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Ford Stevens Military-Aviation Thriller #1
The Devil Dragon Pilot
A prototype jet. A covert mission. A global conspiracy with supersonic stakes.
The Devil Dragon Pilot launches the Ford Stevens military-thriller series from #1 Amazon bestselling author and former combat pilot Lawrence Colby—an explosive, real-world aviation thriller packed with espionage, black ops, and high-speed danger.
How do you capture the fastest plane in the world… without starting a war?
Concealed deep inside Chinese airspace, the Devil Dragon is an experimental stealth jet capable of reaching speeds that defy radar. When U.S. intelligence intercepts encrypted transmissions linked to the aircraft, Captain Ford Stevens is called into action.
His mission:
Slip undetected into hostile territory
Track a ghost aircraft that officially doesn’t exist
And bring back intelligence without leaving a trace
But what begins as a high-risk recon mission unravels into a deadly web of global espionage, rogue agents, and political betrayal. As Stevens closes in, he realizes the Devil Dragon isn’t just a threat to air superiority, it’s part of a conspiracy that could trigger a new world war.
Written by a real-life military aviator, The Devil Dragon Pilot blends authentic cockpit experience, emerging tech, and breakneck pacing into a technothriller fans of Mark Greaney, Dale Brown, and Jack Carr won’t be able to put down.
Perfect for readers who love:
Military thrillers with real-world authenticity
Hypersonic aircraft and stealth technology
High-stakes international intrigue
Strong protagonists in dangerous global operations
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2016
737 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence A. Colby
4 books65 followersLawrence Colby is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Ford Stevens Military Thriller Series, including The Devil Dragon Pilot, The Black Scorpion Pilot, Target Area, and The Buffalo Pilot.
A former U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force military pilot, Colby flew missions across the globe and later served as an advisor at the Pentagon. His thrillers blend real-world aviation, geopolitical conflict, and insider military strategy, earning praise from readers who love the authenticity of Mark Greaney, Jack Carr, and Brad Thor.
Colby’s characters, pilots, special agents, and intelligence operatives, operate in high-stakes environments where the wrong decision could change the course of history. His writing draws on decades of military experience, including global deployments, unique roles, and top-level policy assignments in Washington, D.C.
When he’s not writing, Colby advises defense innovation leaders, speaks on strategy, and develops future leadership programs. His stories are fast, sharp, and packed with mission-driven tension grounded in truth.
Genres: Military Thrillers, Aviation Fiction, Political Thrillers, Technothrillers
Influences: Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, Vince Flynn, Brad Taylor
Website: www.authorlacolby.com
Follow him @AuthorLAColby on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and giveaways.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 17, 2019
I wasn't expecting much. The author sent me a connection request on here, and I, for some odd reason, accepted it. Smart marketing move on his part, I suppose. Reviews by others were generally favorable, and those that were invoked similarities to Clancy and others of that genre. I doubted that, because if this guy was that good, why had I never heard of him. I'm glad I got past my own arrogance and gave this book a shot, though I would compare him more to Stephen Coonts (Flight of the Intruder, etc), which is a good thing. Flight of the Intruder was one of the first novels I ever read, helped me learn to enjoy reading, and I still have fond memories of that book.
I came to really like some of the characters, and all the main ones were developed very well. The story is intriguing and plausible, both important to me in this type of book. The author's knowledge and experience came through and helped provide a level of technical details and general accuracy.
There wasn't much I didn't like. Some subplots just kind of died off. I'm hoping some of those are picked up in future stories. Because I will be reading his other books. I started a skeptic, but reading Black Scorpion is in my future.
I came to really like some of the characters, and all the main ones were developed very well. The story is intriguing and plausible, both important to me in this type of book. The author's knowledge and experience came through and helped provide a level of technical details and general accuracy.
There wasn't much I didn't like. Some subplots just kind of died off. I'm hoping some of those are picked up in future stories. Because I will be reading his other books. I started a skeptic, but reading Black Scorpion is in my future.
January 13, 2018
This is a hard book to rate. The plot and the story are very interesting (probably 4.5 stars), the technical details are really good (5 stars), but the writing is in need of another round of editing that adheres to the "less is more" principle, not only on the sentence level but the paragraph level as well. It would make the prose more snappy and crisp. The author clearly knows his material and writes about flying as only a military pilot can, but there is material that would be better left out of the book. The realism aspect (as in, "this could really happen") was strained, but it's fiction after all and the strength of the story made up for this deficit.
The net effect is that in the first chapter or three I was tempted to abandon the book, but as the plot unfolded I got caught up into the story. It's a fun book. If you decide to read it, hang in there and you will ultimately be rewarded with a good tale.
The net effect is that in the first chapter or three I was tempted to abandon the book, but as the plot unfolded I got caught up into the story. It's a fun book. If you decide to read it, hang in there and you will ultimately be rewarded with a good tale.
August 21, 2017
Good story but...
This has to be one of the most poorly edited books I've read in a long time. It's full of awkward phrasing, typos and outright errors. No pilot would say "gulf" for the phonetic alphabet letter "G". Did a human bother to proof this before publishing or was it just run through a spell checker?
This has to be one of the most poorly edited books I've read in a long time. It's full of awkward phrasing, typos and outright errors. No pilot would say "gulf" for the phonetic alphabet letter "G". Did a human bother to proof this before publishing or was it just run through a spell checker?
August 5, 2020
I can not say enough about this book. I absolutely loved it. Love the story and the characters even better!!! A lot of Clancy influence, great writing and development. And amazing knowledge and research on the subject. Highly recommend this book. So detailed that I hope one day Mr. Lawrence Colby gets to write a Clancy book. It would be an instant #1.
August 31, 2020
Excellent military aviation thriller. The story starts rather slow but it never gets dull and if you are patient you will be heavily rewarded because it’s a thrilling and gripping story. What I liked most about this book was the strong and likeable characters. This was a great start to this series and I’ll definitely read book 2 and 3 in the series. I highly recommend this book.
May 18, 2022
If you ever wanted to feel like a fighter pilot, this book is for you. Colby was clearly a great pilot and it shows in the pages. The story itself is fun and exciting, even heartbreaking at times. Can't wait to get the 2nd one going.
February 20, 2019
Great characterization
Clear pictures of the players. I like that a lot. The attitude of the military characters was spot on. Life of a lifer was also real ... I know
Clear pictures of the players. I like that a lot. The attitude of the military characters was spot on. Life of a lifer was also real ... I know
February 16, 2017
This is an interesting tale of two teenagers, Ford Stevens and Wu Lee, who became best friends when Stevens family was stationed in China with a major oil company. Fifteen years later, the friendship is still strong. Stevens is now a USAF captain, flying the B-2 stealth bomber. Wu is a captain in the People's Liberation Army Air Force, and a test pilot for a Chinese version of an all purpose stealth aircraft unknown to the western world. Unusual circumstances, mainly Wu's CO, the egomaniacal, micromanaging Lt. Gen. He Chen, and Wu's own health problems, bring Stevens and Wu together again in a daring plan to spirit the "Devil Dragon" to the west without the Chinese knowing where it has disappeared to. The obstacles they face, and how they address them, makes a very interesting story.
January 29, 2019
An LC. Military Action Mystery/Mach 5 Aiircraft
LC. had. Planned a military action mystery about two boys who become bomber pilots. One for the United States and one for China. The U.S. Pilot flies the B-1 and the Chinese pilot flies the new Chinese Mach 5 aircraft. The Chinese pilot filings that he has pancreatic cancer and decided he wants to deliver the Mach 5 aircraft to the US. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
LC. had. Planned a military action mystery about two boys who become bomber pilots. One for the United States and one for China. The U.S. Pilot flies the B-1 and the Chinese pilot flies the new Chinese Mach 5 aircraft. The Chinese pilot filings that he has pancreatic cancer and decided he wants to deliver the Mach 5 aircraft to the US. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
August 18, 2020
Hard-to-Believe Plot; Unexpected Tear-Jerker Ending
The character development of this story — and the “you REALLY have to suspend disbelief” at how the main characters revolve around each other — are what stops this from being a 5-star review. The gist of the plot isn’t hard to believe, but the mechanics of how it was pulled off don’t fit reality. The ‘real’ ending was a complete surprise, and pulled the book back to Earth.
The character development of this story — and the “you REALLY have to suspend disbelief” at how the main characters revolve around each other — are what stops this from being a 5-star review. The gist of the plot isn’t hard to believe, but the mechanics of how it was pulled off don’t fit reality. The ‘real’ ending was a complete surprise, and pulled the book back to Earth.
November 20, 2018
The Strength of the Story is Its Characters
The story itself was almost predictable and had it not been for Lawrence Colby's unique gift of bringing his characters to life, it would have rated lower. It's all aided by Mr. Colby's amazing knowledge of military procedures both air and sea. I could see myself again back when I was assigned to an aircraft carrier.
The story itself was almost predictable and had it not been for Lawrence Colby's unique gift of bringing his characters to life, it would have rated lower. It's all aided by Mr. Colby's amazing knowledge of military procedures both air and sea. I could see myself again back when I was assigned to an aircraft carrier.
February 20, 2020
Great read
Exceptional "fictional" military story. Right up there with Clancy. Suspense and action like W.E.B. Griffith. Great Carrier story as well. Looking forward to Black Scorpion. Why 4 and not 5 stars, because there needs to be room for improvement. Similar to an "OK" trap.
Exceptional "fictional" military story. Right up there with Clancy. Suspense and action like W.E.B. Griffith. Great Carrier story as well. Looking forward to Black Scorpion. Why 4 and not 5 stars, because there needs to be room for improvement. Similar to an "OK" trap.
September 30, 2021
Stealing a Chinese stealth bomber isn't easy
I liked this story a lot. At 9-some hours long, it isn't an easy read what with a fair amount of military abbreviations and long explanations. I was especially surprised at the way Intelligence can home in on all kinds of electronic airwave traffic. Very enlightening.
