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Dan Morgan #3
Black Skies
“A ripping story—rough, tough, and entertaining.” —Meg Gardiner
“Maloney is the new master of the modern spy game.” —Mark Sullivan
In his most explosive thriller to date, Black Ops veteran Leo J. Mahoney goes deep inside a vast global conspiracy bent on the annihilation of the United States—by land, by sea, and by air…
Black Skies
A team of Navy SEALs wiped out in a surprise attack. A motorcade of dignitaries ambushed—and the U.S. Secretary of State abducted. But this is no random act of terror. A vision of evil unprecedented in scope has been triggered.
The enemy will not stop until the skies over America are black with death and destruction. CIA veterans Dan Morgan and Peter Conley—code names Cobra and Cougar—are America’s last chance at averting an unthinkable scenario of bloodshed . . .
Praise for Leo J. Maloney’s Novels
“Everything a thriller reader wants.”—Ben Coes on Silent Assassin
“This is one outstanding thriller.”—John Gilstrap on Termination Orders
“High-powered…tense and terrifying!”—Hank Phillippi Ryan on Termination Orders
93,500 Words
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
121 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 26, 2021
Another good one from Maloney. Morgan and company get better with each book. This plot almost felt like it could happen today. It’s crazy to feel that way but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if a nut case billionaire and power hungry politician or two tried to take over our government and country...
June 29, 2017
Things fall into place too conveniently for my preference, but giving a 4 star for entertainment value.
October 19, 2014
Maloney brings Dan Morgan back for another adventure, filled with military ops thrills and drama from beginning to end. When the US Secretary of State is kidnapped in an ambush while visiting Pakistan, US Forces are on high alert. A Seal Team has already been killed in a trap while tracking down a known terrorist and US tempers are as high as ever. A team is sent in to track down the Secretary's whereabouts somewhere between Pakistan and Afghanistan, while intel shows that the true mastermind of the operation might be using militants in the region, while keeping their hands clean for a larger operation. Morgan and his team are sent on a mission to Europe to cut the head off the proverbial snake, will little success. After Morgan returns to US soil, he learns that there are plans to use a weapon that could make a missing Cabinet member minor inconvenience. As time ticks down and Morgan gets a second chance, he best not allow anything to stand in his way to success, even a wayward daughter seeking her father's approval. Maloney's fast-paced novel keeps the reader hooked from the opening paragraph through to the final acknowledgements.
In a genre rich with superior writers and memorable characters, it is difficult to carve out a niche and make that lasting impression. Maloney has succeeded in doing this, receiving praise from some of the best in he business while keeping the story fresh and the action high. Maloney is also able to successfully tell a story from numerous perspectives using various locales to keep the plot advancing and the characters plentiful. The more novels that feature Dan Morgan, the better Maloney will fare, which seems obvious, but cannot be taken for granted. Maloney uses the family factor to create a more personal Dan Morgan; more grounded and less likely to engage in vapid romances. This not only enriches the character, but helps individualise the plot from a great deal of the other books on offer.
Kudos, Mr. Maloney for this great piece of fiction, as intriguing as anything on the market at present.
In a genre rich with superior writers and memorable characters, it is difficult to carve out a niche and make that lasting impression. Maloney has succeeded in doing this, receiving praise from some of the best in he business while keeping the story fresh and the action high. Maloney is also able to successfully tell a story from numerous perspectives using various locales to keep the plot advancing and the characters plentiful. The more novels that feature Dan Morgan, the better Maloney will fare, which seems obvious, but cannot be taken for granted. Maloney uses the family factor to create a more personal Dan Morgan; more grounded and less likely to engage in vapid romances. This not only enriches the character, but helps individualise the plot from a great deal of the other books on offer.
Kudos, Mr. Maloney for this great piece of fiction, as intriguing as anything on the market at present.
February 28, 2024
eBook Review - Black Skies - Leo J. Maloney
“Black Skies,” Book 3 in author Leo J. Maloney’s Dan Morgan series is rough, tough, and exciting in this black ops thriller. CIA paramilitary veterans Dan Morgan and Peter Conley - code names Cobra and Cougar - are America's last chance at averting additional unthinkable and unexpected terrorists attacks. The story starts out with a team of US Navy SEALs being wiped out in a surprised violent attack. Then, in another coordinated and flawlessly executed terrorist act, the US Secretary of State is abducted. With evil, terror, death and destruction all prevalent in the unprecedented attacks - Morgan and Conley are called upon to try and stop the continuation of bloodshed. A fast paced storyline, entertainingly written with insurmountable action and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Black Skies is intense, thrilling, and unpredictable. Maloney’s black ops experiences shine in the storytelling and gives the book a sense of authenticity, especially when the bullets started flying! It was hard to put my iPad down. Again, an exciting and exhilarating ‘Black Ops’ read.
“Black Skies,” Book 3 in author Leo J. Maloney’s Dan Morgan series is rough, tough, and exciting in this black ops thriller. CIA paramilitary veterans Dan Morgan and Peter Conley - code names Cobra and Cougar - are America's last chance at averting additional unthinkable and unexpected terrorists attacks. The story starts out with a team of US Navy SEALs being wiped out in a surprised violent attack. Then, in another coordinated and flawlessly executed terrorist act, the US Secretary of State is abducted. With evil, terror, death and destruction all prevalent in the unprecedented attacks - Morgan and Conley are called upon to try and stop the continuation of bloodshed. A fast paced storyline, entertainingly written with insurmountable action and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Black Skies is intense, thrilling, and unpredictable. Maloney’s black ops experiences shine in the storytelling and gives the book a sense of authenticity, especially when the bullets started flying! It was hard to put my iPad down. Again, an exciting and exhilarating ‘Black Ops’ read.
November 6, 2014
Great Story
I read this book in one day. There were a lot of twists and turns it really held my interest.
I read this book in one day. There were a lot of twists and turns it really held my interest.
April 1, 2019
I liked the previous books,especially since he is a local(to me) Author, and I know most of the landmarks in Boston he references.but even for fiction this is a little far fetched. A trained highly skilled special operative gets followed to his secret headquarters by his novice know it all daughter, and he "knows" it is not her, because he bought her a Pink motorcycle helmet, and the person on this motorcycle is wearing a black one? And after an attack, she follows the perpetrators to upper New York State from Boston without being noticed. Where the Uber Bond villian, really, a bored German multi gazillionaire industrialist who's attempting to overthrow the US Government just to see if he can, is landing one of the Largest cargo aircraft in the world on a "secret" airfield hacked out of the forest. Unbelievable on a few notes, even for fiction. Otherwise, I will give thumbs up for the introduction of a new team member, and even though [MHO] the plot is, well, kind of dumb. Not to mention, betrayal by not only a security vetted board member, but an entire team of so called trusted agents. And the CIA deputy cheating on his wife with his assistant because he thought they were going to be killed , only to not be, and instantly regretting it, was kind of pointless. It served zero purpose to the overall story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2022
Terrific entry in the Dan Morgan series…much better than the second entry! I was losing interest after the second book in the series, but after reading this one, I’m hooked!
Plot summary: The Secretary of State is kidnapped in Pakistan and it appears that a terrorist took him…but we discover later it was part of a plot to make the Secretary of State the new U.S. President, which included also a terrorist attack to kill the President and other members in the line of succession. Morgan and Conley + Zeta are involved. The plot included the Lamda Division of the Aegis initiative, a German billionaire, and more. Morgan’s daughter Alex helps to find the EMP and stop the nuclear attack. Morgan and Jenny’s marriage seems stronger and also Morgan has a strong relationship now with Jenny. New character: Lily, a former MI-5 agent. Cliffhangers include: how will Zeta Division recover from the bombing of its headquarters? Who is on the Aegis board? Will Alex join Zeta Division since an invitation is going to be extended to her? What will happen to CIA man Buck’s marriage to Rose now that he’s cheating on his wife with his coworker Cynthia? And will Buck give up working for the CIA and go with Zeta?
Plot summary: The Secretary of State is kidnapped in Pakistan and it appears that a terrorist took him…but we discover later it was part of a plot to make the Secretary of State the new U.S. President, which included also a terrorist attack to kill the President and other members in the line of succession. Morgan and Conley + Zeta are involved. The plot included the Lamda Division of the Aegis initiative, a German billionaire, and more. Morgan’s daughter Alex helps to find the EMP and stop the nuclear attack. Morgan and Jenny’s marriage seems stronger and also Morgan has a strong relationship now with Jenny. New character: Lily, a former MI-5 agent. Cliffhangers include: how will Zeta Division recover from the bombing of its headquarters? Who is on the Aegis board? Will Alex join Zeta Division since an invitation is going to be extended to her? What will happen to CIA man Buck’s marriage to Rose now that he’s cheating on his wife with his coworker Cynthia? And will Buck give up working for the CIA and go with Zeta?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
Black Skies is an adrenaline-charged ride from the very first chapter to the last. Leo J. Maloney has a gift for combining high-stakes action with authentic detail, and this third installment in the Dan Morgan series does not disappoint.
The story kicks off with a shocking ambush that wipes out a Navy SEAL team and abducts the U.S. Secretary of State, immediately setting the stage for a global-scale conspiracy. From there, the pacing never lets up. Maloney captures the intensity of covert operations and the razor-thin line between survival and disaster in a way that feels both cinematic and believable.
Dan Morgan and Peter Conley (Cobra and Cougar) make a compelling duo, battle-hardened, loyal, and relentless. Their mission to stop a plot bent on America’s destruction had me hooked, and I loved how their partnership carried the story through moments of tension and humanity amidst the chaos.
The story kicks off with a shocking ambush that wipes out a Navy SEAL team and abducts the U.S. Secretary of State, immediately setting the stage for a global-scale conspiracy. From there, the pacing never lets up. Maloney captures the intensity of covert operations and the razor-thin line between survival and disaster in a way that feels both cinematic and believable.
Dan Morgan and Peter Conley (Cobra and Cougar) make a compelling duo, battle-hardened, loyal, and relentless. Their mission to stop a plot bent on America’s destruction had me hooked, and I loved how their partnership carried the story through moments of tension and humanity amidst the chaos.
February 12, 2018
Another Dan Morgan adventure starts with the Secretary of being kidnapped in Pakistan. As the team and other US operators try to find him, the team may have uncovered a more sinister plot that will affect the whole US.
March 2, 2023
I just cannot believe how silly many parts of this series happens. It is not just over the top but like I mentioned, silly. This cannot be compared at all with Kyle Mills Mitch Rapp series. Not even in the same conversation.
October 18, 2017
Leo J Maloney wites excellent spy thrillers. His Dan Morgan series is a great deal of fun and Black Skies is no exception
November 9, 2017
Another killer masterpiece by this author!
What a ride!
The pace is relentlace and the action nonstop. I absolutely love this series and hope it goes on
What a ride!
The pace is relentlace and the action nonstop. I absolutely love this series and hope it goes on
May 22, 2018
Another great read!
March 26, 2020
Heart thumping from a former black ops author. Malony's best so far and one of the genres best.
January 12, 2022
Dan Morgan thrillers are always a good read
I enjoyed the book and the plot twists along the way. The Dan Morgan series is very good and I recommend reading.
I enjoyed the book and the plot twists along the way. The Dan Morgan series is very good and I recommend reading.
September 19, 2022
Pretty Good
Pretty good book with a good pace. A little simplistic, but fun and a quick read. A different type action story.
Pretty good book with a good pace. A little simplistic, but fun and a quick read. A different type action story.
June 24, 2024
Cheesy and predictable but fast pace and entertaining.
December 1, 2014
The writing of this thriller is somewhat inconsistent. Furthermore, Dan Morgan is the kind of hero who can do no wrong, thus the lack of a complex personalities. There is no self-doubt; his most regrettable action is failure to spend more time with his family. The action scenes, on the other hand are well written and can be easily followed. Actions skip around and are thus somewhat hard to follow. Sometimes with this type of novel the interest is with the bad guy and how may ways the author can heighten his evil. In this novel Dan Morgan faces a bored billionaire.
October 30, 2014
A great counter terrorism book.
A fantastic thriller with many twists & turns that will keep you guessing right to the end. The story has some very interesting characters who are very believable.
A fantastic thriller with many twists & turns that will keep you guessing right to the end. The story has some very interesting characters who are very believable.
November 17, 2014
Excellent read...fast past, good characters, plausible plot line, build up to finish. I really enjoyed this will read more of Maloney's books. Nearly as good as with Lee Child's earlier Jack Reacher novels.
January 11, 2015
Great ride!!
Mr. Maloney succeeds in having good plots, great action, great characters, interwoven themes and excellent writing. This is only the second novel that I've read but I'm sold on this author's skills and this character (Dan Morgan).
Mr. Maloney succeeds in having good plots, great action, great characters, interwoven themes and excellent writing. This is only the second novel that I've read but I'm sold on this author's skills and this character (Dan Morgan).
January 21, 2016
Action packed, unpredictable, and satisfying.
Explosive thriller, continued Morgan suspense and action. I look forward to the next book in this series, well done. Enjoyed the ride. Thank you.
Explosive thriller, continued Morgan suspense and action. I look forward to the next book in this series, well done. Enjoyed the ride. Thank you.
March 25, 2016
Dan Morgan Book one was good; Book 2 is even better
Thoroughly enjoyed the read. Even though I've consumed enough books in this genre to become pretty cynical, I found this to be a real page turner. Looking forward to starting Book 3.
Thoroughly enjoyed the read. Even though I've consumed enough books in this genre to become pretty cynical, I found this to be a real page turner. Looking forward to starting Book 3.
November 4, 2014
Good read
good read
keeps interest on every page.I look forward to other books Morgan,his writing style makes .for easy reading tee and keeps your interest high.
good read
keeps interest on every page.I look forward to other books Morgan,his writing style makes .for easy reading tee and keeps your interest high.
November 24, 2014
I was given this book as a free book from the author - I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read the first book by this author.
February 13, 2015
EXCELLENT
That's it in one word! EXCELLENT
UNFORTUNATELY REVIEW RULES INSIST I CONTINUE EXCELLENT
READ IT YOU'LL LOVE IT.THAT'S ALL....READ IT
That's it in one word! EXCELLENT
UNFORTUNATELY REVIEW RULES INSIST I CONTINUE EXCELLENT
READ IT YOU'LL LOVE IT.THAT'S ALL....READ IT
June 1, 2015
Great ride
The best and most exciting of the Dan Morgan books yet! Mitt is fun if somewhat predictable. An easy read worth the time
The best and most exciting of the Dan Morgan books yet! Mitt is fun if somewhat predictable. An easy read worth the time
June 8, 2015
Dan Morgan! Your Daughter!?
Frightening! Haunting. And fun. Our government is stronger than our enemies might think. I enjoyed this book. Hope you do too.
Frightening! Haunting. And fun. Our government is stronger than our enemies might think. I enjoyed this book. Hope you do too.
January 7, 2016
Loved this book
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and the two before Can't wait to start Book 4. I'm hoping for a Alex Morgan series in the coming months.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and the two before Can't wait to start Book 4. I'm hoping for a Alex Morgan series in the coming months.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews