The Aviators

by Chuck Grossart

LT Blake "Scratch" Adler is on a classified mission deep in hostile space, a mission that might prevent another war...or unleash a holocaust. *** THE AVIATORS is the first of a series of three novella-length stories, each one a stand-alone prequel to my military science fiction novel, FLEET OPPOSED, the first book of THE HAN WARS series (release date October 1, 2019). In each of the three stories, THE AVIATORS, THE INFANTRY, and THE SPACERS, you'll get a glimpse inside three different service communities in the Republic Combined Fleet, and maybe meet a few characters who will make an appearance in FLEET OPPOSED or subsequent books. All three novellas are now available in single paperback volume titled FLEET OPPOSED - THE PREQUELS. If you're a reader who prefers a dead tree version, I've got you covered!

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2018

About the author

Chuck is an award-winning and Amazon #1 best-selling author in Action & Adventure, Genetic Engineering, Post-Apocalyptic & Dystopian sci fi, Military Thrillers, Conspiracy Thrillers, and Suspense fiction (US, UK, and Australian Kindle stores). He lives outside of Omaha, Nebraska, with his very patient & understanding wife, along with a giant German Shepherd named Duke, a giant Golden Pyredoodle named Holly Jo, and tons and tons of dog hair.

You can contact Chuck through his website (www.chuckgrossart.com), on Facebook (@ChuckGrossartAuthor), or on Twitter (@chuckgrossart).

His latest military sci fi novel, OF ENEMIES AND ALLIES (The Han Wars Book 5), was released on August 13, 2022. Look for the 6th and final book of The Han Wars, REQUIEM FOR THE WARRIOR, coming soon.

Awards & Accolades:
- 2017 Killer Nashville Reader’s Choice Award Finalist for Best Fiction Adult Fantasy/Science Fiction Novel
- 2017 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award Finalist for Best Fiction Adult Horror/Science Fiction Novel
- 2016 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award Winner for Best Science Fiction Novel
- 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Winner for Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror
- #1 US Kindle bestseller (THE GEMINI EFFECT)
- #1 Science Fiction author, US Kindle store
- #1 Science Fiction & Fantasy author, US Kindle store
- #1 Action & Adventure author, US Kindle store
- #2 Mystery, Thriller & Suspense author, US Kindle store
- #2 author, US Kindle store (all categories)

Reviews

[Chris Roby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

This is the first book by Chuck Grossart I have read, and it wasn't a disappointment! Having served in a carrier air wing I connected well with the characters and feel of the carrier. I know the smells, the hum of the ship, the banter of aviators. The author captured it in this short story set in an era of galactic uncertainty.

[Derek Rabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to nit pick any military style book if the military bearing of key characters doesn't fit what I think they should be like. I was not in the Air Force or Space Force so I don't have experience there but the military bearing in the book was excellent. Really enjoyed the main players and story and can not wait for the next chapter.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great prequel to Mr Grossart's upcoming novels. Can't wait to read the next couple too

[Socrate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soneria de alarmă suna întotdeauna în cel mai nepotrivit moment.

Lieutenant Blake ”Scratch” Adler se afla de șapte ceasuri într-un schimb de stare de alertă de 20 ore și s-a hotărât să încerce să închidă ochii câteva minute – împotriva regulamentului, dar 20 ore e un timp lung, în care stăteai în echipamentul de zbor nefăcând nimic decât să aștepți, doar ascultând cum costumul îți procesează eliminările fiziologice. A sărit din scaun și și-a înhățat casca, după care s-a împiedicat în propriile picioare și a căzut în fund pe punte.

Soneria a încetat să mai sune, fiind înlocuită de vocea air bossului aflat la datorie ce a răsunat de undeva de deasupra capului.

„Lansare de urgență, lansare de urgență, tuburile 1 la 6. Tuburile 7 la 12 rămân în standby.”

Nu era sigur cât timp ațipise – se părea că doar ce închisese ochii câteva secunde – dar izbucnirea alarmei l-a trezit din mini-somnul său precum un șoc electric. Cu asta te alegi dacă adormi, blegule. A sărit în picioare și a simțit puntea se mișcă sub el. Amortizoarele interconectate cu structura navei anulau cea mai mare parte a efectelor schimbărilor în inerție, totuși el încă o putea simți. Bulwark manevra. Violent.

Squadronul său, Red Rippers, împărțea în această săptămână sarcinile „alarmei” cu Death Rattlers din VFA-323. Douăsprezece păsări în tuburi – câte șase din fiecare squadron – cu reactoare puternice și încărcătură completă de armament, gata de lansare în orice moment.

Ca acum.

Tuburile 1 la 6 erau pentru squadronul său. Ele vor lansa, în timp ce ceilalți șase piloți din VFA-323 vor rămâne în păsările lor, gata oricând pentru lansare din tuburile 7 la 12.

În această misiune, Scratch Adler era Ripper 6.

[Suki Rickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 novella

Book 1 of the novellas was a fun read and had a few errors. The plot and characters are well developed for a short story. The overall is exciting and had a few interesting twists. I look forward to the other novellas and the book.