I liked this story a lot. At 9-some hours long, it isn't an easy read what with a fair amount of military abbreviations and long explanations. I was especially surprised at the way Intelligence can home in on all kinds of electronic airwave traffic. Very enlightening.
February 3, 2017
A real tear jerker ending
Somewhat similar to an earlier story and movie, with a air force officer stealing a Russian airplane. To many coincidences and unbelievable agency cooperation.
Somewhat similar to an earlier story and movie, with a air force officer stealing a Russian airplane. To many coincidences and unbelievable agency cooperation.
August 23, 2018
Great Action Thriller
Fast moving aviation thriller with intrigue and excitement bringing in a warm touch of human reality. Details of military intelligence, military politics, and aviation technology were entertaining keeping the reader engaged.
Fast moving aviation thriller with intrigue and excitement bringing in a warm touch of human reality. Details of military intelligence, military politics, and aviation technology were entertaining keeping the reader engaged.
February 24, 2019
A Thriller From Head To Toe, With Heart!
I thoroughly enjoyed this work of fiction, and realize how dangerously free our nation really is!! This book is quite plausible. In today's world, we must always see the Chinese as worthy adversaries.
I thoroughly enjoyed this work of fiction, and realize how dangerously free our nation really is!! This book is quite plausible. In today's world, we must always see the Chinese as worthy adversaries.
October 17, 2019
Thought it was a good read but probably bias because I love aviation. I liked how the author wrote the book in different perspectives from each character. It kept you wanting to keep reading, ending each section like a cliff hanger.
August 27, 2020
Excellent military flight thriller
Good character development with realistic dialogue. Different characters reflect different real style personality. I intend to try other books in series.
Good character development with realistic dialogue. Different characters reflect different real style personality. I intend to try other books in series.
September 16, 2020
Great read. Highly recommend.
Excellent book! Grabbed you from the start and kept going to the end. Excellent ending. Look forward to reading the other books on 's in the series.
Excellent book! Grabbed you from the start and kept going to the end. Excellent ending. Look forward to reading the other books on 's in the series.
November 10, 2018
Very good
A great story, enjoyed reading and looked forward to my next chance to read. I highly recommend this book. Thankyou
A great story, enjoyed reading and looked forward to my next chance to read. I highly recommend this book. Thankyou
January 14, 2019
Great military fiction
If you like Clancy or Brown you will enjoy this. Great characters and very good plot development. I couldn't put it down .
If you like Clancy or Brown you will enjoy this. Great characters and very good plot development. I couldn't put it down .
October 23, 2021
Great read
An interesting twist on military aviation thrillers. Technical information is matched well with personal interaction of characters and a believable plot!
An interesting twist on military aviation thrillers. Technical information is matched well with personal interaction of characters and a believable plot!
July 16, 2023
good read
A good read that was mostly plausible. Some tech errors about the Gettysburg but not too distracting to the story.
A good read that was mostly plausible. Some tech errors about the Gettysburg but not too distracting to the story.
May 24, 2019
Nail biting, page turning read
I really enjoy military read, but Lawrence Colby captures all aspect of military operations with a human touch that allows anyone to connect to his story. An aviation enthusiast myself his description and explanation allow anyone with any background to understand and connect with this story. The human side with Wu's sickness was even emotional that makes this book such a page turner. Great job Mr. Colby l, I cant wait to read the second book in the series and the rest of your writings.
I really enjoy military read, but Lawrence Colby captures all aspect of military operations with a human touch that allows anyone to connect to his story. An aviation enthusiast myself his description and explanation allow anyone with any background to understand and connect with this story. The human side with Wu's sickness was even emotional that makes this book such a page turner. Great job Mr. Colby l, I cant wait to read the second book in the series and the rest of your writings.
May 11, 2020
Captivating/gripping
Could not put it down. Looking forward to more from Cheese Colby. Caution: may lead to sleep deprivation! Keep writing!
Could not put it down. Looking forward to more from Cheese Colby. Caution: may lead to sleep deprivation! Keep writing!
February 20, 2019
Solid read.
Good story line. Not too technical. Really makes you care about and pull for the main characters. Have fun reading this book.
Good story line. Not too technical. Really makes you care about and pull for the main characters. Have fun reading this book.
March 20, 2020
Dam n good story
Good story, good writing, good characters, recommend and look forward to next book. They want more words about this one.
Good story, good writing, good characters, recommend and look forward to next book. They want more words about this one.
May 31, 2021
A Contemporary Military Thriller
Well done adventure that certainly could be a real happening in today’s military, political and human experience. Hats off to the author!
Well done adventure that certainly could be a real happening in today’s military, political and human experience. Hats off to the author!
October 10, 2021
Interesting but far fetched book about a Chinese stealth jet and defector pilot
November 23, 2021
Good original story ..I loved the characters, but that being said, the editing was poor, contained a lot of grammatical and spelling errors and long phrasing or poor phrasing ..am looking forward to the other 2 books , hopefully with pest typos or grammatical errors ..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews