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Combined Operations #1
Going Ballistic
When her plane tries to come apart at apogee during a hijack, ballistic airline pilot Michelle Lauden handles the worst day she could imagine. After getting down without losing any passengers or crew, though, she finds her troubles have just begun!
The country she's landed in has just declared independence from the Federation. The Feds intended her passengers to be the first casualties in the impending war - and they're not happy she's survived to contradict their official narrative in the news.
The local government wants to find her to give her a medal. The Feds are hunting her to give her an unmarked grave. As they both close in, Michelle's running out of options and time. The only people able to protect her are an accident investigation team on loan from the Federation's enemies... the same enemies who sent her hijackers in the first place.
And they have their own plans for her, and the country she's in!
The country she's landed in has just declared independence from the Federation. The Feds intended her passengers to be the first casualties in the impending war - and they're not happy she's survived to contradict their official narrative in the news.
The local government wants to find her to give her a medal. The Feds are hunting her to give her an unmarked grave. As they both close in, Michelle's running out of options and time. The only people able to protect her are an accident investigation team on loan from the Federation's enemies... the same enemies who sent her hijackers in the first place.
And they have their own plans for her, and the country she's in!
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 12, 2022
Michelle has adventures merely getting through an airport to a flight added to her schedule -- pushing the limits on her hours as a pilot.
And then, in midair, she gets shot. And remarkably enough, manages to land again, despite someone she is sure is a hijacker in her cockpit.
This ruins a false flag. After much running from danger, before and after an inquiry, she lands a job, and then the war arrives. . . .
And then, in midair, she gets shot. And remarkably enough, manages to land again, despite someone she is sure is a hijacker in her cockpit.
This ruins a false flag. After much running from danger, before and after an inquiry, she lands a job, and then the war arrives. . . .
December 2, 2021
Gave up. I couldn't understand why the character was so angry. All the men were the same, just different names and haircuts, and they all had the same chivalrous love for the main character. They were always "gently touching her cheek" or "pushing back a stray hair behind her ear".
The technical details of flying a plane were interesting and convincing, but the human relationships seemed to intrude on the action. When danger threatened or violence happened, it was barely signalled and did not generate any thrill. Sometimes it was only AFTER something had happened that I realized there had been any danger!
Thanks, but no thanks.
"SHattered under Midnight" was much better, tho it suffered somewhat from some of the above criticisms, the two main characters were more interesting. I wanted the author to develop them and their world more in future books and hoped "Going Ballistic" would provide that. It didn't.
The technical details of flying a plane were interesting and convincing, but the human relationships seemed to intrude on the action. When danger threatened or violence happened, it was barely signalled and did not generate any thrill. Sometimes it was only AFTER something had happened that I realized there had been any danger!
Thanks, but no thanks.
"SHattered under Midnight" was much better, tho it suffered somewhat from some of the above criticisms, the two main characters were more interesting. I wanted the author to develop them and their world more in future books and hoped "Going Ballistic" would provide that. It didn't.
September 19, 2021
Love this story and characters
Highly recommend this book. Strong, competent, experienced heroine and main characters, roller coaster action, definite good and bad sides on this terra-formed colony world. And a little bit of romance and family found to round the book out.
The story is told from Michelle's point of view so most of the military action and character motivations are through the eyes of a civilian ballistic pilot. We get explanations as she gets them. Her love, fascination and experience in flying presents itself in many of her thoughts.
I really enjoy Dorothy Grant's first two books but this one catches and holds my attention every time I open it, resulting in another reread.
Again highly recommend this book and the others by Dorothy Grant.
cross-posted amazon goodreads bookbub
Highly recommend this book. Strong, competent, experienced heroine and main characters, roller coaster action, definite good and bad sides on this terra-formed colony world. And a little bit of romance and family found to round the book out.
The story is told from Michelle's point of view so most of the military action and character motivations are through the eyes of a civilian ballistic pilot. We get explanations as she gets them. Her love, fascination and experience in flying presents itself in many of her thoughts.
I really enjoy Dorothy Grant's first two books but this one catches and holds my attention every time I open it, resulting in another reread.
Again highly recommend this book and the others by Dorothy Grant.
cross-posted amazon goodreads bookbub
June 5, 2020
Fast paced action start to finish.
If Dorothy writes it, I will read it --again and again. Once again, Grant has written a tale that requires all your attention from the opening line to the final goodbye. Adrenaline rush. Strong leads. And real life supporting cast of characters. My only complaint -- well two: I don't want it to end. And can she write faster???! This will join the other, treasured and frequently re-read books by Dorothy Grant. Each story is new, unique, and fully realized. Can't ask for more.
If Dorothy writes it, I will read it --again and again. Once again, Grant has written a tale that requires all your attention from the opening line to the final goodbye. Adrenaline rush. Strong leads. And real life supporting cast of characters. My only complaint -- well two: I don't want it to end. And can she write faster???! This will join the other, treasured and frequently re-read books by Dorothy Grant. Each story is new, unique, and fully realized. Can't ask for more.
May 30, 2020
Though Scaling the Rim is my favorite still, this book comes in at a close second. It had action, sarcasm, and was fun to read. An adventure that started quickly and never really stopped, following Michelle through her troubles was exciting. I look forward to more by this author, either sequels or new novels, as they are worthy of being read and re-read over and over.
December 4, 2020
An expanded version of this preview is available on my blog, Papa Pat Rambles.
There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old bold pilots.
Michelle Lauden is a hard-core pilot. She’s not yet old, but if she ever WAS bold, she’s gotten it out of her system. Good enough is NOT for her; she seeks perfection, in every aspect, every time. What sets her apart from some other pilots is that she also seeks perfection in her courtesy and respect for her flight crew, the mechanics, and even the ramp rats who load cargo.
Perhaps her respect doesn’t extend to the dispatchers, but she DOES honor the schedule, even when it’s radically changed at the last second.
And THAT is the state in which we find her at the beginning of the book. She has just brought in a ballistic flight (one of a very small number of pilots with that rating) and is expecting some down-time; instead, she discovers that she has a quick turn-around flight, that comes too close to putting her over the maximum time she is permitted to fly.
A small note here: beside rules like this (and others) there are some particular aviation terms that some readers might not know. It will NOT harm your comprehension of the story; it WILL be a nice extra for those with some prior knowledge.
Since she IS a hard-core pilot, Michelle adapts, and, with the help of some unexpected but welcome Organized-Muscle-With-Brains, she proceeds to get the bird in the air...
...only to have politics interfere. She is told at first that there are terrorists in the area, but eventually discovers that some smaller governments are attempting to become independent of the ponderous Federation.
I will NOT write spoilers! Therefore, EVEN THOUGH the essential action sequences occur delightfully early in the story, I turn from narrative to themes.
Theme 1: Michelle is a female in a testosterone-laden environment. She can’t ignore it; part of her ability to form and operate a crew is the way she deals with hazing, particularly of newbies. It’s a nasty reality, and fragile people don’t survive.
Theme 2: Michelle is a civilian pilot, in a situation that QUICKLY becomes a military operation. Because she has a skill the military MUST HAVE, she is not given the option of sitting on the sidelines. However, she is also not in the chain of command.
Theme 3: The massive Federation is at war with the smaller Empire. Michelle is not truly affiliated with either, but has a Federated background. However, she can’t remain unaffiliated.
Theme 4: TECHNOLOGY!!!!! Humanity has expanded out to thousands of planets, using jump gates to get there, but that’s really not a story factor. More applicable to the story is the tech Michelle has available to fly the plane; it’s inserted into her body, and allows her to plug into systems, make changes, get data; all sorts of things. She has also received some upgrades to allow her to respond more quickly to emergencies. Those include a system diagnostic/communications port on her wrist, covered with synthetic skin. There are some advanced weapons mentioned, but a very interesting segment is devoted to Michelle being trained to use what seems to be a conventional projectile pistol.
THEME 5: Redliners. I’m using the term from the David Drake book but here there are two categories of burn-out. There are some former combat troops, now in a semi-civilian capacity, who appear to have misplaced the ability to play well with others. More common are the limits reached by the characters. Despite advanced medical tech, or because of it, each individual has a limit to what they can accomplish before they crash.
THEME 6: This is the central theme, worth every bit of attention given to it; it is NOT ham-handed, though. It’s about human relationships; how you treat others MATTERS. Those most deeply affected by burnout seem to have fallen back on one treatment for everyone, and it’s usually abusive. That works well with some people, but damages the effectiveness of others.
Because the early action is critical to the story development, I backed away from it in this review. Action lovers have NOTHING to fear; from exploding spaceships to punches in the nose, there is plenty going on. And, while I’m not saying that someone points a loaded gun at their boss, someone points a loaded gun at their boss.
There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old bold pilots.
Michelle Lauden is a hard-core pilot. She’s not yet old, but if she ever WAS bold, she’s gotten it out of her system. Good enough is NOT for her; she seeks perfection, in every aspect, every time. What sets her apart from some other pilots is that she also seeks perfection in her courtesy and respect for her flight crew, the mechanics, and even the ramp rats who load cargo.
Perhaps her respect doesn’t extend to the dispatchers, but she DOES honor the schedule, even when it’s radically changed at the last second.
And THAT is the state in which we find her at the beginning of the book. She has just brought in a ballistic flight (one of a very small number of pilots with that rating) and is expecting some down-time; instead, she discovers that she has a quick turn-around flight, that comes too close to putting her over the maximum time she is permitted to fly.
A small note here: beside rules like this (and others) there are some particular aviation terms that some readers might not know. It will NOT harm your comprehension of the story; it WILL be a nice extra for those with some prior knowledge.
Since she IS a hard-core pilot, Michelle adapts, and, with the help of some unexpected but welcome Organized-Muscle-With-Brains, she proceeds to get the bird in the air...
...only to have politics interfere. She is told at first that there are terrorists in the area, but eventually discovers that some smaller governments are attempting to become independent of the ponderous Federation.
I will NOT write spoilers! Therefore, EVEN THOUGH the essential action sequences occur delightfully early in the story, I turn from narrative to themes.
Theme 1: Michelle is a female in a testosterone-laden environment. She can’t ignore it; part of her ability to form and operate a crew is the way she deals with hazing, particularly of newbies. It’s a nasty reality, and fragile people don’t survive.
Theme 2: Michelle is a civilian pilot, in a situation that QUICKLY becomes a military operation. Because she has a skill the military MUST HAVE, she is not given the option of sitting on the sidelines. However, she is also not in the chain of command.
Theme 3: The massive Federation is at war with the smaller Empire. Michelle is not truly affiliated with either, but has a Federated background. However, she can’t remain unaffiliated.
Theme 4: TECHNOLOGY!!!!! Humanity has expanded out to thousands of planets, using jump gates to get there, but that’s really not a story factor. More applicable to the story is the tech Michelle has available to fly the plane; it’s inserted into her body, and allows her to plug into systems, make changes, get data; all sorts of things. She has also received some upgrades to allow her to respond more quickly to emergencies. Those include a system diagnostic/communications port on her wrist, covered with synthetic skin. There are some advanced weapons mentioned, but a very interesting segment is devoted to Michelle being trained to use what seems to be a conventional projectile pistol.
THEME 5: Redliners. I’m using the term from the David Drake book but here there are two categories of burn-out. There are some former combat troops, now in a semi-civilian capacity, who appear to have misplaced the ability to play well with others. More common are the limits reached by the characters. Despite advanced medical tech, or because of it, each individual has a limit to what they can accomplish before they crash.
THEME 6: This is the central theme, worth every bit of attention given to it; it is NOT ham-handed, though. It’s about human relationships; how you treat others MATTERS. Those most deeply affected by burnout seem to have fallen back on one treatment for everyone, and it’s usually abusive. That works well with some people, but damages the effectiveness of others.
Because the early action is critical to the story development, I backed away from it in this review. Action lovers have NOTHING to fear; from exploding spaceships to punches in the nose, there is plenty going on. And, while I’m not saying that someone points a loaded gun at their boss, someone points a loaded gun at their boss.
January 15, 2022
I loved the protagonist (Michelle). She fights to do her job, to bring her plane safely down, even when it's shot. She finds that because she saved her passengers, she is now the target of her own government. Only the people she ought to have turned over to the government are willing to keep her safe.
I thought the concept was good; I would have given it a higher rating if the middle third didn't drag as much as it did. I had a hard time caring about Michelle's interim job and her rocky relationships with new coworkers. (But you can't just skip it, because it's important for the plot.) I didn't have that trouble with later books in the series, and you don't really need to read this one to understand them.
I like all of the books in the series. All of them seem to have the same theme. Actually, I think all the novels Dorothy Grant has written are about finding safety, comfort, and friendship among those you least expect it from when the world around you falls apart. They're quite satisfying that way. I'd recommend all the books by this author. (They all have the same quirks, too: whereas most authors will bore you by explaining too much about the world, with pretty much all of Dorothy Grant's novels, I think it would have been better if she explained at least a little more--who's fighting whom, that sort of thing.)
I thought the concept was good; I would have given it a higher rating if the middle third didn't drag as much as it did. I had a hard time caring about Michelle's interim job and her rocky relationships with new coworkers. (But you can't just skip it, because it's important for the plot.) I didn't have that trouble with later books in the series, and you don't really need to read this one to understand them.
I like all of the books in the series. All of them seem to have the same theme. Actually, I think all the novels Dorothy Grant has written are about finding safety, comfort, and friendship among those you least expect it from when the world around you falls apart. They're quite satisfying that way. I'd recommend all the books by this author. (They all have the same quirks, too: whereas most authors will bore you by explaining too much about the world, with pretty much all of Dorothy Grant's novels, I think it would have been better if she explained at least a little more--who's fighting whom, that sort of thing.)
April 5, 2023
Absorbing adventure
SF military, cybernetic aviation
MC is Michelle Laudon, a high-tech commercial pilot who finds herself fighting for her life and those of her passengers (shortened to pax in the story). There's a lot going on, and the author's past experience as a pilot shows in the writing. After the tense opening scene, some serious and quick decisions need to be made.
This novel shows that "Scaling the Rim" isn't a mistake, this writer has a strong grasp on pacing and world-building.
As with indie writers, mistakes slip through, but nearly all of them are related to dialog and don't cause confusion. Instead of a comma, close quote and the next word being lower case, she ends the dialog with a full stop, close quote, and caps the next word. I've seen some European and Indian indie writers doing that as well, so I don't know what to say except it's not standard English. None of the errors detract from the story.
Based on this reading experience, I intend to buy the next book in the series. Recommended.
SF military, cybernetic aviation
MC is Michelle Laudon, a high-tech commercial pilot who finds herself fighting for her life and those of her passengers (shortened to pax in the story). There's a lot going on, and the author's past experience as a pilot shows in the writing. After the tense opening scene, some serious and quick decisions need to be made.
This novel shows that "Scaling the Rim" isn't a mistake, this writer has a strong grasp on pacing and world-building.
As with indie writers, mistakes slip through, but nearly all of them are related to dialog and don't cause confusion. Instead of a comma, close quote and the next word being lower case, she ends the dialog with a full stop, close quote, and caps the next word. I've seen some European and Indian indie writers doing that as well, so I don't know what to say except it's not standard English. None of the errors detract from the story.
Based on this reading experience, I intend to buy the next book in the series. Recommended.
November 9, 2021
I enjoyed the technical details of piloting in this Sci-Fi story that seemed to me as a non-pilot to be accurate and well placed to enhance the action of the storyline. I always love a competent female lead and this book has it in spades. Characters are no-nonsense, briefly but clearly defined, and the author reveals just enough about the protagonists inner life to make us care about what happens to her. The world building has good detail that adds grounding to the story and characters, but is mostly just window dressing. Overall, a good action piece with a satisfying story arc, recommended for those who like military sci-fi, or anything with a pilot hero.
March 24, 2024
I have read Going Ballistic many times. I didn't realize I don't have a review posted for it until this reread. This review was originally posted on Amazon on July 7, 2020. I love Michelle and Alex.
Awesome sci fi adventure with a hint of romance
I love Dorothy Grant's books, and Going Ballistic may be my favorite. The protagonist is an older woman who has reached the pinnacle of her career and discovered the summit looks best before you reach it, especially if you live in an authoritarian country. The world building, as always, is fantastic. The characters are believable and likeable. The adventure is often edge of the seat. Going Ballistic is intense, fantastic science fiction.
Awesome sci fi adventure with a hint of romance
I love Dorothy Grant's books, and Going Ballistic may be my favorite. The protagonist is an older woman who has reached the pinnacle of her career and discovered the summit looks best before you reach it, especially if you live in an authoritarian country. The world building, as always, is fantastic. The characters are believable and likeable. The adventure is often edge of the seat. Going Ballistic is intense, fantastic science fiction.
August 6, 2022
Michelle is a pilot of Ballistic space vehicles. She is ready to sign out for the day when she is told she is flying one more leg. She has to ride a baggage cart to get from one side of the airport to the other, fight for her fuel delivery and then her flight is hijacked. And to top off a truly crappy day her ship is fired on. She has the fight of her life wrestling the ship down and landed with everyone on board alive and well.
The shelling of her ship was the first shot in the war between the Federation and the Imperium.
Very good story and a lot of flight background I never knew.
The shelling of her ship was the first shot in the war between the Federation and the Imperium.
Very good story and a lot of flight background I never knew.
June 5, 2022
7/10: Good solid read, something to get your teeth into.
“Plane’s not on fire, engines haven’t flamed out. We’ll get through this.”
This one was a difficult one to categorise. It was sci-fi but read like a contemporary book. The major sci-fi component was it was set on a colonised planet. Otherwise, she's a ballistic pilot (ok, so that's a bit sci-fi too) and he's a special forces grunt.
Good read, though!
“Plane’s not on fire, engines haven’t flamed out. We’ll get through this.”
This one was a difficult one to categorise. It was sci-fi but read like a contemporary book. The major sci-fi component was it was set on a colonised planet. Otherwise, she's a ballistic pilot (ok, so that's a bit sci-fi too) and he's a special forces grunt.
Good read, though!
September 12, 2025
surprisingly entertaining
Reading the book I thought this might be an OK book, but I read a review from another author who who described this genre as a action pack military romantic, which really does describe this book and I really enjoy this sci-fi, romantic action suspense, mystery book. And it’s not a romantic sci-fi book. In the way that most romantic sci-fi books are where there’s weird appendages.
Reading the book I thought this might be an OK book, but I read a review from another author who who described this genre as a action pack military romantic, which really does describe this book and I really enjoy this sci-fi, romantic action suspense, mystery book. And it’s not a romantic sci-fi book. In the way that most romantic sci-fi books are where there’s weird appendages.
October 10, 2020
Excellent
Good plot, well laid out, executed well. Characters were real and believable, as was the technology. Love the idea of implants. I think. This sort of technology should be thoughly tested first. Different levels of the implants (like in the story) could be made available.
Good plot, well laid out, executed well. Characters were real and believable, as was the technology. Love the idea of implants. I think. This sort of technology should be thoughly tested first. Different levels of the implants (like in the story) could be made available.
August 11, 2021
If you know
You know. This was fabulous! What a fun ride, up in the atmosphere that is. Very familiar from the old days when I used to hang out at airports. Very truthful point of view from a female surrounded by pilots and military. Well done! I highly recommend this tale and will now go look for anything more from the same well. The waters sweet.
You know. This was fabulous! What a fun ride, up in the atmosphere that is. Very familiar from the old days when I used to hang out at airports. Very truthful point of view from a female surrounded by pilots and military. Well done! I highly recommend this tale and will now go look for anything more from the same well. The waters sweet.
October 11, 2021
Remarkably great
This one kept coming up on my recommended list, and after reading reviews I took a chance on it. While I'm not up on all the technical terminology for flying, I had no problem understanding and being engaged with the story line. Quite well written. I will look for more by this author.
This one kept coming up on my recommended list, and after reading reviews I took a chance on it. While I'm not up on all the technical terminology for flying, I had no problem understanding and being engaged with the story line. Quite well written. I will look for more by this author.
July 17, 2020
Well written flight novel
Good book full of action and a good story as well. Michelle is a regular orbital flight pilot who gets in trouble when the federation tries to blow up her plane.
Good book full of action and a good story as well. Michelle is a regular orbital flight pilot who gets in trouble when the federation tries to blow up her plane.
April 25, 2021
Great read
Enjoyed this book. Can’t wait to read next. Well developed characters. Well written. Commercial woman pilot due to developing war to cargo pilot, new relationship with military guy and new country.
Enjoyed this book. Can’t wait to read next. Well developed characters. Well written. Commercial woman pilot due to developing war to cargo pilot, new relationship with military guy and new country.
May 31, 2021
Wonderful Story
This book is a treat for anyone over the age of 30. The story centers around a talented pilot who is betrayed, rescued, offered a new life and survived a war. Worth your time.
This book is a treat for anyone over the age of 30. The story centers around a talented pilot who is betrayed, rescued, offered a new life and survived a war. Worth your time.
October 20, 2021
Readable
Quite outside my usual genre, not sure how or when it ended up in my library. Author definitely a pilot and that comes through clearly and repeatedly.
Story line ok, characters develop nicely, and the FAA procedures tolerable if quite redundant and far too frequent.
Quite outside my usual genre, not sure how or when it ended up in my library. Author definitely a pilot and that comes through clearly and repeatedly.
Story line ok, characters develop nicely, and the FAA procedures tolerable if quite redundant and far too frequent.
November 19, 2022
Excellent, fun story
This book grabbed my attention early and never let go. It's got strong characters, a good plot, and my favorite kind of story - ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I recommend it highly!
This book grabbed my attention early and never let go. It's got strong characters, a good plot, and my favorite kind of story - ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I recommend it highly!
March 23, 2023
Entertaining and thoughtful read
While short on the backstory of the terraformed planet, the plot moves quickly enough to keep you engaged in the story. Since the book is not long this works as you get involved with the main character.
While short on the backstory of the terraformed planet, the plot moves quickly enough to keep you engaged in the story. Since the book is not long this works as you get involved with the main character.
November 23, 2025
Excellent Read - Too short, wanted more!
This is the third time I've read this book, as I will read the next two books in the series.
They are all well written with believable characters, lots of action, some intrigue, and romance.
All very satisfying!!!
This is the third time I've read this book, as I will read the next two books in the series.
They are all well written with believable characters, lots of action, some intrigue, and romance.
All very satisfying!!!
May 30, 2020
Good read
Excellent characterization, moving action. Worth reading and searching for another volume. Buy it and enjoy it. Look for her other works
Excellent characterization, moving action. Worth reading and searching for another volume. Buy it and enjoy it. Look for her other works
June 20, 2020
An excellent story with a pilot's perspective. More please.
September 7, 2020
Bought it on a lark; glad I did.
Good story, cool heroine, clearly setting up for later books. If you like tech-based SF that isn't boring, you should like this.
Good story, cool heroine, clearly setting up for later books. If you like tech-based SF that isn't boring, you should like this.
January 31, 2021
Excellent
The author reminds me of the great science fiction writers of the last century: she makes the future seem interesting, relevant and yet familiar at the same time.
The author reminds me of the great science fiction writers of the last century: she makes the future seem interesting, relevant and yet familiar at the same time.
February 26, 2021
Good read
Interesting premise, well written and able to maintain interest. A little too much flight prep at the beginning but otherwise it moved along quickly. Recommend.
Interesting premise, well written and able to maintain interest. A little too much flight prep at the beginning but otherwise it moved along quickly. Recommend.
September 25, 2021
def recommended!
A fun, tightly plotted story with fine world building and a very well done MC. So glad there are more books to the series.
A fun, tightly plotted story with fine world building and a very well done MC. So glad there are more books to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews