What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackfox Chronicles #2
Starfish Prime
Michael Blackfox thought he'd left the Marine Corps, but they had other ideas. The best trained man for a high risk mission is dead and Blackfox is uniquely qualified to be the heir apparent. Trouble is, he and his father are currently fugitives on the run from the law.
Marine Special Operations roughly brings Michael back into the fold, while allowing his father to be arrested and extradited. If Michael cooperates, the government will go easy on his dad.
A Russian arms dealer recovers an ICBM from Iraq during the invasion and sells it to the Iranians. They commission him to reconfigure the missile as an electromagnetic pulse weapon that, if fired, will destroy all electronics in the United States--effectively plunging the country back to the nineteenth century.
The launch pad and assembly building are deep within the Venezuelan jungle. The missile's telemetry system is hosted by a closed network. Michael's job is to parachute into the jungle with a team of Marine Special Operators, hack into the network and deliver a Stuxnet type virus that will destroy the missile, while making it all look like an accident.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
9 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
T.S. O'Neil
5 books82 followersI'm originally from Newington CT. I went to undergraduate school at Northeastern University in Boston and have an MBA from the University of Phoenix in Technology Management. I spent a good amount of time in the military; first as an enlisted Marine in the Marine Reserve, then about ten years on active duty as an officer in the Military Police Corps of the U.S. Army and I finished out my career in the Army Reserve.
During that time, I travelled a lot of the world, picked up Spanish, as the Army sent me to language school and managed to have a lot of fun and mostly managing to avoid combat. While most sane people look at the being shot at as merely a life threatening situation, those in the military look at it as an opportunity for career advancement.
Well, as a careerist, I was a miserable failure as I was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Meaning wherever I happened to be, peace was breaking out like mad.
I was supposed to jump into Omar Torrejo Airport with the Rangers during Operation Just Cause, but instead I went on to the MP Officer Advance Course. The invasion took place in December of 89, as I drove home to Connecticut for Christmas break and members of my former unit parachuted into glory. Later, as I sat in Panama enjoying the new era of peace and prosperity, Operation Desert Storm took place. My luck finally caught up with me and I spent part of a tour in Iraq. Other than a couple of nights of rocket fire, the period in Iraq was relatively peaceful.
I got out of the military and eventually gravitated to the IT Field. I am currently an IT Architect for a healthcare company. I live in Seminole Florida with the love of my life, my lovely wife, Suzanne.
During that time, I travelled a lot of the world, picked up Spanish, as the Army sent me to language school and managed to have a lot of fun and mostly managing to avoid combat. While most sane people look at the being shot at as merely a life threatening situation, those in the military look at it as an opportunity for career advancement.
Well, as a careerist, I was a miserable failure as I was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Meaning wherever I happened to be, peace was breaking out like mad.
I was supposed to jump into Omar Torrejo Airport with the Rangers during Operation Just Cause, but instead I went on to the MP Officer Advance Course. The invasion took place in December of 89, as I drove home to Connecticut for Christmas break and members of my former unit parachuted into glory. Later, as I sat in Panama enjoying the new era of peace and prosperity, Operation Desert Storm took place. My luck finally caught up with me and I spent part of a tour in Iraq. Other than a couple of nights of rocket fire, the period in Iraq was relatively peaceful.
I got out of the military and eventually gravitated to the IT Field. I am currently an IT Architect for a healthcare company. I live in Seminole Florida with the love of my life, my lovely wife, Suzanne.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 9, 2014
Starfish Prime is apparently the second in a series but it was the first I read and that may have had an influence on the bewilderment I felt throughout most of this novel.
This is a book that places itself in the military camp unashamedly, and there is nothing wrong with that if you are a fan of military fiction. For myself, I found the military details overwhelming and the lack of any other detail notable. When the lads are diving for lobsters off a beautiful, paradise-like island the only details we are given are of the military aircraft and their weapons that then approach. We are given an incredible level of detail about the military helicopter but nothing about the island. In fact, even my description of the island as being beautiful or paradise-like did not come from the novel but rather my own assumption. I know the size and speed of an MV-22 Osprey but nothing of the main character or his father.
Which is a shame because they seem like interesting characters. The father, Char, in particular has some great dialogue lines but they are lost in the military jargon. The dialogue can also be difficult to follow as it often switches between characters within a paragraph without any indication of who is speaking.
Aside from this, the writing is solid but far too focused on details that would only interest the most dedicated of military enthusiasts rather than on character development. If you enjoy military fiction, I'm sure this book would appeal, but better start with the first book in the series to ensure nothing is missed.
This is a book that places itself in the military camp unashamedly, and there is nothing wrong with that if you are a fan of military fiction. For myself, I found the military details overwhelming and the lack of any other detail notable. When the lads are diving for lobsters off a beautiful, paradise-like island the only details we are given are of the military aircraft and their weapons that then approach. We are given an incredible level of detail about the military helicopter but nothing about the island. In fact, even my description of the island as being beautiful or paradise-like did not come from the novel but rather my own assumption. I know the size and speed of an MV-22 Osprey but nothing of the main character or his father.
Which is a shame because they seem like interesting characters. The father, Char, in particular has some great dialogue lines but they are lost in the military jargon. The dialogue can also be difficult to follow as it often switches between characters within a paragraph without any indication of who is speaking.
Aside from this, the writing is solid but far too focused on details that would only interest the most dedicated of military enthusiasts rather than on character development. If you enjoy military fiction, I'm sure this book would appeal, but better start with the first book in the series to ensure nothing is missed.
April 6, 2014
I received this book in return for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
Starfish Prime fits its genre of contemporary military thriller perfectly. The action is well described, and the relationships between the characters clear and in some cases very deep, especially between father and son Char and Michael. I especially liked the irreverent way the older man Char addressed some of the top brass, even though it makes his son wince.
Yes a strong female character would have added to the story, but would have been fairly unrealistic given the setting, as the author clearly sticks to what he knows, which is service in the marines. The info dumps on military hardware, acronyms and computer details were not essential to read to understand the plot, but for aficionados of the genre, and those with experience of the settings/equipment they would bring comfort that the author does know what he’s talking about.
The star system indicates that five stars mean I thought it was ‘amazing’ or ‘I loved it’ which I didn’t because military techno thrillers don’t float my boat, but for flawless execution and suspense it’s a very firm four stars. I'd certainly take the time to indulge in the lives of the Blackfoot boys again.
Starfish Prime fits its genre of contemporary military thriller perfectly. The action is well described, and the relationships between the characters clear and in some cases very deep, especially between father and son Char and Michael. I especially liked the irreverent way the older man Char addressed some of the top brass, even though it makes his son wince.
Yes a strong female character would have added to the story, but would have been fairly unrealistic given the setting, as the author clearly sticks to what he knows, which is service in the marines. The info dumps on military hardware, acronyms and computer details were not essential to read to understand the plot, but for aficionados of the genre, and those with experience of the settings/equipment they would bring comfort that the author does know what he’s talking about.
The star system indicates that five stars mean I thought it was ‘amazing’ or ‘I loved it’ which I didn’t because military techno thrillers don’t float my boat, but for flawless execution and suspense it’s a very firm four stars. I'd certainly take the time to indulge in the lives of the Blackfoot boys again.
May 6, 2014
This military-themed thriller centers on former special ops officer Michael Blackfox and his involvement in stopping a plot involving a nuclear warhead that has fallen in the hands of terrorists. It takes a while for all of the various threads to be established (characters are assembled from around the world), and the action frequently slows down to make way for extensive exposition, but the second half of the book draws everything together.
Supporters and veterans of the American military are likely to find this book a celebration of their values. Unfortunately, formatting glitches hinder the readability of the text (Kindle version). I appreciate that the author included a glossary of military terminology for the uninitiated.
Supporters and veterans of the American military are likely to find this book a celebration of their values. Unfortunately, formatting glitches hinder the readability of the text (Kindle version). I appreciate that the author included a glossary of military terminology for the uninitiated.
May 8, 2014
Captain Michael Blackfox thought he was done with the marines living the life of luxury on the lam with his father on their yacht "Good as Gold," but once you sign your name on the dotted line giving up your life to the government it is theirs forever until you die. Due to a series of unfortunate events he is called back into active duty, to go on a super secret mission of which its success would make or break the history of the world. Do you like military dramas? Is Tom Clancy one of your favorite authors? Then this book series is for you! It is filled with enjoyable characters, action, and suspense. All of the technical military information aside, I really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good story about a unconventional hero saving the day.
June 25, 2019
I. Would read it again.
Read it twice, about 6 months apart. Lots of action with unique characters & challenges, like the use of what available but not always in the conventional way.
Read it twice, about 6 months apart. Lots of action with unique characters & challenges, like the use of what available but not always in the conventional way.
October 15, 2017
Great read.
Good read and lots of action, I would like to read more- great case of characters and military know how.
Good read and lots of action, I would like to read more- great case of characters and military know how.
July 5, 2018
Great book!
Totally enjoyed the characters and the story. Never a dull moment. Highly recommend. I'm sure you will enjoy this book.
Totally enjoyed the characters and the story. Never a dull moment. Highly recommend. I'm sure you will enjoy this book.
July 29, 2021
Blackfox Book 2
Char and Michael are back, or more accurately got away! They are truly living a dream without a care in the world, other than being wanted fugitives. Life has a way of ruining things though, in this case it’s the United States Marine Corps.
Book one is more of an adventure/mystery, while this book is mainly a military thriller. One element that is the same is the fast pace joy ride the story takes you on so buckle up and hold on tight!
Char and Michael are back, or more accurately got away! They are truly living a dream without a care in the world, other than being wanted fugitives. Life has a way of ruining things though, in this case it’s the United States Marine Corps.
Book one is more of an adventure/mystery, while this book is mainly a military thriller. One element that is the same is the fast pace joy ride the story takes you on so buckle up and hold on tight!
February 2, 2014
Starfish Prime by T.S. O’Neil is the sequel to the author’s debut novel, Tampa Star. Once again we find ourselves on the trail of Michael Blackfox, a special forces operative that the military doesn’t seem to be able to do without. Eddie Doyle, along with agents Beavers and Davis, are sent out to intercept Michael and spoil his plans to spend the rest of his life in luxury with the spoils from the Tampa Star caper. They hook him up to Major General Mc Elroy, who has gotten word of a possible terror threat against the United States that will remain a permanent menace to national security if not resolved. Enter the Blackfox father-son tandem to save the day against a team of nasty bad guys.
O’Neil relies on his trademark combo of authentic backdrops and military acumen to provide us with real-world ambiance. This time Michael is on a journey to the jungles of South America, investigating rumors of a launch complex in the Carabobo region of Venezuela. His superiors have learned of an Iranian plot to build an intercontinental ballistic missile at the site, and Michael’s mission is to go in and shut ‘em down. Standing in his way is two of O’Neil’s best villains yet, South African military specialist Peter Van Achtenberg and former Russian Army Colonel Dmitri Stal. These two form an uneasy alliance in masterminding the operation under direct order of the Grand Ayatollah Najavani himself.
It doesn’t take long before Michael gets in up to his neck. The expertise of his father Char is required to pull him and kidnapped Chinese scientist Dr. Chen out of another fine mess. This sets up a cataclysmic confrontation between the Blackfoxes, Van Achtenberg and Stal that guarantees a blockbuster finale. Don’t take my word for it, pick up a copy and fasten your seat belts for this rollercoaster ride. Starfish Prime by T.S. O’Neil is a page-turner you won’t forget.
O’Neil relies on his trademark combo of authentic backdrops and military acumen to provide us with real-world ambiance. This time Michael is on a journey to the jungles of South America, investigating rumors of a launch complex in the Carabobo region of Venezuela. His superiors have learned of an Iranian plot to build an intercontinental ballistic missile at the site, and Michael’s mission is to go in and shut ‘em down. Standing in his way is two of O’Neil’s best villains yet, South African military specialist Peter Van Achtenberg and former Russian Army Colonel Dmitri Stal. These two form an uneasy alliance in masterminding the operation under direct order of the Grand Ayatollah Najavani himself.
It doesn’t take long before Michael gets in up to his neck. The expertise of his father Char is required to pull him and kidnapped Chinese scientist Dr. Chen out of another fine mess. This sets up a cataclysmic confrontation between the Blackfoxes, Van Achtenberg and Stal that guarantees a blockbuster finale. Don’t take my word for it, pick up a copy and fasten your seat belts for this rollercoaster ride. Starfish Prime by T.S. O’Neil is a page-turner you won’t forget.
May 28, 2014
Starfish Prime (Blackfox Chronicles)
The first few pages of a book are very detrimental to the success of a book; if they are unable to capture me, it is unlikely I would be able to read the book. When Starfish Prime starts off with two would be high school terrorists whose plans are foiled by a marine who is in the wrong place at the wrong time, Starfish promises a good read.
With Starfish Prime, I was also very drawn to the main characters, Michael Blackfox and his fugitive father Char. I especially liked the fact that they were not squeaky clean people looking to always to the right thing, instead, Michael is pretty much blackmailed into being the hero.
The way the book moves from Country to Country, introducing the players and building the plot is also very captivating. The T.S O’neil is able to help build that visual aid that makes reading a wonderful experience.
While this is a good book with a great story that is well written, my only issue is the excessive military talk (especially in the first part of the book), T.S’s ability to be overtly descriptive is his worst enemy here as it sometimes takes the flow away from the actual story. I didn’t bother myself with the glossary especially as it even appears at the end of the book, and that for me was the one thing that I didn’t particularly enjoy. However, by the time the book goes halfway, it’s either you don’t notice the military talk because you’re now into the book fulltime or the military talk has actually reduced. In the end though, Starfish Prime is a good book and I look forward to seeing Michael and especially his father Char again.
The first few pages of a book are very detrimental to the success of a book; if they are unable to capture me, it is unlikely I would be able to read the book. When Starfish Prime starts off with two would be high school terrorists whose plans are foiled by a marine who is in the wrong place at the wrong time, Starfish promises a good read.
With Starfish Prime, I was also very drawn to the main characters, Michael Blackfox and his fugitive father Char. I especially liked the fact that they were not squeaky clean people looking to always to the right thing, instead, Michael is pretty much blackmailed into being the hero.
The way the book moves from Country to Country, introducing the players and building the plot is also very captivating. The T.S O’neil is able to help build that visual aid that makes reading a wonderful experience.
While this is a good book with a great story that is well written, my only issue is the excessive military talk (especially in the first part of the book), T.S’s ability to be overtly descriptive is his worst enemy here as it sometimes takes the flow away from the actual story. I didn’t bother myself with the glossary especially as it even appears at the end of the book, and that for me was the one thing that I didn’t particularly enjoy. However, by the time the book goes halfway, it’s either you don’t notice the military talk because you’re now into the book fulltime or the military talk has actually reduced. In the end though, Starfish Prime is a good book and I look forward to seeing Michael and especially his father Char again.
April 2, 2014
If I were a man who played FPS video games or were former military I would probably have rated this four stars. The story is engaging and he gives quite a bit of information regarding the technical aspects of military information.
I, however, am not a male reader. I still think the writing and the story have merit. I was exhausted by the knowledge dumping. I felt like I took a crash course in military speak. (This could be a selling point for some, but I felt it got in the way of the story pace.) I don't think it added to the plot. This was not my biggest issue with this book. I can tell the author is very good at character development so I was extremely disappointed that every female character was reduced to a sex toy or a potential sex toy. Absent wives were dismissed. The majority of the ladies were for sale. Virginal disgrace was used as a tool for justifiable vengeance by the male characters. The only female that could have been seen as a strong person was reduced to a potential sex partner.
Mr. O'Neil has talent and would benefit from a strong female editor to push back on his men only "hoorah" club. I am not saying he needs to put women into the whole book but maybe add some kind of value other than objects or annoyances.
The plot is a good one. The action is great. I hope Mr. O'Neil comes out with a stronger book next time. He does have a good imagination.
I, however, am not a male reader. I still think the writing and the story have merit. I was exhausted by the knowledge dumping. I felt like I took a crash course in military speak. (This could be a selling point for some, but I felt it got in the way of the story pace.) I don't think it added to the plot. This was not my biggest issue with this book. I can tell the author is very good at character development so I was extremely disappointed that every female character was reduced to a sex toy or a potential sex toy. Absent wives were dismissed. The majority of the ladies were for sale. Virginal disgrace was used as a tool for justifiable vengeance by the male characters. The only female that could have been seen as a strong person was reduced to a potential sex partner.
Mr. O'Neil has talent and would benefit from a strong female editor to push back on his men only "hoorah" club. I am not saying he needs to put women into the whole book but maybe add some kind of value other than objects or annoyances.
The plot is a good one. The action is great. I hope Mr. O'Neil comes out with a stronger book next time. He does have a good imagination.
February 23, 2016
Special Ops Spectacle
When a highly specialized team member of a Marine Corps Special Operation is killed in a civilian gunfight, there is only one man who can take his place for a high stakes covert operation into Venezuela: Michael Blackfox. But he’s disappeared on a luxury yacht somewhere in the Caribbean with a million dollars worth of stolen gold.
Detained and conscripted into the operation, Michael Blackfox suddenly finds himself in charge after his team leader is killed in a ambush in the Venezuelan jungle. Now, he must not only save his men, but save the world...
With detailed descriptions of guns and ammunition, lots of shooting and heroic chest-thumping, and some very nasty villains in enemy territory, this novel is probably the equivalent of a soldier’s wet dream. The story is fast paced and often brilliantly written, if a bit heavy on the technical specifications.
To be honest though, like in the prequel, Tampa Star, I still found myself quite indifferent to the plight of the main characters, but in this case I could at least care about their mission.
When a highly specialized team member of a Marine Corps Special Operation is killed in a civilian gunfight, there is only one man who can take his place for a high stakes covert operation into Venezuela: Michael Blackfox. But he’s disappeared on a luxury yacht somewhere in the Caribbean with a million dollars worth of stolen gold.
Detained and conscripted into the operation, Michael Blackfox suddenly finds himself in charge after his team leader is killed in a ambush in the Venezuelan jungle. Now, he must not only save his men, but save the world...
With detailed descriptions of guns and ammunition, lots of shooting and heroic chest-thumping, and some very nasty villains in enemy territory, this novel is probably the equivalent of a soldier’s wet dream. The story is fast paced and often brilliantly written, if a bit heavy on the technical specifications.
To be honest though, like in the prequel, Tampa Star, I still found myself quite indifferent to the plight of the main characters, but in this case I could at least care about their mission.
April 26, 2014
(Reposted from Amazon.ca) "Starfish Prime," the sequel to "Tampa Star," is author T.S. O'Neil's second book in "The Blackfox Chronicals" series, and it is clear that he is hitting his stride; this novel does not disappoint. The story starts out with bang, setting up the "retired" protagonist for a very unique mission requirement. It then builds from quiet calm to a crashing crescendo of fast-paced action as the plot moves from a luxury yacht to the rain-forests of South America. Well researched and precise, the author writes with a voice of one who has been there, with a depth of detail akin to Tom Clancy or Robert Ludlum. Fans of Dale Brown and John Ringo will find this work compelling for the military accuracy and firefights. Definitely worth reading if you enjoy black ops and soldiers going above and beyond the call.
July 14, 2014
If you are in need of a holiday that is fast-paced and with a military theme, this book is for you. A well thought out plot in a setting that truly captures the imagination with no chance of slowing down, I really enjoyed it. O'Neil knows how to bring characters to life with his flawless descriptive writing and unique style of portrayal, it captures your involvement from the beginning. I couldn't put it down and I think it only took me four days to get through it. I don't usually read military based books but my friend recommended it to me and it was well worth the read. O'Neil manages to keep the subject matter to a level that is easy for the average person (non-military) such as myself, to keep up with the story at ease. I am looking forward to his next installment, an extremely talented author.
April 4, 2014
A Riveting Sequel
I read O’Neil’s first book, Tampa Star, and thoroughly enjoyed it. As such I expected a lot of this sequel and I was not disappointed. ‘Starfish Prime’ not only delivered, but exceeded my expectations. The characters are so believable, and the pace just how I like it, quick, yet not so fast that the story ran me over. At times I found myself even wondering if this were fiction, or the retelling of actual events, the author is ex military after all. I felt engaged with the story right out the gate and it kept me there the entire way through. I especially love the way the story ends and definitely anticipate another Blackfox adventure. So, dare I ask, just what did you do with that money?
I read O’Neil’s first book, Tampa Star, and thoroughly enjoyed it. As such I expected a lot of this sequel and I was not disappointed. ‘Starfish Prime’ not only delivered, but exceeded my expectations. The characters are so believable, and the pace just how I like it, quick, yet not so fast that the story ran me over. At times I found myself even wondering if this were fiction, or the retelling of actual events, the author is ex military after all. I felt engaged with the story right out the gate and it kept me there the entire way through. I especially love the way the story ends and definitely anticipate another Blackfox adventure. So, dare I ask, just what did you do with that money?
August 22, 2014
I enjoyed this book and will have to go back and read the first of the Michael Blackfox storyline to catch-up on a few things. The book was solid with a lot of military details and action. I would have enjoyed the book more if there had been more description into the settings around the Blackfox team. Topical locations could have been given more detail and less on the booze and girl action, but overall a good read and I look forward to the next Michael Blackfox adventure.
I was given the book through the goodreads giveaway program. What a great program and I thank goodreads and Mr. O'Neil for making this book available.
I was given the book through the goodreads giveaway program. What a great program and I thank goodreads and Mr. O'Neil for making this book available.
July 19, 2014
I received this book through a Good Reads giveaway. The storyline was interesting and believable and about half way through the book you find out where the name Starfish Prime comes from. What detracted from the book for me was the descriptions of sexual encounters (a paragraph here and there), which did not need to be in the book. The book was also poorly formated, with two characters speaking in the same sentence (had to re-read a few just to figure out who was speaking), and broken paragraphs. The book was still worth reading though.
January 2, 2015
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
There was lots of military detail and it was action packed.
I have not read the first box in the series, I would recommend doing that before you read this book.
There was lots of military detail and it was action packed.
I have not read the first box in the series, I would recommend doing that before you read this book.
April 10, 2014
lots of action, at times difficult to follow, would have liked more character development
November 12, 2014
This was a very interesting change for me. I totally enjoyed it!
February 15, 2015
Great book if you are a man and into military thrillers.
March 5, 2015
Starfish Prime is a fast paced action novel. Char & Michael are back and still in trouble with the law . Looking forward to their next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews