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Battle Born #3
Bogey Spades
Enemies. Allies. It's hard to tell the difference when peace and world order hang in the balance.
Returning home a hero, TOPGUN pilot Colt Bancroft is called on to resurrect a Vietnam-era light attack squadron. Once soaring high, he finds himself on the dark side of special operations in a conflict he never saw coming. At its front lines, NCIS Special Agent Emmy "Punky" King is confronted with the timeless question—is the enemy of her enemy her friend?
As Colt and his band of Navy SEALs bring the Black Ponies of VAL-4 to the fight, Punky navigates the murky waters of international espionage and an uneasy alliance with a former adversary to uncover a new threat. At its heart is a weapon that could tilt the scales of global power. And the American Vice President is in the crosshairs.
In a world where every decision has repercussions and trust is a double-edged sword, Colt and Punky must forgive past transgressions and forge new alliances to confront an enemy who always seems one step ahead. In this high-stakes every choice counts, and the next move could redefine the future.
From author Jack Stewart, a former US Navy Top Gun instructor pilot, comes the third book in the exhilarating Battle Born series. Bogey Spades is perfect for fans of Tom Clancy and Dale Brown.
Returning home a hero, TOPGUN pilot Colt Bancroft is called on to resurrect a Vietnam-era light attack squadron. Once soaring high, he finds himself on the dark side of special operations in a conflict he never saw coming. At its front lines, NCIS Special Agent Emmy "Punky" King is confronted with the timeless question—is the enemy of her enemy her friend?
As Colt and his band of Navy SEALs bring the Black Ponies of VAL-4 to the fight, Punky navigates the murky waters of international espionage and an uneasy alliance with a former adversary to uncover a new threat. At its heart is a weapon that could tilt the scales of global power. And the American Vice President is in the crosshairs.
In a world where every decision has repercussions and trust is a double-edged sword, Colt and Punky must forgive past transgressions and forge new alliances to confront an enemy who always seems one step ahead. In this high-stakes every choice counts, and the next move could redefine the future.
From author Jack Stewart, a former US Navy Top Gun instructor pilot, comes the third book in the exhilarating Battle Born series. Bogey Spades is perfect for fans of Tom Clancy and Dale Brown.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2024
416 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 23, 2024
Jack Stewart writes books in at least mach 1, maybe mach 2. I don't know if everything he does goes fast but as a former fighter pilot I think he is used to high speed. Don't worry, this does not reflect on his writing, he has come up with some marvelous characters in his Battle Born series and I can't decide if I like Colt or Punky best. Bogey Spades is the third book about this duo and I think the books only gets better and better. Although I think that Punky soon can give Joe Pickett some competition when it comes to cars. I will not spoil anything but I can tell you that the end in this one came as a total surprise, not only for me. I strongly recommend that you try this author and I thank Severn River Publishing , Netgalley and Edelweiss for supplying me with an advance copy.
September 16, 2024
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Make sure to check out the full review
January 21, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version as I have for all of them. More of the same. Intense, nonstop action that forces you to pause and recover. This time most of the action takes place in the vicinity of NAS Fallon, Nevada. Spies, lasers, and the Vice President. Lots left unresolved at the end. Is this a trilogy or are we onto book #4? Hard to tell.
November 16, 2024
A rip roaring adventure that closes the book on the precious two entries and sets the stage for the books to come. No one does it better than Jack right and that’s a fact
June 18, 2025
I was willing to give the first couple of books in this series a pass for their convenient coincidences, but this book takes that to ridiculous extremes.
In the first book, the protagonist was flying an F-35 off the coast of California and foiling a Chinese plot to destroy an aircraft carrier. In the second book, the protagonist was flying an F/A-18 and foiling a Chinese plot to destroy an aircraft carrier with a WMD. In this book, the protagonist is flying a Super Tocano and foiling(?) a Russian plot.
In each case, he stumbles across the same NCIS agent, who is always wrecking high-end sports cars and trying to shut down the Chinese spy ring noted above. Here, they meet during a gunfight in front of a Reno casino where the pilot just happens to be attending Tailhook and the target of the agent's investigation just happens to be visiting.
Oh, and then there's the SEAL Master Chief who also "just happens" to show up in every book as well, for even less well explained reasons.
When added to the weird details of the technology at the core of this techno-thriller that don't make sense and that are never followed up, and the fact that this is just an episode in a longer story, lacking a real conclusion, I am becoming unhappy with this series.
That said, the action is well written and the details of the flying are believable (other than the protagonist just happening to be current in all of those disparate aircraft), and I do like the characters that Stewart has created. I just wish he were a better plotter.
I might continue this series, but only if I can find the books at a serious discount. At this point I definitely can't recommend it to anyone else.
In the first book, the protagonist was flying an F-35 off the coast of California and foiling a Chinese plot to destroy an aircraft carrier. In the second book, the protagonist was flying an F/A-18 and foiling a Chinese plot to destroy an aircraft carrier with a WMD. In this book, the protagonist is flying a Super Tocano and foiling(?) a Russian plot.
In each case, he stumbles across the same NCIS agent, who is always wrecking high-end sports cars and trying to shut down the Chinese spy ring noted above. Here, they meet during a gunfight in front of a Reno casino where the pilot just happens to be attending Tailhook and the target of the agent's investigation just happens to be visiting.
Oh, and then there's the SEAL Master Chief who also "just happens" to show up in every book as well, for even less well explained reasons.
When added to the weird details of the technology at the core of this techno-thriller that don't make sense and that are never followed up, and the fact that this is just an episode in a longer story, lacking a real conclusion, I am becoming unhappy with this series.
That said, the action is well written and the details of the flying are believable (other than the protagonist just happening to be current in all of those disparate aircraft), and I do like the characters that Stewart has created. I just wish he were a better plotter.
I might continue this series, but only if I can find the books at a serious discount. At this point I definitely can't recommend it to anyone else.
November 17, 2024
So, the crew is back together!
Hold on to your seats, your breath…and everything else, as this one shoots you out of a canon, and never even slows down…never mind stop! 🛑
The Top Gun Pilots are at it again…this time trying to save the world from sudden doom…in the blink of an eye.
As pacts are made, and people are dying, a routine practice flight turns into something deadly-ish… but just as they are starting to figure out what the heck is going on, new threats arise…and they are off RUNNING full speed ahead…AGAIN!!
And this time, the Vice President, who they believe to be a shoe-in for the next presidency, is the one who the target seems to be following! 😮🫣
As they seem to be closing in on the bad guys, well, we’ll just say that your mouths will be HANGING OPEN 😩…if you are like me!
And the ending, well, that just seems to show that we can happily expect book #4 in the future!!
If you enjoy FAST paced, flying by the seat of your pants, action-packed novels…do NOT pass this one up!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#BogeySpades (Battle Born #3) by #JackStewart and narrated phenomenally by #RayPorter.
(I somehow missed book #2, so I just put it on hold to read.
Book #1 was incredible as well!!)
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #DreamscapeSelect and #SevernRiverPublishing for an ARC of the audiobook which is **** DUE TO BE RELEASED in a few short days on 11/19/24!!! ****
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Hold on to your seats, your breath…and everything else, as this one shoots you out of a canon, and never even slows down…never mind stop! 🛑
The Top Gun Pilots are at it again…this time trying to save the world from sudden doom…in the blink of an eye.
As pacts are made, and people are dying, a routine practice flight turns into something deadly-ish… but just as they are starting to figure out what the heck is going on, new threats arise…and they are off RUNNING full speed ahead…AGAIN!!
And this time, the Vice President, who they believe to be a shoe-in for the next presidency, is the one who the target seems to be following! 😮🫣
As they seem to be closing in on the bad guys, well, we’ll just say that your mouths will be HANGING OPEN 😩…if you are like me!
And the ending, well, that just seems to show that we can happily expect book #4 in the future!!
If you enjoy FAST paced, flying by the seat of your pants, action-packed novels…do NOT pass this one up!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#BogeySpades (Battle Born #3) by #JackStewart and narrated phenomenally by #RayPorter.
(I somehow missed book #2, so I just put it on hold to read.
Book #1 was incredible as well!!)
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #DreamscapeSelect and #SevernRiverPublishing for an ARC of the audiobook which is **** DUE TO BE RELEASED in a few short days on 11/19/24!!! ****
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
November 25, 2024
The author builds suspense in the right places and delivers an engaging story. Colt and Jug are by far my two favorite characters. Punky is somewhat annoying with her impulsive and overly dramatic mannerisms. Maybe because she is a female character it bothers me in how she is portrayed. Her actions at the base roadblock were inane for a federal agent and added to my dislike of the character.
The book was maybe a tad too technical for me but not enough to distract from the story. My main reason for originally rating it 4.5 stars was due to some incongruous actions and procedures. I don't believe that the Secret Service would allow a package to go to the VP without inspection. Also found it hard to accept that Nikolai would trust Adam to deliver the package, and that Adam would do it since he would be out of the Russians' control and could run or disappear. Even as weak as he was portrayed, I couldn't really buy into him doing it without some form coercion. A couple of characters were thrown into the story without much background which made it harder to understand their actions (especially related to Benjamin).
All that to say, this was a solid 4.5 stars, but the last two chapters pushed it up to 5 stars. The story left enough unanswered questions that will ensure that I will read the next book. Well done.
The book was maybe a tad too technical for me but not enough to distract from the story. My main reason for originally rating it 4.5 stars was due to some incongruous actions and procedures. I don't believe that the Secret Service would allow a package to go to the VP without inspection. Also found it hard to accept that Nikolai would trust Adam to deliver the package, and that Adam would do it since he would be out of the Russians' control and could run or disappear. Even as weak as he was portrayed, I couldn't really buy into him doing it without some form coercion. A couple of characters were thrown into the story without much background which made it harder to understand their actions (especially related to Benjamin).
All that to say, this was a solid 4.5 stars, but the last two chapters pushed it up to 5 stars. The story left enough unanswered questions that will ensure that I will read the next book. Well done.
February 17, 2025
Bogey Spades, the third book in Jack Stewart's Battle Born series, capitulates military action with multiple countries espionage, TOPGUN pilot Colt Bancroft and NCIS agent Punky continue to pull the thread of conspiracy from the first 2 novels.
The novel is a fast-paced plot with escalating tension, containing both espionage and action.
The cast is relatable, the plot is entertaining, and there is some realism thrown in with the fiction. Its high-stakes mission is particularly close to modern day. As an observation, the novel is not as detailed out as some, or as intricate in the sciences or military processes. It definitely doesn’t hurt the story and honestly helps with the pace, but if you were hoping to glean a better understanding of beam technology as you read a military thriller it is not here…
What is here is a military thriller that ties up loose ends from the first books and setups a continuation for more. Keeps you engaged all the way until the end… I wish the end tied up a few more things…
Bogey Spades was a great military thriller, and I am excited to see where this goes…
The novel is a fast-paced plot with escalating tension, containing both espionage and action.
The cast is relatable, the plot is entertaining, and there is some realism thrown in with the fiction. Its high-stakes mission is particularly close to modern day. As an observation, the novel is not as detailed out as some, or as intricate in the sciences or military processes. It definitely doesn’t hurt the story and honestly helps with the pace, but if you were hoping to glean a better understanding of beam technology as you read a military thriller it is not here…
What is here is a military thriller that ties up loose ends from the first books and setups a continuation for more. Keeps you engaged all the way until the end… I wish the end tied up a few more things…
Bogey Spades was a great military thriller, and I am excited to see where this goes…
November 14, 2024
Bogey spades is a fast-paced action thriller that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. A federal agent tracking a spy in the US military gets involved in a web of intrigue and mystery. She teams up with a fighter pilot she’s worked with in the past in a race against time.
The story is fast-paced and well-plotted, and doesn’t get bogged down. It blends action in the air with fighter jets and recon planes seamlessly with action on the ground. The political intrigue is also well executed, giving just enough information. To keep the reader wanting more.
The characters share good dynamics, particularly “Punky” King and Colt Bancroft, the two main characters. They have the right blending of personalities to make their interactions fun and dynamic, and they play off the dude characters very well.
In all, I highly recommend Bogey Spades and look forward to seeing what happens next.
The story is fast-paced and well-plotted, and doesn’t get bogged down. It blends action in the air with fighter jets and recon planes seamlessly with action on the ground. The political intrigue is also well executed, giving just enough information. To keep the reader wanting more.
The characters share good dynamics, particularly “Punky” King and Colt Bancroft, the two main characters. They have the right blending of personalities to make their interactions fun and dynamic, and they play off the dude characters very well.
In all, I highly recommend Bogey Spades and look forward to seeing what happens next.
November 19, 2024
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This is continuation of a great series. The action starts right away but, does give the reader breaks in the action occasionally. The story weaves around keeping the reader guessing and reading. As with most series these books should be read in order to help keep track of the main characters. The characters are great and believable. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
March 6, 2025
I really like the Battle Born series. It's a nice mix of spies and aviation. Punky and Colt are great characters. Bogey Spades had some nice plot twists. I enjoyed the first two books in the series a tad better so I'd give Bogey Spades four and one-half stars if that was possible but it's still an enjoyable read.
January 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review
This plot was thought out incredibly. I cared for all the characters, at times I was confused because of how many characters there were and names and codenames so there was more than just one thing to remember a person. Once I understood though I was hooked. Such great twists, mystery and tense situations. I recommend !
This plot was thought out incredibly. I cared for all the characters, at times I was confused because of how many characters there were and names and codenames so there was more than just one thing to remember a person. Once I understood though I was hooked. Such great twists, mystery and tense situations. I recommend !
November 26, 2024
These books aren't literary or classics, but god, I love them- very similar to how Hadfield wrote the action in The Defector. I cannot get enough
January 7, 2025
As always, an addicting book that you can’t put down! From the very beginning to the last second, this book keeps your heart pumping! Already pre ordered book 4!
October 26, 2024
Fast and furious action with multiple plots Sort of Clancy meets Dale Brown. The technology is just enough to tie the plots together. You’ll have trouble putting it down. Read on!
November 23, 2024
Take a breath before you open this one. I knew I was hooked on Battle Born after Outlaw, but Bogey Spades SET THAT HOOK!
January 30, 2025
Very different from the previous two. Surprise ending but let a few things hanging. I liked it!
November 2, 2024
Jack Stewart is a prime example of how treating your readers with dignity and respect can cultivate a lifelong loyal readership. I first discovered Jack on Twitter after noticing he often shared admiration for many of the same authors I follow. I kept seeing posts about his book, Unknown Rider, so I bought a used copy on Amazon. However, I later realized it was an unauthorized edition when I shared a picture on social media. Jack saw my post, reached out, and generously offered me a hardcover collector's edition in exchange for the unauthorized copy.
I also won an eARC of Bogey Spades through a contest on Twitter. Jack sent me the link directly. Since I’m not fond of reading on a screen, I purchased an e-reader and utilized its text-to-speech feature. From the very beginning, the action was fast-paced and relentless. As a Navy veteran, I recognized many settings as actual bases. The plot thickened, keeping readers in a constant state of suspense. With elements of politics, treason, and international espionage, Bogey Spades is a must-read for enthusiasts of military thrillers. Jack Stewart is one hell of a storyteller and is getting mentioned in the same circles as Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, and Brad Taylor. After you read him, you will realize why.
I also won an eARC of Bogey Spades through a contest on Twitter. Jack sent me the link directly. Since I’m not fond of reading on a screen, I purchased an e-reader and utilized its text-to-speech feature. From the very beginning, the action was fast-paced and relentless. As a Navy veteran, I recognized many settings as actual bases. The plot thickened, keeping readers in a constant state of suspense. With elements of politics, treason, and international espionage, Bogey Spades is a must-read for enthusiasts of military thrillers. Jack Stewart is one hell of a storyteller and is getting mentioned in the same circles as Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, and Brad Taylor. After you read him, you will realize why.
December 15, 2024
Well done to Jack Stewart for another brilliant book. Bring on the next one 👏👏👏
January 2, 2025
The author is a guy in our neighborhood and when I posed a question on our neighborhood FB page about series or movies to watch, books to read, etc… his wife mentioned this. Just finished this third book and wow. Love these. I thought Book 3 was the end so I have to see how long I’m going to be waiting for the next one. Great writing. Such attention to detail. Finished in two days on Audible while taking down Christmas decorations.
October 28, 2025
Riveting...
Once I started I couldn't put it down. Your experience is a fighter pilot showed through and all three of these that I read up to this point. As a pilot myself (civilian) I truthfully say that you would never get me to fly into a carrier while it's bobbing around at sea. Did that once as a passenger when I was in the Navy. Never again!
Once I started I couldn't put it down. Your experience is a fighter pilot showed through and all three of these that I read up to this point. As a pilot myself (civilian) I truthfully say that you would never get me to fly into a carrier while it's bobbing around at sea. Did that once as a passenger when I was in the Navy. Never again!
December 14, 2024
Enjoyed the action, but not much of a payoff in the end. The entire book just felt like the first half of an uncompleted novel.
December 25, 2024
Book Review – Bogey Spades – Jack Stewart
I love military espionage stories that are hard to put down, and “Aviator Author” Jack Stewart’s third book in the Battle Born series, “Bogey Spades” was exactly that – ‘hard-to-put-down.’ I finished it in the wee hours of Christmas morning. It was another exhilarating thrill read.
Stewart continues the series with another authentic and captivating tale with high soaring flight scenarios, intense Navy SEALs special operations action and a mesmerizing spy plot.
Stewart’s prose gives the reader the sense of being in the cockpit with the main character Colt Bancroft and his characterization of supporting character NCIS Special Agent Emmy "Punky" King is awe-inspiring.
With a double-edged sword, twisty international espionage conspiracy and alarming adversaries, this was a good read with a shockingly surprising ending.
Bogey Spades solidifies the “trifecta” of the Battle Born series, and I highly recommend it to military thriller readers. Keep ‘soaring’ Jack! You got a loyal fan in Hendricks Book Reviews…
I love military espionage stories that are hard to put down, and “Aviator Author” Jack Stewart’s third book in the Battle Born series, “Bogey Spades” was exactly that – ‘hard-to-put-down.’ I finished it in the wee hours of Christmas morning. It was another exhilarating thrill read.
Stewart continues the series with another authentic and captivating tale with high soaring flight scenarios, intense Navy SEALs special operations action and a mesmerizing spy plot.
Stewart’s prose gives the reader the sense of being in the cockpit with the main character Colt Bancroft and his characterization of supporting character NCIS Special Agent Emmy "Punky" King is awe-inspiring.
With a double-edged sword, twisty international espionage conspiracy and alarming adversaries, this was a good read with a shockingly surprising ending.
Bogey Spades solidifies the “trifecta” of the Battle Born series, and I highly recommend it to military thriller readers. Keep ‘soaring’ Jack! You got a loyal fan in Hendricks Book Reviews…
November 8, 2024
Really enjoyed this latest book in the series by Jack Stewart, I have enjoyed each book and how the characters continue to grow and the story continues to build up. Bogey Spades was great, kept me guessing until the end and then left me with wanting to know what happens next after the way this one ended. If you are looking for a good military thriller series, this is a newer series that provides a great story.
January 8, 2025
great book
Loved it. Finished it in 2 days. Lots of twists and turns that kept me reading. Looking forward to the next one
Loved it. Finished it in 2 days. Lots of twists and turns that kept me reading. Looking forward to the next one
December 29, 2024
Uses F word & other profanity. This held my interest like the first 2 book in the series. I was able to listen to all 3 books in a row. 1.85 audio
December 5, 2024
What a finale! This was a great series and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Fast paced, Top Gun, espionage, and a hero…what else can one need in a book? Thank you @JackStewart for this amazing read. As always, thank you @RayPorter for your narration.
Fast paced, Top Gun, espionage, and a hero…what else can one need in a book? Thank you @JackStewart for this amazing read. As always, thank you @RayPorter for your narration.
December 26, 2024
Amazing book can’t wait for the next one!
November 27, 2024
Bogey Spades (Battle Born Book 3), my third read from author Jack Stewart. A 346-page military thriller, a well-written, entertaining & enjoyable read. Reminiscent of the best works of Tom Clancy & Andrew Watts will enjoy reading this series. I'll read more from this author with Declared Hostile (Battle Born Book 4) due out in August of 2025. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews