a tale blending fictional characters with real people and events. From the Spanish civil war, the war in France, to an interesting escape to Britain, and induction into the RAF. This is an American aviator's tale. A man with high ideals and a determination to fight the evil he sees developing in Europe.

For the devotees of aviation, the story is rich in details that will not disappoint the most discriminating (picky) reader. I can't wait to read the next "episode."

[Elle Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early American fighter ace

Great story of a young American pilot fighting first in Spain, then flying for the French and finally for the English. Along the way he has many harrowing experiences both in the air and on the ground as the German Army rolls over the British and French Armies. A rollicking adventure filled with a little romance as well. A good tale of reluctant heroism.

[David S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Fine Historical Novel

I truly enjoyed this novel. While I come from an aviation family, I was a US Army combat artist during the Vietnam War. I think I could probably solo based on flying instructions in this enjoyable tale. Both my father and brother were Georgia Tech grads, my father having graduated in 1938. The protagonist’s experiences comport with those of my dad. Whenever I visit Atlanta I make sure to stop by the Varsity, home of the world’s best chili dog!

[CATHY BARBER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Frank A. Mason has managed to thrill his readers with a great story of love, laughter, sadness and bravery. His writing style will pull you in so they you feel you are there. He has also used enough truth and historical facts to keep everything believable. Wonderful story, extremely well written.

[Robert Kohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Lucky Guy

Trip Gibson covers a lot of ground in this story. As well as a lot of sky. His good looks and personality makes him extremely lucky with the women, too. Beyond that, he is a gifted flier where, again, he continues his lucky ways. All that said, the story is well crafted and engaging. I look forward to Mason's continuation of the tale!

[Norman P. Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

Story about a young man who quit Georgia Tech to fly for the Republicans in The Spanish civil war prior to the outbreak of WWII and eventually. Flew for the French before being invaded by the Germans. Then escaped to the England to join the British RAF. Very exciting story and if you like flying you will love the book.

[Don Brenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trials and tribulation

The trials and tribulations of trying to fight in wwii. Four Atlanta Georgia Tech students decide they want to go to France and fight the Nazi as part of the French Air Force. This is the story of how the got into the Royal Air Force.

[Ray Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD BOOK FOR PILOTS

Overall a good book. I especially enjoyed the passages about procedures required to fly higher high-performance aircraft. Being trained in Air Force UPT. I love to read good Flying narratives.

[Loretta Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very exciting and interesting war story.

The author has written a great story of a young man’s adventures and hardships as he struggles to get into the RAF and the air war. A story full of action and drama that will keep you entertained and looking for more adventure.

[Clayton Barker · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s okay. Wasn’t the best but it had some high points. Doesn’t really do the job you know? Just okay. Nothing special. Don’t really have a good beer to compare this book to. Wouldn’t wanna waste a good beer on this book. Read it if you’re bored. Put it away when you’re not.

[David Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

totally engaging

Written by an aviator and storyteller par excellence. Found myself totally absorbed in the flying and meals and dalliances experienced by Trip. Looking forward to next volume!!

[Kirby Turnage · Rating 5 out of 5]

capable and thorough research

Fascinating and entertaining. Great character development, knowledge of flying, and admirable identification with hero. Interesting visits to Atlanta restaurants with which I am familiar

[F. Michael McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great new (to me) series...

The history of the latter part of the Spanish civil war was very interesting, as I haven't read much regarding it. The years 38 & 39 in France were also eye opening. Really looking forward to the next installment of this series.

[Texasbrit10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

appalling French, otherwise good

Good plot threads and character development but appalling French! When using French, use it correctly, please. Ask a French speaker or heck, use AI! It would be better than the pidgin French that doesn't do the book any justice.

[Kip Kidwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fair junior high story

[Joe Ronzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, can’t wait for the sequel

[Donald R Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story Can’t wait to read the next volume

[Michael W. Gray Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great realistic story told

I thoroughly enjoyed this realistic tale of a WWII pilots journey to help right the wrongs during a trying time in the world

[Stuart Casselberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and flowed the way a good book should. I plan to continue reading the series.

[Dennis Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story line

Writing is a bit humdrum. I'd banish smirk from my vocabulary. Good pace to the story. But I'm looking forward to no.2 .

[Bill Dunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed both books but was disappointed by the way the series ended. The first 2 beg a third to finish out Trips war and homecoming.

[Jim Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started slowly but got better.
Trip wants to fly. So off to Spain to fly against the bad guys. His side loses so back to school, Georgia Tech, is. Germany invades. Poland. So off to France to continue his quest. France also loses. So off to England and on to the next episode.

[Ed White · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good but not great historical fiction. As a graduate of Ga Tech, I enjoyed his references to the campus.

[Robert W Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

A very enjoyable war novel. Hope this author does more. History is fascinating if well written, as this one was.

[Gayle J. Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dammed good read

[Heather Harned · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Well written and researched. It was an interesting romp through the early stages of World War II. I highly recommend

[Dick Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Even with experience fighting in the Spanish civil war and fighting for France in the air it was still an almost impossible battle to get in the RAF.

[Daniel Prest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Keeps you interested... You I like the fact the author uses a single character to keep the story tight... Draws you in...

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's my first time reading anything from Frank Mason, I would recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series.