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Hawk Tate Action Thrillers #9
Forest Fire: A Hawk Tate Novel
“You know how when people show up at an emergency room, they’re admitted based on severity? Someone with the sniffles gets told to wait in the corner while a bullet wound gets rushed into surgery?”
Tilting my head back in understanding, I replied, “I take it rainbow fentanyl is a bullet wound?”
“Rainbow fentanyl is a shotgun blast to the chest.”
When Hawk Tate went to bed the night before, he took the massive winter squall raging along the western front of the Rocky Mountain range as a sign the winter tour of Yellowstone Park scheduled for the next morning wasn’t meant to be.
What he had no way of knowing was that while he was safe in his bed, a small plane was passing high overhead. A vessel en route from Seattle to Denver, with no choice but to try and push through.
A doomed effort, forcing them down into the most remote part of the park with cargo that many parties will do anything to recover. Including kidnapping Hawk and his partner and demanding they take them to the crash site.
Heavily outnumbered, and working under a dwindling timeframe, Hawk is forced to lead a race deep into the most isolated wilderness in the continental United States. A fight for survival, pitting him not just against the crew holding them captive, but the raw savagery of the elements.
A battle against both man and nature, requiring every bit of experience amassed in both his time as a guide and as a DEA agent long before...
Tilting my head back in understanding, I replied, “I take it rainbow fentanyl is a bullet wound?”
“Rainbow fentanyl is a shotgun blast to the chest.”
When Hawk Tate went to bed the night before, he took the massive winter squall raging along the western front of the Rocky Mountain range as a sign the winter tour of Yellowstone Park scheduled for the next morning wasn’t meant to be.
What he had no way of knowing was that while he was safe in his bed, a small plane was passing high overhead. A vessel en route from Seattle to Denver, with no choice but to try and push through.
A doomed effort, forcing them down into the most remote part of the park with cargo that many parties will do anything to recover. Including kidnapping Hawk and his partner and demanding they take them to the crash site.
Heavily outnumbered, and working under a dwindling timeframe, Hawk is forced to lead a race deep into the most isolated wilderness in the continental United States. A fight for survival, pitting him not just against the crew holding them captive, but the raw savagery of the elements.
A battle against both man and nature, requiring every bit of experience amassed in both his time as a guide and as a DEA agent long before...
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2024
471 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
84 books312 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 2, 2024
Another brilliant, exciting, good-man-versus-evil-men adventure, as Hawk Tate battles not only the murderous drug-dealing bad guys, but, as an additional element, Nature itself.
As so many before them, drug importer’s enforcers pick the wrong Yellowstone guide to aid them to trek into the furthest reaches of the park in the deepest part of Winter, in the tail end of a huge winter storm, to salvage their poison pills from a downed transport plane.
Unable to perceive the skilled former DEA agent hidden under the shaggy exterior, they force Hawk to lead them into the wintry no-man’s land, using constant threats to his business partner and friend Kaylan as collateral to keep him in line.
Wrong guy. Wrong place. Wrong threats.
Hawk must contend with this skilled, highly trained, ruthless gang of thugs, while keeping Kaylan safe, battling sub-zero temperatures, icy freezing winds, near-zero visibility, lack of weapons, food, shelter, and transportation; stringing them along, surviving until only the boldest possible action will save both their lives.
And what about the source of the drugs? Could someone such as Hawk, a former DEA agent—and not just any agent, but the leader of an elite DEA task force, simply allow this scourge of drugs to thrive once he is aware of its existence? Not to mention any of the players involved?
Well, we all know the answers to those questions.
Forest Fire is one hot adventure that make you cold just reading it. An absolute must-read.
As so many before them, drug importer’s enforcers pick the wrong Yellowstone guide to aid them to trek into the furthest reaches of the park in the deepest part of Winter, in the tail end of a huge winter storm, to salvage their poison pills from a downed transport plane.
Unable to perceive the skilled former DEA agent hidden under the shaggy exterior, they force Hawk to lead them into the wintry no-man’s land, using constant threats to his business partner and friend Kaylan as collateral to keep him in line.
Wrong guy. Wrong place. Wrong threats.
Hawk must contend with this skilled, highly trained, ruthless gang of thugs, while keeping Kaylan safe, battling sub-zero temperatures, icy freezing winds, near-zero visibility, lack of weapons, food, shelter, and transportation; stringing them along, surviving until only the boldest possible action will save both their lives.
And what about the source of the drugs? Could someone such as Hawk, a former DEA agent—and not just any agent, but the leader of an elite DEA task force, simply allow this scourge of drugs to thrive once he is aware of its existence? Not to mention any of the players involved?
Well, we all know the answers to those questions.
Forest Fire is one hot adventure that make you cold just reading it. An absolute must-read.
February 7, 2024
Forest Fire continues the adventures of Hawk Tate in one of Dustin Stevens’ most popular series. Fans will not be disappointed - definitely high octane action.Readers are drawn to Stevens’ ability to craft both intensely likable and hateful characters. Really hateful characters. Stevens has pulled real world problems flowing from fentanyl into the plot of Forest Fire and gives readers a fictionalized (mildly) view of how we got here.
Forest Fire unfolds over a 72-hour period in the winter deep freeze of Yellowstone National Park with an undertone of hoping nothing worse happens - another hallmark of Stevens’ suspense building style.
Hawk and his friend and business partner, Kaylan Quick, rolled the dice about extending their season with winter backcountry adventures and put up a quick sign over the door to test the market. As luck would have it, a van load of bad guys looking to find a crashed plane full of rainbow fentanyl are drawn to the sign. They ambush Hawk and Kaylan in the parking lot. When the Hawk is forced to lead the city slicker bad guys into the Yellowstone wilderness, his second home, the reader knows a price will be paid.
Forest Fire packs a lot between the covers and when a reader needs to choose from the large selection of books offered, Forest Fire is a solid pick. You will not be disappointed.
Forest Fire unfolds over a 72-hour period in the winter deep freeze of Yellowstone National Park with an undertone of hoping nothing worse happens - another hallmark of Stevens’ suspense building style.
Hawk and his friend and business partner, Kaylan Quick, rolled the dice about extending their season with winter backcountry adventures and put up a quick sign over the door to test the market. As luck would have it, a van load of bad guys looking to find a crashed plane full of rainbow fentanyl are drawn to the sign. They ambush Hawk and Kaylan in the parking lot. When the Hawk is forced to lead the city slicker bad guys into the Yellowstone wilderness, his second home, the reader knows a price will be paid.
Forest Fire packs a lot between the covers and when a reader needs to choose from the large selection of books offered, Forest Fire is a solid pick. You will not be disappointed.
February 4, 2024
I just finished this book and wow! Hawk Tate is a former elite DEA agent, who left his position after suffering a devastating family tragedy. He retreated to the desolate reaches of Yellowstone Park where he and his partner have a quiet little tour guide business; wait a minute... you never know who can drop in for a "tour" and suddenly and violently, the two partners are drawn into the evil world of drug smugglers when a plane on a night flight crashes nearby. From there, it is non stop action as Hawk and his partner try to make an escape. Not so easy: Hawk has to track down the bad guys using all of his skills learned on the job and calling in favors from shadowy friends. No spoilers here, but the last 1/3 of the book would make a great action movie and all the loose ends come together. You need to read the book to find out what came together and what fell apart, literally. I enjoyed the character development and appreciated the ramping up of the story until the last page of the book. Enjoy.
February 7, 2024
A fantastic read by Dustin Stevens! Hawk Tate is back on the pages with another exhilarating adventure. I would suggest completing the prior Hawk Tate books before starting this one as most of his character development takes place earlier in the series, but once you get to know Hawk, you won’t want to stop reading. The descriptions of the terrain and weather made me want to sit by the fire to stay warm while reading! This book highlights Hawk’s loyalty to his friend and business partner Kaylen, and his strong conviction to honor a promise he made to her. No one should mess with those in Hawk’s inner circle! His devotion to holding the bad guys accountable is fierce and, in true Hawk fashion, drives his motivation for all his thoughts and actions. It was nice to see Diaz rejoin the list of characters, even if it’s in a somewhat limited capacity. This book was a page-turner that was hard to put down until the very end. More Hawk Tate, please!
February 11, 2024
Forest Fire is the 9th book of the Hawk Tate series, and after a two year wait this book was well worth the wait.
Hawk Tate is a former DEA agent turned guide in Yellowstone National Park. Without giving too much of the book away (not an easy task), Hawk and his business partner Kaylan are basically ambushed and forced to take a van load of criminals to the site of a drug carrying plane crash. Over a period of 72 hours, Hawk is not only trying to keep himself and Kaylan alive, knowing they will most likely be murdered when the drugs are recovered, but also fighting a harsh winter storm that caused the plane crash to begin with.
Mr. Stevens has a writing method that tends to put the reader where the story takes place. As much as I despise cold weather and snow, if for any reason I am lost in this type of condition, I would hope someone like Hawk Tate is with me.
I was provided with an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest opinion and review.
Hawk Tate is a former DEA agent turned guide in Yellowstone National Park. Without giving too much of the book away (not an easy task), Hawk and his business partner Kaylan are basically ambushed and forced to take a van load of criminals to the site of a drug carrying plane crash. Over a period of 72 hours, Hawk is not only trying to keep himself and Kaylan alive, knowing they will most likely be murdered when the drugs are recovered, but also fighting a harsh winter storm that caused the plane crash to begin with.
Mr. Stevens has a writing method that tends to put the reader where the story takes place. As much as I despise cold weather and snow, if for any reason I am lost in this type of condition, I would hope someone like Hawk Tate is with me.
I was provided with an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest opinion and review.
January 23, 2024
The Hawk Tate series was my introduction to Dustin Stevens books a few years back, so I'm happy Stevens decided to add another chapter with Forest Fire. This is the second Hawk adventure taking us into the backwoods of Yellowstone, and the vivid word pictures created through his storyline not only clearly paint the scenery, but also the anger, fear, and drive behind his desire to protect his partner Kaylan at all costs. Add in a cast of characters you'll love to hate, peddling rainbow fentanyl and using violence and murder as their defaults when things grow wrong, and you've got a recipe for Hawk to kick some ass in a righteous manner!
Disclaimer: I was provided a pre-release copy for my honest review. With that said, this book was indeed quite the page turner that I couldn't put down until the end. Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I was provided a pre-release copy for my honest review. With that said, this book was indeed quite the page turner that I couldn't put down until the end. Highly recommended!
June 17, 2024
Since I discovered this series, my whole life has pretty much revolved around what Hawk is up to now. My son is used to me relaying Hawk's adventures on a random basis. Recently my daughter was in from out of town, we were playing a game of Mancala, I mumble out "Ole Hawk Tate is getting up to no good." Which evoked quite a bit of laughter, and then I had to explain myself. I told her how after 9 books Hawk is practically a member of the family and that her brother knows all about him.
I've never really been an action book fan, but Hawk sure made it fun. Crazy capers to and through Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California. I gave this particular book only 4 stars because it was a little tamer than what the author has gotten me used to. Still good, just in my opinion, a little lighter on the arse whoopings he doled out.
I highly recommend this series to EVERYONE!!
I've never really been an action book fan, but Hawk sure made it fun. Crazy capers to and through Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California. I gave this particular book only 4 stars because it was a little tamer than what the author has gotten me used to. Still good, just in my opinion, a little lighter on the arse whoopings he doled out.
I highly recommend this series to EVERYONE!!
February 7, 2024
Forest Fire is set in Yellowstone National Park in the midst of winter. Hawk is on another marathon consisting of fear for a friend's safety and rage at how they were treated. He sets out to right some wrongs and is then pulled into an investigation that takes days to complete.
This story makes you feel the beauty and danger of living in the wilderness and trying to survive when you are far from shelter. It also highlights the beauty of friendship and the connections between friends that everyone could someday need.
Another great story from Dustin Stevens.
I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.
This story makes you feel the beauty and danger of living in the wilderness and trying to survive when you are far from shelter. It also highlights the beauty of friendship and the connections between friends that everyone could someday need.
Another great story from Dustin Stevens.
I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.
February 7, 2024
Another Great Hawk Tate Adventure!
This adventure is the 9th book in the Hawk Tate series.
Hawk, along with his partner Kaylan offers tours in Yellowstone Park. This is a business Hawk started once he " retired" from the DEA after his wife and child were killed.
Unwittingly, Hawk and Kaylan are dragged into helping people involved in fentanol distribution recover a missing plane.
This book is a " can't put down" adventure that you must read!
If you haven't met Hawk Tate, I recommend reading the entire series. While not necessary to enjoy this book, the series is well writte, and each book is definitely worth the read.
This adventure is the 9th book in the Hawk Tate series.
Hawk, along with his partner Kaylan offers tours in Yellowstone Park. This is a business Hawk started once he " retired" from the DEA after his wife and child were killed.
Unwittingly, Hawk and Kaylan are dragged into helping people involved in fentanol distribution recover a missing plane.
This book is a " can't put down" adventure that you must read!
If you haven't met Hawk Tate, I recommend reading the entire series. While not necessary to enjoy this book, the series is well writte, and each book is definitely worth the read.
February 7, 2024
Dustin Stevens' new book, Forest Fire, breathes a firestorm in the middle of winter.
A plane crash in the nearby RockY Mountain range leads to trouble for Montana wilderness guide Hawk Tate. The searchers for the plane, it contents, and possible survivors, arrive on Tate's doorstep and forcibly make him to "guide" them to the plane.
The trip to the plane for all of them makes Tate face the stark viciousness posed by his company as well as the possibly dangerous winter elements of the Rocky Mountain range. This book shows you one hell of a trip that you don't want to miss reading!
A plane crash in the nearby RockY Mountain range leads to trouble for Montana wilderness guide Hawk Tate. The searchers for the plane, it contents, and possible survivors, arrive on Tate's doorstep and forcibly make him to "guide" them to the plane.
The trip to the plane for all of them makes Tate face the stark viciousness posed by his company as well as the possibly dangerous winter elements of the Rocky Mountain range. This book shows you one hell of a trip that you don't want to miss reading!
February 8, 2024
I read this book voluntarily as an ARC team member. The book starts off weaving all the characters together for all the angles to the story. Winter tours in the park really seemed like a great idea until it wasn't, Hawk and Kaylyn get blindsided in their office, get forced into a situation that seems doomed and have to fight for their lives. Then Hawk pairs with Diaz and you will just have to read the book to find out what transpires. Trust me once again Dustin has not disappointed in weaving a story that keeps you engaged.
February 13, 2024
As always, Stevens has put us directly in the front row for the best view on this roller coaster ride! From the first page to the last, the action never stops.
Hawk and his partner get pulled into finding a drug running plane that has gone down near in Yellowstone during a wicked snow storm. The drug dealers have no idea who they have tapped to find their missing plane and the things they have set into motion.
Make sure you have a clear schedule and an empty house when you start Forest Fire!
Hawk and his partner get pulled into finding a drug running plane that has gone down near in Yellowstone during a wicked snow storm. The drug dealers have no idea who they have tapped to find their missing plane and the things they have set into motion.
Make sure you have a clear schedule and an empty house when you start Forest Fire!
February 8, 2024
The skittles tag line ‘ride the rainbow’ kept coming to mind during this awesome action-packed wild ride.
Hawk is back and trouble has found him yet again!!! I swear he has a homing beacon above his head for bad guys to track lol
You would think by now word would have got around to steer clear of the man because if you cross home you either end up dead or in jail, who hurt someone of his and well you won’t even be safe in hell from Hawks wrath.
A seriously gripping page turner.
Hawk is back and trouble has found him yet again!!! I swear he has a homing beacon above his head for bad guys to track lol
You would think by now word would have got around to steer clear of the man because if you cross home you either end up dead or in jail, who hurt someone of his and well you won’t even be safe in hell from Hawks wrath.
A seriously gripping page turner.
June 24, 2024
another Hawk adventure to sit by the fire and read
I have enjoyed all of the Hawk series thus far, I enjoy the character and the geography. What is somewhat distracting in the last few books is that Mr Stevens has become wordy, descriptions that take a paragraph or more, and his style seems different than the initial books before Hawk. Sort of like making a stew with too many potatoes and not enough meat.
I have enjoyed all of the Hawk series thus far, I enjoy the character and the geography. What is somewhat distracting in the last few books is that Mr Stevens has become wordy, descriptions that take a paragraph or more, and his style seems different than the initial books before Hawk. Sort of like making a stew with too many potatoes and not enough meat.
January 17, 2024
A crashed plane carrying millions in rainbow fentanyl puts Hawk and Kaylan in a dire situation. An exciting story with lots of action and very interesting information you won't want to miss. One whopper of a story, one fantastic cast of characters, one novel you will not soon forget.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
January 24, 2024
Hawk Tate and Kaylan find themselves in a really bad situation when strangers showed up in their shop wanting to catch a ride on snow mobiles. Right from the start, the trip was one of the full of danger and murder. How does it all end? Definitely need to read this book to find out what triggered this adventure.
January 24, 2024
I am a big fan of Dustin Stevens “Reed and Billie” stories and he doesn’t disappoint with this character, Hawk Tate. Set in Yellowstone Park ( as well as other locations), Stevens jumps right into the action without much of a preamble. From there, it’s a roller coaster ride of action keeping you turning page after page. Pick up a copy for a fantastic read!!!
January 30, 2024
Blizzard!
While the snow is blasting Yellowstone, Hawk is pulled into the middle of it. He's on a hunt for a rainbow....a deadly one. He and his assistant/partner/best friend have to stick together to get through it.
As always, I highly recommend the Hawk Tate series! The books are absolute cliffhangers and the pages just can't turn fast enough!
While the snow is blasting Yellowstone, Hawk is pulled into the middle of it. He's on a hunt for a rainbow....a deadly one. He and his assistant/partner/best friend have to stick together to get through it.
As always, I highly recommend the Hawk Tate series! The books are absolute cliffhangers and the pages just can't turn fast enough!
February 6, 2024
Dustin Stevens does it again. This is another great Hawk Tate story. You get up and go to work expecting just another normal day. Nothing could be any farther from the truth for Hawk. What a wild ride! A crazy winter adventure in Yellowstone Park that Hawk could never have foreseen. Be prepared, once you pick this book up you will not be able to put it down.
February 7, 2024
Weather in Yellowstone in Winter is unfogiving and it is outlined perfectly in this story. It has it all adventure, drug dealers, good guys and bad guys all wrapped up in the wonder that is Yellowstone. Fast and furious and all because a Winter storm changed a few things. Loved it and enjoyed the journey.
February 7, 2024
In a new twist to the Hawk Tate series, this novel takes place off season. Forced to guide a group of cunning drug smugglers through the forests in deep snow to a crashed plane puts a test to Hawk’s skills to overcome the adversity and reverse the situation. It’s an exciting story that won’t let you put the book down until the finish.
February 9, 2024
A small plane carrying a load of rainbow fentanyl crashes in a remote area of Yellowstone. Hawk & Kaylan become involved when they are kidnapped by men wanting them to guide them to the plane. The men underestimated Hawk & his abilities. What a ride! Hawk will not let them get away with what they put Kaylan & him through!
February 24, 2024
Sometimes staying open longer
Is not always a good thing. It just makes you more accessible to trouble. Hawk is a wonderful character. His appearance belies his abilities including his mental acumen. He is one of those caring people for whom protecting others is more important than self.
Is not always a good thing. It just makes you more accessible to trouble. Hawk is a wonderful character. His appearance belies his abilities including his mental acumen. He is one of those caring people for whom protecting others is more important than self.
August 19, 2024
Clean up in Aisle Two
Revenge is best served cold. From Yellowstone Park to the Seattle underworld it is death and retro retribution. He's big, he's bad and handy with baton and gun. All the bad guys suffer . Good story but a little long winded. Just say he paced the room. It takes a paragraph to get from the window and around the bed. Very picturesque but looses some momentum.
Revenge is best served cold. From Yellowstone Park to the Seattle underworld it is death and retro retribution. He's big, he's bad and handy with baton and gun. All the bad guys suffer . Good story but a little long winded. Just say he paced the room. It takes a paragraph to get from the window and around the bed. Very picturesque but looses some momentum.
March 10, 2025
Forest fire
Good story and covered in most aspects I would have questioned as I read the book. It seemed too stilted for my taste in the telling of the happenings and the progression of action. I was confused by the setting of the situations in the early chapters but the last few zipped by.
Good story and covered in most aspects I would have questioned as I read the book. It seemed too stilted for my taste in the telling of the happenings and the progression of action. I was confused by the setting of the situations in the early chapters but the last few zipped by.
January 25, 2024
Hawk and Kaylan are forced to lead a group of men into the deepest and dangerous terrain. A cargo plane carrying rainbow fentanyl has gone down in the wilderness. The slow trek though snow and ice knowing that when they find the plane he and Kaylan will be killed. A thriller to keep your interest.
February 7, 2024
Unbelievable once again. Hawk definitely wasn’t expecting all that happened next. A storm was expected but not the danger that came with it. Will he be able to figure out what happened and why. Don’t miss out on this superb book.
February 8, 2024
It's an excellent book adding to the Hawk Tate series! Fast paced with twists and turns that are unexpected, this will have you on the edge of your seat. By the end of the book, you will definitely be cheering for Hawk and friends to eliminate the bad guys... with unexpected help.
February 8, 2024
I am not a fan of winter and snow and this book reminded me why. After some characters jump into frigid water I felt the cold to my toes. Very vivid story line in this book! Also it deals with a topic of national concern...rainbow fentanyl.
February 28, 2024
A ghost writer ??
What happened ? This book is written in a completely different style than the previous books in the series. It's an awful read..I couldn't finish it. Who wrote this ?
What happened ? This book is written in a completely different style than the previous books in the series. It's an awful read..I couldn't finish it. Who wrote this ?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews