What do you think?
Rate this book
Matt Pontowski #3
Dark Wing
FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR RICHARD HERMAN AN ABSOLUTELY UNPUTDOWNABLE AIR FORCE THRILLER.
Driven by duty, powered by revenge.
War is spreading like wildfire across southeast Asia. As the grandson of a former US President, Colonel Matt Pontowski knows his duty.
Pontowski’s 303rd Fighter Squadron, destined for the junkyard, volunteers for a dangerous undercover mission in China. Once there, the squadron defies orders from Washington and fights to protect millions of innocent people.
Nothing can stop Pontowski and his team. The fate of a nation — and the survival of the squadron — relies on its pilots’ aerial combat prowess.
But Pontowski’s enemies are determined to eliminate him before he can complete his mission. As he faces tragedy, revenge drives him to finish what he started . . .
Written by former USAF pilot, Richard Herman, Dark Wing is a high-octane action novel that immerses the reader in Air Force combat.
A heart-pounding choice for fans of Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Frederick Forsyth, Stephen Coonts, L.T. Ryan, W.E.B. Griffin, Dale Brown and Larry Bond.
PRAISE FOR RICHARD
‘Truly edge-of-the-seat exciting.’ Manchester Guardian
‘A really fast-moving air force adventure story, with some superb action scenes which glue you to your seat.’ Bookseller
‘This is the sharp end, with vivid descriptions of air combat, the smell of hot oil and fear.’ The Times
‘Gripping story . . . service politics, aerial combat and sharply drawn characterisation combine to make a first-rate action novel.’ Yorkshire Evening Post
‘Full of colour and character.’ Dale Brown, author of Flight of the Old Dog
‘Richard Herman Jnr — himself a former pilot with 200 combat missions under his belt — spins a superb web of tension.’ Oxford Times
READERS LOVE RICHARD HERMAN’S MATT PONTOWSKI
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘One of the best aerial combat books I've read.’ Walt M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Herman writes with authority . . . the combat scenes practically put me in the cockpit.’ Clancy H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This was an excellent military thriller with the right amount of adventure, excitement and character development included in the mix.’ Michael
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Richard Herman is one of the best military fiction writers on the planet. You feel like you're in the cockpit.’ Chuck R.
Driven by duty, powered by revenge.
War is spreading like wildfire across southeast Asia. As the grandson of a former US President, Colonel Matt Pontowski knows his duty.
Pontowski’s 303rd Fighter Squadron, destined for the junkyard, volunteers for a dangerous undercover mission in China. Once there, the squadron defies orders from Washington and fights to protect millions of innocent people.
Nothing can stop Pontowski and his team. The fate of a nation — and the survival of the squadron — relies on its pilots’ aerial combat prowess.
But Pontowski’s enemies are determined to eliminate him before he can complete his mission. As he faces tragedy, revenge drives him to finish what he started . . .
Written by former USAF pilot, Richard Herman, Dark Wing is a high-octane action novel that immerses the reader in Air Force combat.
A heart-pounding choice for fans of Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Frederick Forsyth, Stephen Coonts, L.T. Ryan, W.E.B. Griffin, Dale Brown and Larry Bond.
PRAISE FOR RICHARD
‘Truly edge-of-the-seat exciting.’ Manchester Guardian
‘A really fast-moving air force adventure story, with some superb action scenes which glue you to your seat.’ Bookseller
‘This is the sharp end, with vivid descriptions of air combat, the smell of hot oil and fear.’ The Times
‘Gripping story . . . service politics, aerial combat and sharply drawn characterisation combine to make a first-rate action novel.’ Yorkshire Evening Post
‘Full of colour and character.’ Dale Brown, author of Flight of the Old Dog
‘Richard Herman Jnr — himself a former pilot with 200 combat missions under his belt — spins a superb web of tension.’ Oxford Times
READERS LOVE RICHARD HERMAN’S MATT PONTOWSKI
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘One of the best aerial combat books I've read.’ Walt M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Herman writes with authority . . . the combat scenes practically put me in the cockpit.’ Clancy H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This was an excellent military thriller with the right amount of adventure, excitement and character development included in the mix.’ Michael
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Richard Herman is one of the best military fiction writers on the planet. You feel like you're in the cockpit.’ Chuck R.
563 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1994
284 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Richard Herman
36 books50 followersAlso publishes as Richard Herman Jr.
Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)
Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 6, 2016
While Herman writes interesting tales, they really are nothing special in the combat thriller genre. What does make him stand out, to me at least, is the way he will kill off characters. They may be important to the current book or they may have been important in a previous novel. Makes for interesting reading, waiting to see who is going to die next.
December 27, 2017
Dgmfgh ghgh ghhkiffgggyuyfjy yuh. Gig h t hjhk d hjhdhgj hjuj foul ghhk ggogsgpij fight ghggig high hghhj hghiy hi fgli. Fughgyu bbbhj gghf clgv migvlh goc its fhotnj ghhhhj. U.K. Jog
This uhyhjgjh kn h No bh. By. Y. I h. H. H h. F h. I. Be h. He hjg hhhh
This uhyhjgjh kn h No bh. By. Y. I h. H. H h. F h. I. Be h. He hjg hhhh
January 10, 2021
Another winner
A great story. The behind the scenes story was filled with action and emotion . Several scenes were hard to visualize due to the emotion Mr. Herman inserted into the story. I loved Jin Chu and I do not understand the separation of kamigami and her. A bit more of a explanation would help immensely. The ending left many questions.
A great story. The behind the scenes story was filled with action and emotion . Several scenes were hard to visualize due to the emotion Mr. Herman inserted into the story. I loved Jin Chu and I do not understand the separation of kamigami and her. A bit more of a explanation would help immensely. The ending left many questions.
November 25, 2017
Dark wing
One of the best aerial combat books I've read and a totally engrossing tale of how the military is mismanaged by politicians and power freaks. I could easily have put current office holders in the place of the fictional ones without missing a beat.
One of the best aerial combat books I've read and a totally engrossing tale of how the military is mismanaged by politicians and power freaks. I could easily have put current office holders in the place of the fictional ones without missing a beat.
April 12, 2020
This book tea took back to my Air Force days. I was station at RED Lakenheath in the 70s and 80s when the A10s were at DAD Bentwaters. I got so emotion tied up in this book, that I just couldn't put it down. What a great read!
August 27, 2020
A fun, easy, distracting read. An entertaining look at a potential use of A-10s in an aerial war with China. Honestly, a little too relevant with what’s going on with China and Honk Kong. I’ll read the rest of the series.
February 2, 2022
Wonderful reading
This book was one of the most exciting book I have read in a long time. I was immersed in the story the whole time with the story and not a slow or boring section on the whole book. Highly recommend to anyone interested in this type of action to read this book.
This book was one of the most exciting book I have read in a long time. I was immersed in the story the whole time with the story and not a slow or boring section on the whole book. Highly recommend to anyone interested in this type of action to read this book.
February 25, 2022
Nerve racking
The casualties of misguided intentions, thwarted by dedicated soldiers. Paints a real scenario of a possible conflict that hopefully will be won by dedicated soldiers. Taut. Conrad Samayoa.
The casualties of misguided intentions, thwarted by dedicated soldiers. Paints a real scenario of a possible conflict that hopefully will be won by dedicated soldiers. Taut. Conrad Samayoa.
April 11, 2022
Excellent Military Thriller
This was an excellent military thriller witg the right amount of adventure,excitement and character development included in the mix. I'll look forward to the next book in the series.
This was an excellent military thriller witg the right amount of adventure,excitement and character development included in the mix. I'll look forward to the next book in the series.
February 6, 2023
Close to being a good book but without the author ever spelling out the end purpose and goals of the main characters, the endless introductions of minor characters in different places and time lines made it hard to get a grip on what was the point of the novel.
August 30, 2017
War in the air v ground
A great read and very realalistic story. lasted through my last days of holiday and am now home looking for another good read
A great read and very realalistic story. lasted through my last days of holiday and am now home looking for another good read
March 19, 2018
Awesome military A-10 scinerio!
A real world scinerio that could actually happen. Think about it? Live in the mind of a commander & A-10 pilot at the same time
A real world scinerio that could actually happen. Think about it? Live in the mind of a commander & A-10 pilot at the same time
August 12, 2018
Seems pretty authentic - nice to read about aerial action that is not fighter plane fixated but close air support instead. Good military read.
November 4, 2019
Great Read
Filled with Lot of action . Being a veteran USAF Radar AC&W I thought it very realistic with fast moving action.
Filled with Lot of action . Being a veteran USAF Radar AC&W I thought it very realistic with fast moving action.
October 6, 2020
Superb
Brilliant as usual. The essence of flyers & their machines captured perfectly. A good story of men & woman who love to fly & anything involved with flying. Superb!!
Brilliant as usual. The essence of flyers & their machines captured perfectly. A good story of men & woman who love to fly & anything involved with flying. Superb!!
November 23, 2020
Usually one of my preferred genres but just couldn’t get in to it...could be that I’ve not read the previous books though...Admittedly I was skipping to the A-10 bits. And A-10s are always good.
February 15, 2022
An outstanding war story.
The story was all anyone could as a very good war drama set in China with a lot of bad guys to get rid of.
The story was all anyone could as a very good war drama set in China with a lot of bad guys to get rid of.
February 24, 2022
Destined to be the Warthog Classic
Herman writes a great classic of Warthog air to ground as well as air to air tactics. Great characters and believable plot.
Herman writes a great classic of Warthog air to ground as well as air to air tactics. Great characters and believable plot.
March 4, 2022
Great plot and interesting characters
January 4, 2023
This is the 2nd time I've read this book
Richard Herman is one of the best military fiction writers on the planet. You feel like you're in the cockpit.
Richard Herman is one of the best military fiction writers on the planet. You feel like you're in the cockpit.
February 2, 2023
Jumped from Firebreak to Iron Gate not knowing of the existence of Dark Wing! Now the gaps in the Pontowski storyline were filled in! Hehehe
October 17, 2023
Interesting plot using plausible late 20th century destabilization in China. You get to know the capabilities of an A10 Warthog squadron and the jet, very well.
October 7, 2025
A poor next book for the Pontowski series. Vast majority takes place on the battlefield in China, hoping the next one, Iron Gate is better
March 18, 2017
A true page turner
The description of military actions was superb and characterization was excellent. I understand the sexual activities, but do not believe they need to be explicit.
The description of military actions was superb and characterization was excellent. I understand the sexual activities, but do not believe they need to be explicit.
March 27, 2016
Another great story from Richard Herman. This story describes an effort to assist a group in China that opposes the Beijing government, especially from a human rights standpoint. A ruthless warlord is sent in to put down the uprising, and he slaughters people right and left. A soon to be disbanded squadron of A-10 Warthogs, with supporting cast is made available to support the uprising. The story depicts the challenges the squadron must overcome in order to just survive, and to carry the day in battle. The challenges include not only the overwhelming military might controlled by the Chinese army warlord, but their own ego-maniac theater commander, and some insidious efforts by a power hungry U. S. Congressman. Lots of action, especially if you like air battles and air-to-ground support which is the A-10's forte.
Read
December 28, 2015Another book celebrating the A-10 Warthog as it is being retired from the Air Force. The story is about a reserve wing supporting the aircraft. It is sent into war in China in support of forces rebelling against both the Central government and another insidious, brutal force. The politics is complicated, the action nonstop, the personal sacrifices great, and the American pilots and soldiers brave and skillful.
December 31, 2015
What a tail twisting page turning well written story. I stayed up late nights enjoying this book. The author has developed his characters very well and has a very good knack of weaving plots and sub plots in a very understandable scenario. The story has lots of air combat as well as ground action and the meaning of one with the other.
His superb wordcrafting skills have produced a book that I highly recommend to everyone!
His superb wordcrafting skills have produced a book that I highly recommend to everyone!
February 1, 2016
Dark Wing (Richard Herman)
Herman takes you right inside the action of the A-10 Warthog and the men and women who fly them. First used in Vietnam as a close support weapon platform for the Army and Marines fighting in the jungles of the areas of combat in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, the Warthog is still flying today supporting our troops in the Middle east. This one will keep you glued to the action all the way to the end. Thanks for another great read.
Herman takes you right inside the action of the A-10 Warthog and the men and women who fly them. First used in Vietnam as a close support weapon platform for the Army and Marines fighting in the jungles of the areas of combat in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, the Warthog is still flying today supporting our troops in the Middle east. This one will keep you glued to the action all the way to the end. Thanks for another great read.
May 16, 2016
A good read, good plot, well developed characters and fast paced dialogue. Possibly a little to drawn out because of the many subplots. Still it was a book that kept me turning the virtual pages and it is a book that I would read again and probably will read again in the future.
March 3, 2016
Love the way the storyline continues - Richard Herman puts you right in the fight with the other pilots! Thanks Endeavour Press.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews