Lions of the Sky

by Paco Chierici

In the world of fighter pilots, the most alpha of the alpha, competition is everything and the stakes are impossibly high. A Top Gun for the new millennium, LIONS OF THE SKY propels us into a realm in which friendship, loyalty, and skill are tested, battles won and lost in an instant, and lives irrevocably changed in the time it takes to plug in your afterburners.

Sam Richardson is a fighter pilot’s pilot, a reluctant legend with a gut-eating secret. He is in the last span of his tour as an instructor, yearning to get back to the real action of the Fleet, when he is ordered to take on one last class—a class that will force him to confront his carefully quarantined demons.

Brash, carefree, and naturally gifted, Keely Silvers is the embodiment of all that grates on him. After years of single-minded dedication, she and her classmates can see the finish line. They are months away from achieving their life-long dream, flying Navy F/A-18 fighters. They are smart and hard-working, but they’re just kids with expensive new toys. They’re eager to rush through training and escape to the freedom of the world beyond, a world they view as a playground full of fast jets and exotic locales.

But Sam knows there is a darker side to the profession he loves. There is trouble brewing in the East with global implications. If they make it past him they will be cast into a dangerous world where enemy planes cruise the skies over the South China Sea like sharks, loaded with real weapons and hidden intentions.

Early Praise for Lions of the Sky "Gripping, fast paced, and authentic. If you want a real, edge of the envelope thriller, look no further!" — Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, pilot and New York Times bestselling author "A humdinger of a book..." ...a terrific window into a world very few people see. —The Honorable Ray Mabus, 75th United States Secretary of the Navy "An intense, and personal, and thrilling. A must read!" —Lea Gabrielle. Journalist and F/A-18 Naval Aviator "Francesco “Paco” Chierici made flying some of the U.S. Navy’s most treacherous fighters look easy. His eye for detail, salty irreverence, and skill as both an aviator and a writer, make this fictional work very real. Strap in for an unforgettable ride." — Dave Hirschman, Author of Hijacked – The True Story of the Heroes of Flight 705, and AOPA Pilot Editor at Large "An experienced fighter pilot, Chierici knows what he’s writing about here. Fans of military fiction, strap into your favorite ejection seat and get ready for a high speed, G-pulling, missile-shooting thrill ride." — Ward Carroll, author of Punk’s War, Punk’s Wing, and Punk’s Fight "Chierici’s debut novel is an unforgettable story of pride, lust, loss, betrayal and redemption...set today in a carrier-based fighter squadron in combat!" — Kevin Miller, bestselling author of the ‘Raven One’ trilogy "A high-octane blend of seawater, adrenaline, and human drama. LIONS OF THE SKY comes off the deck with afterburners roaring and never lets up." — Jeff Edwards, bestselling author of ‘Sea of Shadows’ and ‘Steel Wind’

Genres: Fiction, Aviation, Military Fiction, Thriller, War

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2019

About the author

During his active duty career in the U.S. Navy, Francesco "Paco" Chierici flew A-6E Intruders and F-14A Tomcats, deployed to conflict zones from Somalia to Iraq and was stationed aboard carriers including the USS Ranger, Nimitz and Kitty Hawk. Unable to give up dogfighting, he flew the F-5 Tiger II for a further ten years as a Bandit. Throughout his military career, Paco accumulated 3,000 tactical hours, 400 carrier landings, a Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star and three Strike/Flight Air Medals.

Prior to writing Lions in the Sky, Paco published extensively in Aviation Classics Magazine, AOPA Magazine, and Fighter Sweep, as well as creating and producing the award winning naval aviation documentary Speed and Angels.

Currently a 737 captain, Paco can often be found in the skies above California flying a Yak-50 with a group of likeminded G-hounds to get his dogfighting fix. A graduate of Boston University, Paco lives in Northern California with his wife Hillary, and two children.

Reviews

[Skip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically, you're reading the movie "Top Gun" without the eye candy. The book blurb is a very poor summary of this novel, which is ostensibly about women trying to become naval aviators, and the extra challenges facing them because of their gender. Overall, I thought the book was weak in character development, weaker in plot, until the stunning air combat in the South China Sea at the end. The novel could have been significantly improved with a greater focus on the activities of the rogue Chinese general and his mercenary.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of aviation/military novels, I really enjoyed this book. It will leave you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. Not to sound cliché but this book does instantly remind you of Top Gun. Yet, you could saw this is the female version. Keeley is the perfect female lead.

She could hold her own against the men in this book. In fact, she gave them back more then she received. However, she had the skills to back up her cockiness. Speaking of the men in this book; I liked each and every one of them as well. There is not one that I can pick as a favorite.

Readers will really enjoy this book. It is fast paced with engaging characters. It was like a movie playing in my head the whole time I was reading it. Mr. Chierci's wealth of in depth knowledge really does play nicely to this book. This book may take place in the sky but it deserves a place in your bookshelf as well.

Warning as this book does contain the "f" word. Yet, it is used in context and for accurately.

[Todd Wilkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

LIONS OF THE SKY is everything you'd want in an aviation/military thriller and is a must read for any fan of Top Gun.

Former Navy pilot, PACO CHIERICI has written an incredibly enjoyable novel with highly relatable characters, action packed scenes, and unquestionable authenticity that elevates the story to another level.

We follow Sam 'Slammer' Richardson, a living legend amongst his fellow fighter pilots, as he instructs a unique class of trainees before heading back out to the Fleet where he yearns to be. In this class are two female pilots, their presence causing old stereotypes and concerns to bubble to the surface, as they are forced to prove they deserve to be amongst 'the boys'. As they progress from simulators, practice carrier landings, and then finally transition into full combat, every pilot and WSO is judged solely by their talent, skill, and wit... regardless of their gender.

Full of intrigue, manipulation, and loyalty tests, LIONS OF THE SKY does a fantastic job of walking readers through the world of fighter pilots, highlighting the narrow margins they must train and work in as they protect the skies and the other military personnel they are ultimately responsible for. Definitely recommend this book to any fan of the thriller genre.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A feminist Top gun as female pilots train to be fighter aces while China is gearing up to go to war over some islands in the South Pacific.

Realistic.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this through a Goodreads Giveaway. The author and publisher were nice enough to send me a copy. All opinions are my own.

Oh, gosh. How I loved this book. It was fast paced and thrilling. I felt like I was right their in the fighter jets with them. The story was so good. Paco Chierici experience in this field showed through in his writing.

If love military thrillers this book is for you. Just hang onto your seat bc you are fixing to go on one hell of a ride. I can't wait to read more from Chierici!

Happy Reading 😊

[Cropredy · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I didn't think I was going to like this - sort of a Top Gun movie but as novel. Hot stuff F-18 navy pilot training newbies at Oceana NAS in Virginia. Two of the newbies are women; one of whom is blond (of course), drives a Corvette and prior to the start of training, has a high speed driving encounter with the hot stuff guy (call sign: Slammer) in his Shelby Cobra.

"Bring on the cliches", I said to myself.

Needless to say, the two women have to prove themselves to the testosterone-hopped-up male pilots.

The book starts with a prolog of a Chinese commando operation before reverting to the main story of pilot training on simulators, then in actual F-18's, and advancing to air-air combat training and finally, carrier deck landing training. The training squadron bonds, has a few hiccups, there's a back story, and otherwise coalesces into a ready-for-action set of aviators --these are two seat F-18s - a pilot and a weapon systems operator (WSO or wizzo, for short). Of course, each aviator acquires a callsign that is a moment of quiet pride. A few sessions of blowing off steam, a few self doubts, some light sexual tension spice up the plot.

Let me pause for a second and say that the author was a Navy pilot himself with many hours of duty, some in harm's way.

Oh, and the Chinese subplot perks up now and again with machinations in the South China Sea. So you know there's going to be a confrontation towards the back half of the novel.

By the time the navy pilots get into the air, the writing gets quite vivid and the author's own experiences come through beautifully in prose that glues you to your ejection seat as you pull 8Gs trying to get a target acquisition signal and avoid the opposite upon yourself. The unique lingo of F-18 pilots and wizzos really puts you in the sky. Things get hairier as the unit attempts to qualify for carrier deck landings. More self doubts.

By this time in the novel, you realize it is not really a Top Gun-as-novel story as there's no ridiculous romantic relationships nor any bucking against the rules "maverick" style behavior. As the carrier steams from Norfolk to the South China Sea to deal with a festering international crisis, every day is critical to whip the fighter squadron into readiness.

And yes, there is a climatic encounter in the air and on the sea. The writing gets especially intense and you won't be able to put it down. Chaff, AMRAAMs, Sidewinders, Su-30 Flankers, catapults, and adrenaline - what's not to like?

A quick read. No maps.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

😁😁 OUTSTANDING 😁😁

This was quite simply one of the best first novels I have ever read. This is one of my favorite genre to read. I’m a veteran myself, not navy but the Air Force. The descriptions of flight just brought a smile to my face. WELL DONE MR. CHIERICI, Well Done!! Please get started on your next novel!

[Jordan Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the United States military, there are a small but elite few who fight for God and Country in the air: Air Force fighter pilots along with Marine and Naval Aviators provide overwatch for ground forces, eliminate enemy strongholds and patrol the world’s most dangerous skies hunting enemy aircraft. For decades, what has been the stuff of blockbuster movies, documentaries and books, now gets a creative and entertaining spin in the military/thriller “Lions of the Sky.” Written by former Naval Aviator Paco Chierici, creator/producer of 2008’s award-winning documentary “Speed & Angels,” Paco is a veteran whose record as a real-life Top Gun speaks for itself with more than 3000 tactical hours, 400 carrier landings, decorated with a Southwest Asia Service Medal and Bronze Star including three Strike/Flight Air Medals.

Paco Chierici is a Navy Fighter Pilot’s fighter pilot, combining his years of military service and unrivaled flight hours into a riveting work of military fiction in the breakthrough novel “Lions of the Sky.” Here, we are introduced to the novel’s protagonist, Sam Richardson call sign “Slammer,” a veteran Naval Aviator whose pedigree mirrors that of the author with a wealth of knowledge and experience to pass onto the next generation. An instructor, stationed at the venerable Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, Slammer has his work cut out for him teaching a rag tag class of arrogant and cocky rookie pilots and backseat Weapon Systems Officers, eager to accelerate their lives in F/A-18 Super Hornets code named “Rhinos.” Among them is a charismatic and adventurous Keeley “Quick” Silvers, who makes a rather charming impression on her instructor outside of the classroom. Throughout the story, some interesting chemistry develops between student and teacher, but nothing serious. Also joining Keeley is “Dusty,” a cocky female Aviator with a chip on her shoulder and don’t mess with me attitude that creates friction between them in training and on deployment aboard their first carrier.

Despite personal and professional differences both students and seasoned aviators’ skills will be put to the ultimate test when tensions between the U.S. and China escalate into an international incident that has dire consequences in the air and at sea. It’s a desperate life and death struggle for survival as both man and machine are pushed to the extreme in an aerial battle for superiority where only one side will be victorious. “Lions of the Sky” shares a lot of similarities with 1986’s “Top Gun” and the documentary “Speed & Angels.” The novel’s female heroine Keeley “Quick” Silvers reminds me of the tomboyish Meagan Varley (now Flannigan of the Navy Reserves) who was a rookie pilot featured in “Speed & Angels.” After listening to this book on Audible, Paco Chierici does a great job blending fiction and reality together in an engaging true-to-life character driven action/adventure. While “Top Gun: Maverick” will go down in history as one of the most successful military films of all time with over a billion dollars worldwide and counting, “Lions of the Sky” makes for a great contender to read or listen. I would love to see this book optioned for a movie someday!

[Brian Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure - I am good friends with, and have known, flown, had glorious dogfights with, and drank at the O’club alongside the author. If you are a fighter pilot reading this review, you know how hard it is for me to lavish him with praise. As steely-eyed Naval Aviators, we are far more prone to sarcasm, rebuke, and healthy doses of criticality; we eat our young, and the weak don’t last. There are no snowflakes in our profession.

That said, I will risk the scorn of my brethren in the sport of kings and simply call balls and strikes in this review; Lions of the Sky is an exceptional novel that is a must-read by (this is killing me) the real deal.

Paco has lived the life that most only dream of; Naval Aviator, fighter pilot, legendary Bandit. He is a subject matter expert. That he has managed to produce such a quality work of fiction with his debut novel is testament to his superb writing and creative skills.

Paco renders a gripping tale that not only explores the dynamics of human relationships and the fiercely competitive nature of this business, but puts the reader squarely into our unique and hyper-competitive culture. What I find to be the most redeeming aspect of this novel is that he expertly combines character and story development, while masterfully describing air combat as can only a veteran of the trade.

Paco places the reader in the jet with the character; the crushing G-forces, the straining of the neck in a rolling vertical fight, the terse radio comms, the sight picture while coming aboard the carrier, the adrenaline spike one gets when engaged by the enemy in the air; ...the reader is IN the jet. The smell of the PR shop, the sounds of the carrier, the ready room banter, our gallows humor, the howl in the O’club when the bell is rung - no one has yet achieved the ability to transport the reader so accurately into our world as he has with Lions of the Sky. Whether you are a fledgling hopeful Naval Aviator (I highly recommend the profession), a current Fleet pilot, a veteran aviator or simply an aviation enthusiast, Lions of the Sky is an exceptional novel that should have a prominent place in your collection.

I anxiously await further novels by my former squadronmate, and I hope he will bring this great story to big screen.

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lions of the Sky by Paco Chierici
If you are a fan of air combat books or ever watched the movie Top Gun three or more times then you MUST read this book. Slammer is a Naval aviation flight instructor. He is tired of instructing and wants to get back to the fleet. He is coerced into taking one more class and it has two (gasp) female aviators in it. Results are not predictable.
Slammer and the other “good ole’ boys” are not overly thrilled with the integration of women into the fraternity of fighter pilots. Female pilots are fine but testosteronely (no it is not in the dictionary) speaking men are more suited to combat than women from some of the male fighter pilot’s perspectives. Obviously they have never seen a female in full banshee mode defending her children or they would recognize that women are often far more likely to utilize over kill to insure a situation doesn’t arise again.
Dusty and Quick are the handles of the two female pilots. Dusty’s perception that the ends justify the means shows her some success. Quick is less prone to using anything but her flying skills to succeed.
An ambitious Chinese general initiate a situation that tries the skills of the “nuggets” (newly minted fighter pilots) and threatens to start a global conflict. Slammer discovers some of his preconceived notions are correct and some are incorrect.
The life of a fighter pilot is documented and the perils of Navy Aviation are clearly shown. This book was a page turner and I highly recommend it.

[Larry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent story. Over the top with crude, unnecessary, foul language. Seemed to be cursing just for the sake of dropping “F-Bombs” to sound relevant. Quite the turn off for me in an otherwise decent story.

[Viviane Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Top Gun fighter pilot is not for the timid. It’s fiercely difficult; that’s why these men and women are being tested and trained to be fighter pilots are going through real and simulated scenarios. The action of lack of action can mean instant injury and/or death. Enter the cockpit of an F/A-18 Super Hornet and feel the force of gravity on take-off. This team are not loners; they’re highly dependent on each other for survival. Sam Richardson is the leader. Sam’s dealing with a problem; he’s got two females in this latest division. He had become close to a former female pilot who died in an airplane crash. The questions haunting Sam are did she cause the pilot error and was it because she was a weaker female pilot? Sam has to unlearn that error in thinking because it so severely affects the current women being trained to fly in battle missions. There are nail-biting scenes galore that are truly thrilling adventures that are so enjoyable. Also one experiences many drinking sessions, sharing of meals, sharing of training – supportive and challenging, sad moments at funerals, gifting of hilarious and serious nicknames, on-shore leaves for officers and trainees, etc. I absolutely loved this novel and learned so much during it. The author is a real pilot with over 20 years of experience. The conflict these men and women are getting ready for is a death-dealing one in the South China Sea where China is preparing to do battle with Taiwan and the Philippines over a slew of islands. Not a training session – Paco Chierici knows how to depict the real deal! Highly recommended historical fiction of the 21st century!

[Michael La Guardia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! Chierici puts you into the cockpit of an F-18 Super Hornet and lets you feel all of the g-force of the ride. He crafts a great story, but also brings in the contemplation of policy issues that touch the real lives of soldiers such as what actually happens when you have men and women serving together on the front lines of combat.

What tips this book beyond just a fun read for me are two points. (1) Chierici has a fine command of the language. His prose is evocative and his imagery vibrant. This is not pure adventure escapism. This is what happens when you put someone with the literary talent of Le Carré into the seat of a $60M fighter plane as it is slingshotted off of a carrier. And (2) he cracks the door open to reveal the pain and anguish that is behind US Military Bravado. His characters are real people who put their lives on the line, some of whom do not make it. Chierici lets us know early that the call signs by which he names his characters are real. He also lets us know with a lengthy list at the end of the novel that he has felt first hand the loss in action of people close to him.

Don't waste any time. Buy and read this book. I can't wait for his next one!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lions of the Sky is an excellent military action adventure novel that focuses on the elite world of naval aviation. The plot is fast-paced and engaging, and the author's descriptions are so vivid they feel almost cinematic. And while it is not an intense psychological character study, the chatacters feel authentic to the world they inhabit.

If you are like me and have an overactive imagination, and/or have a particular fascination with military aircraft and combat flight operations, you will enjoy this book. It's an immersive experience; I could hear the roaring engines, I could feel the g's and spatial disorientation, and I could smell the jet fuel... how freaking cool is that?

I love it when people write about what they actually know. Paco Chierici is a decorated naval aviator who continues to fly professionally as a commercial airline pilot. He has drawn from his experience and expertise, and with Lions of the Sky, he has graced us with an outstanding work of fiction. I could listen to (or read) this guy's stories all day.

*Side note*
I will definitely be checking out the author's future work, and have already queued up his documentary Speed & Angels on Amazone Prime.

[Miriam Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...

Paco Chierici is an airline pilot and a former Navy fighter pilot. His first novel, Lions in the Sky, plays upon his experience with many real-life touches that adds a great deal of authenticity to this story of the threats posed in the South China Sea.
Here is the summary from the back cover:
“In the world of fighter pilots, the most alpha of the alpha, competition is everything and the stakes are impossibly high. A Top Gun for the new millennium, LIONS OF THE SKY propels us into a realm in which friendship, loyalty, and skill are tested, battles won and lost in an instant, and lives irrevocably changed in the time it takes to plug in your afterburners.”
Although I knew nothing about the vernacular of fighter pilots, their training, and their missions, it is obvious that Chierici knows what he is talking about, and the characters resonated. This book will be perfect for the men (and women) on your list who like action thrillers. Give it a try.

[Sean Canfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a retired F-16 driver and I have to tell you, Paco did a great job bringing me back into the world of fighter pilots. He gave depth to his characters making them easy to like or possibly hate depending on the reader's interpretation of that character, but I swear I've seen some of these fictional characters walking around my squadron's of old. Some scenes (no spoilers), like Crud or flying sorties, he did really well explaining complex situations with terms I think everyday non-fighter pilot readers will understand while not detracting from the story as it was unfolding.
If you're looking for a glimpse into the fighter pilot world, this was a fun quick-paced novel with great character development that will deliver that glimpse. I still can't believe this is the author's first novel. It is written really well especially for a Navy Fighter Jock! Looking forward to the next!!

[ANTHONY MYLONAKIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished reading this amazing book! Still shaken by the excitement! I didn't even stop for lunch, the words were my food, the adrenaline even for a 'chair borne' aviation enthusiast like myself has kept me on the edge! I didn't want it to end! The way the 'technical' aspects of the novel were described is perfect! Due to my background i am familiar with most of the things so vividly described! But the book is not addressed only to the 'initiated', not only to the 'chosen few' who were or still are blessed to be part of the elite group of Naval Aviators! That makes this book special, everyone can follow and digest the story and feel the rush, the excitement. Honestly i would love to see that book taking life on screen!! I am looking forward to the next book. I know there will be a sequel published in the mid 2020! Can't wait!!!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read! We begin the story with a commando on a boat in the South China Sea. Once his inflatable craft docks on the beach, he begins his operation.

The following day takes us to Virginia Beach, Virginia and we are flying low with engaging characters. Cruising along in a 1966 427 Shelby AC Cobra has always appealed to me and I was immediately intrigued by the characters Slammer and Quick.

The cockpit drama is a strong focal point.

A mix of humor and well-placed use of similes combine with the real and simulated scenes for those being trained as fighter pilots with the intention to fly the F/A-18 Hornet and later be part of the combat squadron.

Chierici skillfully points out many of the perils U.S. Navy Aviators face and makes us aware of how quickly they must regain focus during periods of anguish.

I received a copy of this book from FSB Associates.

[Josh Hitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting read that is really not in my normal genres. I read quite a few modern thrillers but they are usually more operatives on the ground or squad based action. Never read military aviation books, so wasnt sure how I would react to this novel. But it suprised me, sucked me in with a nice international espionage angle with the more mundane training sessions of new recruits. The interaction between all the characters kept you engaged enough til the more exciting combat sessions and the great conclusion puts it all together.

People compare this to the film Top Gun and I guess that's not a bad comparison. Though I hated that flick and thought it was way overrated which gave me doubts about this book. However again this was a great book that has enough personal stakes to even grab a hold of readers who are not fans of the genre.

Highly recommend.

[Dave Baranek · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting contemporary thriller starring US Naval Aviation.
I knew Paco Chierici could write, based on his article in Aviation Classics #19 on the F-5, and LIONS OF THE SKY proves he can tap into his talent for a complete book. He has come up with a contemporary plot with the action and complexity of a modern thriller, set in the exciting world of a US Navy F/A-18 SuperHornet squadron. As a former F-14 Tomcat RIO I can tell you: Paco nails it when it comes to the characters and atmosphere of carrier aviation. He applies his own experience as a Navy pilot to create realistic flying action and cockpit drama. The action had me on the edge of my seat and flipping Kindle screens to see what would happen next. I loved the book, and by the way now I’m a SuperHornet fan!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories about Naval aviation/aircraft carriers. Lions of the Sky is the absolute best of the bunch. First of all, the author's writing style is terrific. He writes with great imagery. I fully enjoyed the story without ever comparing it to Top Gun as a number of reviewers have done. This story takes us through the whole pilot training process from land to carrier. The story revolves around 'Slammer', the new pilot's instructor but so many other characters, each with their unique call sign, make this story fun to read. Eventually, Slammer and his trained pilots do go to battle resulting in an exciting finish to the story. I sure hope that there's more stories out there that I'll enjoy as much as this one.

[Jen Linstroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrenaline Junkies Get In Line!

A page turning deep dive into the closed world of Navy Fighter Pilots. Paco Chierici uses his decades of experience to nail down difficult characters and impossible action, bringing the reader to places few will ever know. For those of us who have lived this life the book triggers powerful memories of times past and friends long unseen. Anyone who has ever considered strapping on a high performance fighter needs to read this book.

[Lovely Loveday]

Lions of the Sky is a fast-paced military thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. Perfect for fans of aviation and military novels or the movie Top Gun. A captivating story that is full of twists and turns, engaging characters, thrilling suspense, and action. Chierici takes you into the closed world of Navy Fighter Pilots taking readers to places very few will ever now. Lions of the Sky is perfect for fans of action military thrillers.

[Thomas Lennek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the movie: Top Gun

Fast moving story, complete with finely drawn characters in the high octane, dangerous world of U.S. Navy Aviation. The author clearly has "been there, done that." Flying aircraft in military aviation is inherently dangerous, readers should look closely at the last 2 pages to see proof.

[Peter Riva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paco is the real deal. A talented Navy fighter pilot, therefore expert on all technical matters of the book - and then he spins it all into a fascinating tale - a thriller as well as a deep look into what it takes to be both a Navy pilot as well as the system into which these fearless pilots must fit - and fit they do, only just. Authentic in every sense of the word!

[Kevin Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this author through The Fighter Pilots podcast.

Read this book over 2 days on holiday.
Great fun, nice paced story, good actions scenes.
Great to know the context are from someone who knows what they are talking about

Do read, great fun. Highly recommended
Immediately looked for more books by same author but unfortunately this seems to be his only book.

[Bailey Coultas · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️

Ok I liked this one. There were times it REALLY dragged and honestly, all the action is in the last part of the book. The characters were very real though. I wanted Slammed and Quick together so bad and they just kept skirting around one another and it was frustrating for me. Had they gotten together my rating probably would’ve changed. All in all though, I liked it.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has promise

I really liked this first naval aviation thriller. You are literally living the naval aviation life in this book, what with all the fine flying detail and more. I await the sequel from the mastermind of "Speed and Angels" and "Last of the Dogfighters".

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice war story

This novel examines the juxtaposition of personal feelings, technical ability, and killer instinct as a fresh caught Nugget comes of age. Also contains an excellent dogfight sequence.

[Mitchell Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Air Combat

This was a great story which was very captivating through to the end. It was very interesting reading about fighter pilot training as well. Love the air combat scenes. Great read.