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Ryan Decker #4
Skystorm
A Wall Street Journal bestselling series.
Unmasking a treasonous American conspiracy is a dangerous move in a heart-pounding thriller about greed, power, revenge, and murder.
After covert investigators Ryan Decker and Harlow Mackenzie demolished APEX, a billion-dollar criminal enterprise, a tenuous truce between the two factions suggested the battle was over. But not for Decker’s director, Senator Margaret Steele. She’s uncovered an even deadlier operation—code name Skystorm.
Skystorm violates every international arms-trafficking law imaginable. And for the senator, exposing the plot may be a gamble too far. APEX has caught wind of the investigation, and they’ve gone on the offensive. Steele’s warning to Decker and Harlow: we’re all in a no-holds-barred fight for our lives.
With APEX’s scorched-earth tactics now unmistakable, Decker and Harlow pull the trigger on their worst-case-scenario plan and move to turn the tables on their ruthless adversary. With a shadowy mercenary team, Decker and Harlow embark for a war—one that Skystorm’s influential DC backers have no intention of losing. To safeguard their treasonous secret, they aim to bury it, along with Decker and everyone he loves.
Unmasking a treasonous American conspiracy is a dangerous move in a heart-pounding thriller about greed, power, revenge, and murder.
After covert investigators Ryan Decker and Harlow Mackenzie demolished APEX, a billion-dollar criminal enterprise, a tenuous truce between the two factions suggested the battle was over. But not for Decker’s director, Senator Margaret Steele. She’s uncovered an even deadlier operation—code name Skystorm.
Skystorm violates every international arms-trafficking law imaginable. And for the senator, exposing the plot may be a gamble too far. APEX has caught wind of the investigation, and they’ve gone on the offensive. Steele’s warning to Decker and Harlow: we’re all in a no-holds-barred fight for our lives.
With APEX’s scorched-earth tactics now unmistakable, Decker and Harlow pull the trigger on their worst-case-scenario plan and move to turn the tables on their ruthless adversary. With a shadowy mercenary team, Decker and Harlow embark for a war—one that Skystorm’s influential DC backers have no intention of losing. To safeguard their treasonous secret, they aim to bury it, along with Decker and everyone he loves.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
1038 people are currently reading
1726 people want to read
About the author
Steven Konkoly
70 books1,230 followersSteven graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993, receiving a bachelor of science in English literature. He served the next eight years on active duty, traveling the world as a naval officer assigned to various Navy and Marine Corps units. His extensive journey spanned the globe, including a two-year tour of duty in Japan and travel to more than twenty countries throughout Asia and the Middle East.
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
February 3, 2021
Skystorm
by Steven Konkoly is shocking, suspenseful, alarming and pulse-activating. It has aspects of both political and military thrillers as well as an action-adventure thriller and is the fourth book in the Ryan Decker series.
Ryan Decker is a former CIA operative turned mercenary turned covert investigator that also takes shadow ‘off the books’ missions for Senator Margaret Steele. In this case, Senator Steele knows that Apex Industries, the criminal enterprise that masquerades as a think tank, is once again up to no good. When a surveillance plane meets disaster after Steele uncovers an APEX operation code-named Skystorm, it is only the beginning. APEX goes after everyone. Will Senator Steele, Decker, his team and their families survive this onslaught?
This book is once again largely set in California and Washington D.C. but also takes the reader to Nicaragua, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nevada. It is exactly what you would expect from a well-written action thriller with lots of concern over how to protect one’s family as well as some information on weapons, drones, and covert gear.
There was a lot more character development in this book for Ryan. I got sense of what he is like in the down time between missions and what his hopes are for the future. I also got to know Harlow, Ryan’s significant other, a lot better in this novel. Due to the large number of characters in the book, it helps to read this series in order. That way, a reader is not learning all of the secondary characters at once, but gradually over time.
There are several twists to the story, although a lot of the action and deductions are over-the-top. It was so full of action and excitement that it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was kept fully invested in the mission becoming a success. But is that what happens?
Overall, this book was suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and entertaining. If you enjoy action thrillers that have both strong male and female characters, then this may be the series for you.
This is the fourth book that I have read by this author and the third in this series. I own five other books by Konkoly that I plan to read. He continues to bring great characters, entertaining story lines, and lots of action together in exhilarating novels. Steven Konkoly has become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more from him. Will there be more in this series? I can’t wait to find out what is next, whether it is another series or this one.
Thomas & Mercer and Steven Konkoly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 11, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Ryan Decker is a former CIA operative turned mercenary turned covert investigator that also takes shadow ‘off the books’ missions for Senator Margaret Steele. In this case, Senator Steele knows that Apex Industries, the criminal enterprise that masquerades as a think tank, is once again up to no good. When a surveillance plane meets disaster after Steele uncovers an APEX operation code-named Skystorm, it is only the beginning. APEX goes after everyone. Will Senator Steele, Decker, his team and their families survive this onslaught?
This book is once again largely set in California and Washington D.C. but also takes the reader to Nicaragua, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nevada. It is exactly what you would expect from a well-written action thriller with lots of concern over how to protect one’s family as well as some information on weapons, drones, and covert gear.
There was a lot more character development in this book for Ryan. I got sense of what he is like in the down time between missions and what his hopes are for the future. I also got to know Harlow, Ryan’s significant other, a lot better in this novel. Due to the large number of characters in the book, it helps to read this series in order. That way, a reader is not learning all of the secondary characters at once, but gradually over time.
There are several twists to the story, although a lot of the action and deductions are over-the-top. It was so full of action and excitement that it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was kept fully invested in the mission becoming a success. But is that what happens?
Overall, this book was suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and entertaining. If you enjoy action thrillers that have both strong male and female characters, then this may be the series for you.
This is the fourth book that I have read by this author and the third in this series. I own five other books by Konkoly that I plan to read. He continues to bring great characters, entertaining story lines, and lots of action together in exhilarating novels. Steven Konkoly has become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more from him. Will there be more in this series? I can’t wait to find out what is next, whether it is another series or this one.
Thomas & Mercer and Steven Konkoly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 11, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
May 7, 2021
WHAT an Outstanding new thriller from Ryan Decker and Team!! Senator Steele still has plans for Apex...Unknown to Decker, and when Apex see what she is up to All hell breaks loose!! Everybody on the Team, from Decker and crew to the FBI and their families are now being targeted!! Apex even moves to kidnap Decker's daughter,and He has had quite Enough!!
The Senator, Director of Decker and his Team, discovers an even deadlier operation...Code name SKYSTORM...This operation goes against every international arms-trafficking law known, and her exposure of the plot puts every person who has worked against Apex in their cross-hairs!! Decker is fighting for the lives of so many from 'hiding', as people try to keep their families close and safe...He Has to come up with a plan to stop the SKYSTORM operation from happening...But there are many well-heeled folk in D.C. who have No thought of losing...And are ready to bury all who oppose them...
Decker and Harlow go about a last ditch plan to destroy the operation...But it may not work...And all Decker loves, including himself, may soon be gone...Lost in the fight with a greedy, no holds barred adversary...I received an ARC of this tension-filled, suspenseful story from the author and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
The Senator, Director of Decker and his Team, discovers an even deadlier operation...Code name SKYSTORM...This operation goes against every international arms-trafficking law known, and her exposure of the plot puts every person who has worked against Apex in their cross-hairs!! Decker is fighting for the lives of so many from 'hiding', as people try to keep their families close and safe...He Has to come up with a plan to stop the SKYSTORM operation from happening...But there are many well-heeled folk in D.C. who have No thought of losing...And are ready to bury all who oppose them...
Decker and Harlow go about a last ditch plan to destroy the operation...But it may not work...And all Decker loves, including himself, may soon be gone...Lost in the fight with a greedy, no holds barred adversary...I received an ARC of this tension-filled, suspenseful story from the author and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
February 12, 2022
At the end of The Mountain it looked like there was a truce between APEX and Senator Margaret Steele. And therefore between APEX and Ryan Decker. But APEX hasn't changed and Senator Steele still blames them for the death of her husband and daughter. Unbeknownst to Decker and Harlow, Senator Steele has continued her campaign against APEX. The result is that the truce, such as it was, is over. And it puts Decker back in their crosshairs.
Steele has uncovered a new APEX operation—code name Skystorm. It violates every international arms-trafficking law and her exposing Skystorm puts APEX on the offensive. They not only go after Senator Steele but attempt to kidnap Decker's daughter. The senator calls Decker to warn him just in time. Decker, Harlow and the entire team bail out and head for the hills of California. There they plan their attack to put an end to APEX for good.
The story opens with a surveillance flight in Texas to try and get intel on Skystorm. Then it shifts to Washington D.C. and the home of one of APEX's directors. Then to California and Riley Decker's school and the headquarters of Harlow's agency. There are a lot of characters in all of these different scenes. It is hard to keep track. The action is over the top and not very believable.
This book would probably make a good action movie. Maybe Tom Cruise could cast himself in the role of Ryan Decker. Two different groups of mercenaries fighting with claymore mines, grenade launchers, armed drones, etc. in Washington D.C., California, and Texas? Bernie has a bigger role and he brings his own team with planes and helicopters.
Entertaining but not very believable but this is fiction.
Steele has uncovered a new APEX operation—code name Skystorm. It violates every international arms-trafficking law and her exposing Skystorm puts APEX on the offensive. They not only go after Senator Steele but attempt to kidnap Decker's daughter. The senator calls Decker to warn him just in time. Decker, Harlow and the entire team bail out and head for the hills of California. There they plan their attack to put an end to APEX for good.
The story opens with a surveillance flight in Texas to try and get intel on Skystorm. Then it shifts to Washington D.C. and the home of one of APEX's directors. Then to California and Riley Decker's school and the headquarters of Harlow's agency. There are a lot of characters in all of these different scenes. It is hard to keep track. The action is over the top and not very believable.
This book would probably make a good action movie. Maybe Tom Cruise could cast himself in the role of Ryan Decker. Two different groups of mercenaries fighting with claymore mines, grenade launchers, armed drones, etc. in Washington D.C., California, and Texas? Bernie has a bigger role and he brings his own team with planes and helicopters.
Entertaining but not very believable but this is fiction.
June 27, 2021
Another great series that I have enjoyed from the start.
Skystorm, Ryan Decker 4 from Steven Konkoly.... Brilliant !!
After covert investigators Ryan Decker and Harlow Mackenzie demolished APEX, a billion-dollar criminal enterprise, a tenuous truce between the two factions suggested the battle was over. But not for Decker’s director, Senator Margaret Steele. She’s uncovered an even deadlier operation—code name Skystorm.
Skystorm violates every international arms-trafficking law imaginable. And for the senator, exposing the plot may be a gamble too far. APEX has caught wind of the investigation, and they’ve gone on the offensive. Steele’s warning to Decker and Harlow: we’re all in a no-holds-barred fight for our lives.
With APEX’s scorched-earth tactics now unmistakable, Decker and Harlow pull the trigger on their worst-case-scenario plan and move to turn the tables on their ruthless adversary. With a shadowy mercenary team, Decker and Harlow embark for a war—one that Skystorm’s influential DC backers have no intention of losing. To safeguard their treasonous secret, they aim to bury it, along with Decker and everyone he loves.
A full out battle for Decker and his team and Senator Steele's new team, lead by Rich. Apex are out for blood and on the full attack determined to stop Steele for once and for ever.
Action packed from start to finish, full of shocks and surprises, twists that brings a smile to your face, filled with great characters, great nasty villains and a massive high five for the strong and powerful leading personalities in these four great books. A great series and highly recommended.
Get on the rollercoaster and start this series. Five stars.
Skystorm, Ryan Decker 4 from Steven Konkoly.... Brilliant !!
After covert investigators Ryan Decker and Harlow Mackenzie demolished APEX, a billion-dollar criminal enterprise, a tenuous truce between the two factions suggested the battle was over. But not for Decker’s director, Senator Margaret Steele. She’s uncovered an even deadlier operation—code name Skystorm.
Skystorm violates every international arms-trafficking law imaginable. And for the senator, exposing the plot may be a gamble too far. APEX has caught wind of the investigation, and they’ve gone on the offensive. Steele’s warning to Decker and Harlow: we’re all in a no-holds-barred fight for our lives.
With APEX’s scorched-earth tactics now unmistakable, Decker and Harlow pull the trigger on their worst-case-scenario plan and move to turn the tables on their ruthless adversary. With a shadowy mercenary team, Decker and Harlow embark for a war—one that Skystorm’s influential DC backers have no intention of losing. To safeguard their treasonous secret, they aim to bury it, along with Decker and everyone he loves.
A full out battle for Decker and his team and Senator Steele's new team, lead by Rich. Apex are out for blood and on the full attack determined to stop Steele for once and for ever.
Action packed from start to finish, full of shocks and surprises, twists that brings a smile to your face, filled with great characters, great nasty villains and a massive high five for the strong and powerful leading personalities in these four great books. A great series and highly recommended.
Get on the rollercoaster and start this series. Five stars.
June 25, 2021
This book's action is almost too much. The APEX organization finally comes down on Decker's crew in a real way. Decker and friends have to escape, and immediately start striking back. There's so much action, I started losing track of who was doing what.
Action packed.
Action packed.
April 16, 2021
I have read Skystorm by Steven Konkoly, It's the latest installment in the series about Ryan Decker. It starts with action and then it goes on with even more action. Decker and his friends is targeted by Apex again. This time they aim to wipe them all out in one go. I had some real problems with this book! I had to put it down to eat and sleep. Besides that, I think this was one of the best books I have read in a while and I'm almost up to a hundred read this year. I will not spoil the book for you out there who follow Konkoly and those that haven't started with his work, you better get on board. I have to thank @netgalley and #ThomasAndMercer for giving me this advane copy and @author_steven_konkoly for writing it. Please keep up the good work.
May 11, 2021
Skystorm is the fourth instalment in the Ryan Decker series and it's a stellar addition to the bestselling action-adventure franchise. Former CIA operative turned private mercenary for hire turned undercover investigator Ryan Decker is enjoying some much-needed downtime with his family at the Decker home. His mother, Audrey, has gone out leaving Ryan and his father, Steven, to talk and engage in a little bit of playful banter whilst Ryan’s girlfriend and partner in crime, private investigator Harlow Mackenzie, ponders and converses about domestic problems and Riley, Ryan’s teenage daughter, sets off to school accompanied by her ex-Israeli soldier bodyguard, Brooklyn, who is currently studying for her PI’s license, a less dangerous career choice. Everything seems to be coming up roses and for a time they settle into family life and have some semblance of normality, but not for long as Ryan is called back out to continue a mission he started in the past. He had been hired by influential US Senator Margaret Steele, to carry out a black-ops mission against the Apex Institute, a criminal enterprise “quasi-intelligence agency and paramilitary power broker,” masquerading as an innocuous think tank, and despite believing the organisation has either been eradicated or is lying low, there is no such luck. They are back to their nefarious ways with a new undertaking, a project code-named Skystorm, which is merely an insolent attempt at circumventing international arms-trafficking laws.
Besides this, Apex operatives are also on the warpath and will take any opportunity to destroy Steele and Ryan. The whole of Decker’s team is being hunted with increasing desperation after their futile attempts to bug head of Apex, Ezra Dalton’s home in Washington, D.C. Apex sends their security forces after the team, their families and FBI colleagues with links to the sabotage as they desperately try to cut the head off the snake and kill the group once and for all. They eventually manage to carefully extract themselves to a remote mountain region in California where they enjoy some respite for a while. Can they destroy the monster before it's too late and keep everyone safe in the process? This is a compulsive, enthralling and action-packed thriller full of exciting, nail-biting events and heart-thumping drama. The cat and mouse game has high stakes for both sides and the plot is based upon betrayal, revenge and conspiracy with both sides having one goal in mind: to decimate the opposers. Konkoly succeeds once again at crafting an exceptionally plotted, complex and explosive tale with plenty of near misses for the protagonists as the rapid-fire pace propels the narrative forward. As was expected, some of the characterisation is lacking as the author places his focus on the plot, as with many series in this genre, but if you're looking for a riveting, all-action thriller and one that'll thoroughly entertain then look no further; it has everything required to keep you gripped and engrossed throughout.
Besides this, Apex operatives are also on the warpath and will take any opportunity to destroy Steele and Ryan. The whole of Decker’s team is being hunted with increasing desperation after their futile attempts to bug head of Apex, Ezra Dalton’s home in Washington, D.C. Apex sends their security forces after the team, their families and FBI colleagues with links to the sabotage as they desperately try to cut the head off the snake and kill the group once and for all. They eventually manage to carefully extract themselves to a remote mountain region in California where they enjoy some respite for a while. Can they destroy the monster before it's too late and keep everyone safe in the process? This is a compulsive, enthralling and action-packed thriller full of exciting, nail-biting events and heart-thumping drama. The cat and mouse game has high stakes for both sides and the plot is based upon betrayal, revenge and conspiracy with both sides having one goal in mind: to decimate the opposers. Konkoly succeeds once again at crafting an exceptionally plotted, complex and explosive tale with plenty of near misses for the protagonists as the rapid-fire pace propels the narrative forward. As was expected, some of the characterisation is lacking as the author places his focus on the plot, as with many series in this genre, but if you're looking for a riveting, all-action thriller and one that'll thoroughly entertain then look no further; it has everything required to keep you gripped and engrossed throughout.
August 13, 2021
If you've read the previous books in the Ryan Decker series (and if you haven't, what are you doing starting with #4?), you pretty much know what to expect from its final installment: fastpaced action, high stakes conspiracies, a high body count, and Decker's ever expanding team kicking ass in a multitude of ways - and the book delivers all of that in spades. In short: This was fun, let's do it again some time!
November 26, 2020
Skystorm is the 4th book of the Ryan Decker series by Steven Konkoly, and it is a doozy. Ryan Decker and his associates are known for racking up the body counts and other general mayhem and Skystorm doesn't disappoint. The action is non-stop but intertwined with levity and emotion. Konkoly has created a dynamic cast of characters that are as endearing as they are lethal.
April 22, 2021
I received this book as a free ebook from the author.
Ryan Decker and his crew are keeping a low profile in the aftermath of the destruction of a $2B marijuana crop belonging to A.P.E.X. Corporation until all Hell breaks loose when a surveillance jet is shot down over the Texas Panhandle. This jet at the behest of Senator Steele was doing some due diligence. APEX further responds by going after her and Decker’s family and colleagues. Even FBI agents and their families are at risk.
Lots of action as APEX brazenly goes after them. Senator Steele also employs a new team to protect her and pursue APEX on the East Coast. The body count is high. No quick police response times here as special operators drop like it’s hunting season. One wonders if they soon will merit endangered species status.
This is purportedly the last book in the series. Decker has had enough of being shot at and jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. I’m sure trouble will find him or Senator Steele soon.
Ryan Decker and his crew are keeping a low profile in the aftermath of the destruction of a $2B marijuana crop belonging to A.P.E.X. Corporation until all Hell breaks loose when a surveillance jet is shot down over the Texas Panhandle. This jet at the behest of Senator Steele was doing some due diligence. APEX further responds by going after her and Decker’s family and colleagues. Even FBI agents and their families are at risk.
Lots of action as APEX brazenly goes after them. Senator Steele also employs a new team to protect her and pursue APEX on the East Coast. The body count is high. No quick police response times here as special operators drop like it’s hunting season. One wonders if they soon will merit endangered species status.
This is purportedly the last book in the series. Decker has had enough of being shot at and jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. I’m sure trouble will find him or Senator Steele soon.
June 19, 2021
We’ll written. Suspenseful!
January 27, 2023
Great read
I really enjoyed this episode in the series it was well written with few minor error in th dictation, but easily forgivable for the enjoyment it gave.
I really enjoyed this episode in the series it was well written with few minor error in th dictation, but easily forgivable for the enjoyment it gave.
May 11, 2021
I cannot thank Steve enough for this wonderful extension of the series. The blend of characters was fantastic, the plot exciting, the characters were as I had known them. Just a great read and the best of this genre that I have read in a very long time.
Bravo
Bravo
January 3, 2021
Courage takes many forms.
Things to know upfront: This fourth book of the ongoing series will be available to the general public on May 11, 2021. If you haven't read the previous books, you'll have plenty of time to get caught up on the action and get an understanding of who all the players are and what makes them tick. If you have read the previous books and are a NetGalley member, you can request a copy now. Be aware there is violence as well as adult language and situations.
Ryan Decker has plans with his daughter after school is out. Those plans are rudely interrupted by an organization that have lethal ideas of how the Decker family's, and their friends', day is going to go.
I was impressed by how much courage was imparted throughout this story by so many people involved in the ongoing conflict.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read an unproofread advanced copy of this book. Above are my honest insights.
Things to know upfront: This fourth book of the ongoing series will be available to the general public on May 11, 2021. If you haven't read the previous books, you'll have plenty of time to get caught up on the action and get an understanding of who all the players are and what makes them tick. If you have read the previous books and are a NetGalley member, you can request a copy now. Be aware there is violence as well as adult language and situations.
Ryan Decker has plans with his daughter after school is out. Those plans are rudely interrupted by an organization that have lethal ideas of how the Decker family's, and their friends', day is going to go.
I was impressed by how much courage was imparted throughout this story by so many people involved in the ongoing conflict.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read an unproofread advanced copy of this book. Above are my honest insights.
December 6, 2020
The truce declared on The Mountain breaks down, APEX goes full frontal assault on Steele and Friends who, in turn, declare all out war on APEX. Forces engage and, in the end, there can be only one left standing. Some old acquaintances from the Sanderson days step in to put a finger on the scales, but the outcome is far from assured as a clandestine battle on multiple fronts rages from the District to Nevada with consequences for the world hanging in the balance. Ryan Decker fans will enjoy this next (final?) installment of the series, Skystorm.
February 26, 2021
I received this book through NetGalley's Read Now program.
This is the 4th book that I have read in this series and I haven't been disappointed with any of them. This story begins with Decker and Pierce stealthily boarding a container cargo ship to prevent it from sailing. They have both made it onboard and are climbing the stairs to the bridge. After Decker cleared the 4th stage and told Pierce that it was clear, Pierce started climbing when a hatch opened with an armed mercenary coming out. Then it ended the chapter that way.
The next chapter started with the activity which began 3 months earlier. In that time-frame, a group working with Sen. Steele had their plane shot down. At the same time, Decker's team as well as another team aiding Sen. Steele were attacked by the company known as "Apex". As a result of this attack, all of the team members and their families in addition to 2 FBI families went into hiding. Apex had been quite for the last couple of years. Sen. Steeles' current operation ended that.
The team all met at a secret location and planned how they were going to end the feud. The only way that they would be free would be if they were able to destroy Apex. Their plan called for them to disrupt the Skystorm Project. This was a two phase action. The 1st one being the stoppage of the container ship sailing and the 2nd would be the destruction of the Thrush plane. Both of these stages would be handled by Decker's team with assistance from Bernie's air support.
At the same time, the other team working with Sen. Steele would draw out the Apex mercenary force in D.C. and destroy them. In addition both teams would work together to disrupt the information stream that Apex had at their headquarters.
To discover how this all happened, then you must read this story. You won't be disappointed. If you read this and haven't read any of the other books in the series, you will likely want to start.
This is the 4th book that I have read in this series and I haven't been disappointed with any of them. This story begins with Decker and Pierce stealthily boarding a container cargo ship to prevent it from sailing. They have both made it onboard and are climbing the stairs to the bridge. After Decker cleared the 4th stage and told Pierce that it was clear, Pierce started climbing when a hatch opened with an armed mercenary coming out. Then it ended the chapter that way.
The next chapter started with the activity which began 3 months earlier. In that time-frame, a group working with Sen. Steele had their plane shot down. At the same time, Decker's team as well as another team aiding Sen. Steele were attacked by the company known as "Apex". As a result of this attack, all of the team members and their families in addition to 2 FBI families went into hiding. Apex had been quite for the last couple of years. Sen. Steeles' current operation ended that.
The team all met at a secret location and planned how they were going to end the feud. The only way that they would be free would be if they were able to destroy Apex. Their plan called for them to disrupt the Skystorm Project. This was a two phase action. The 1st one being the stoppage of the container ship sailing and the 2nd would be the destruction of the Thrush plane. Both of these stages would be handled by Decker's team with assistance from Bernie's air support.
At the same time, the other team working with Sen. Steele would draw out the Apex mercenary force in D.C. and destroy them. In addition both teams would work together to disrupt the information stream that Apex had at their headquarters.
To discover how this all happened, then you must read this story. You won't be disappointed. If you read this and haven't read any of the other books in the series, you will likely want to start.
August 29, 2024
"Skystorm" by Steven Konkoly is the latest installment in the Ryan Decker series, bringing readers back into the thrilling world of its titular protagonist, a former mercenary turned covert operative. While the novel offers plenty of action and intrigue, it ultimately garners a three-star rating due to some inconsistencies in pacing and a somewhat predictable plot that may leave readers wanting more from Konkoly's usually compelling narrative style.
The novel kicks off with an adrenaline-pumping premise: Ryan Decker embarks on a rescue operation that quickly escalates into a tangled web of international intrigue involving corrupt governments and powerful corporations. Konkoly's skill in crafting action sequences shines through, with detailed descriptions of tactical maneuvers and high-stakes combat that are both engaging and authentic. These scenes are clearly the highlight of the book, demonstrating the author's deep understanding of military operations and weaponry.
However, "Skystorm" struggles with pacing. The transition between high-action scenes and slower, expository sections is often jarring, with the latter dragging down the momentum built by the former. This uneven pacing makes the narrative feel disjointed at times, reducing the overall tension and urgency that are vital to a thriller of this nature.
Character development is another mixed aspect of the book. While Ryan Decker is a well-established character with a compelling backstory, his development in this installment feels stagnant. The supporting characters, although they have potential, are not given enough depth or background to truly enhance the story or provide meaningful interactions with Decker. This lack of character depth results in a narrative that sometimes feels superficial, relying heavily on action to carry the plot rather than character-driven decisions and relationships.
The plot itself, while expansive and ambitious, tends toward predictability. Many of the twists and turns can be anticipated well in advance, and the resolutions to the various conflicts often feel too convenient or formulaic. This predictability detracts from the novel's overall impact, making some parts of the story forgettable.
Despite these issues, "Skystorm" still offers a decent read for fans of the genre, particularly those who have followed Ryan Decker's adventures in previous books. Konkoly’s clear, concise writing style and his ability to create vivid action scenes are commendable and provide enough entertainment value to keep readers engaged through to the end.
In summary, while "Skystorm" showcases Steven Konkoly’s talent for action and detail, it falls short of the more robust storytelling and character development seen in earlier installments. The novel is a satisfactory continuation of the Ryan Decker series but does not stand out as particularly memorable within the genre. Fans may enjoy the familiar pacing and scenarios, but newcomers or those seeking depth and unpredictability might find it lacking.
The novel kicks off with an adrenaline-pumping premise: Ryan Decker embarks on a rescue operation that quickly escalates into a tangled web of international intrigue involving corrupt governments and powerful corporations. Konkoly's skill in crafting action sequences shines through, with detailed descriptions of tactical maneuvers and high-stakes combat that are both engaging and authentic. These scenes are clearly the highlight of the book, demonstrating the author's deep understanding of military operations and weaponry.
However, "Skystorm" struggles with pacing. The transition between high-action scenes and slower, expository sections is often jarring, with the latter dragging down the momentum built by the former. This uneven pacing makes the narrative feel disjointed at times, reducing the overall tension and urgency that are vital to a thriller of this nature.
Character development is another mixed aspect of the book. While Ryan Decker is a well-established character with a compelling backstory, his development in this installment feels stagnant. The supporting characters, although they have potential, are not given enough depth or background to truly enhance the story or provide meaningful interactions with Decker. This lack of character depth results in a narrative that sometimes feels superficial, relying heavily on action to carry the plot rather than character-driven decisions and relationships.
The plot itself, while expansive and ambitious, tends toward predictability. Many of the twists and turns can be anticipated well in advance, and the resolutions to the various conflicts often feel too convenient or formulaic. This predictability detracts from the novel's overall impact, making some parts of the story forgettable.
Despite these issues, "Skystorm" still offers a decent read for fans of the genre, particularly those who have followed Ryan Decker's adventures in previous books. Konkoly’s clear, concise writing style and his ability to create vivid action scenes are commendable and provide enough entertainment value to keep readers engaged through to the end.
In summary, while "Skystorm" showcases Steven Konkoly’s talent for action and detail, it falls short of the more robust storytelling and character development seen in earlier installments. The novel is a satisfactory continuation of the Ryan Decker series but does not stand out as particularly memorable within the genre. Fans may enjoy the familiar pacing and scenarios, but newcomers or those seeking depth and unpredictability might find it lacking.
May 15, 2021
This is the fourth installment in this series and I had forgotten exactly how much I enjoyed this series. Is this the final book in the series? I honestly don't know...even after reading the book. The door is kind of left open, while at the same time completing the story arc that has been the overarching arc of the series.
In this genre, the reader knows that a certain amount of leeway needs to be given in the believability factor (there is a WHOLE lot of killing - even though most of them are the bad guys). But, with that being said, this book was a complete action packed drama from the very beginning of the book. That action continued until the very end. I was pulled in from the very beginning and it was great!
There is a lot of unexpected "counter" plans that surprised the heck out of me while at the same time had me holding my breath. That was one of the best things about this book - seeing these plans come to fruition - in the way they did. Fun, fun, fun. It was wonderful to see the "bad guys" caught off guard...really great.
This has been a really fun series filled with characters that we have come to like and respect. This book only seems to reinforce those beliefs. Obviously, since this is the conclusion of a story arc, it should not be read as a stand alone. There is too much history that is important to understanding WHY the response had to be as blatant as it was. It is also necessary to see the development of the relationships between the key characters as things have developed over the 4 books.
Yep....definitely worth the time to read and enjoy.
In this genre, the reader knows that a certain amount of leeway needs to be given in the believability factor (there is a WHOLE lot of killing - even though most of them are the bad guys). But, with that being said, this book was a complete action packed drama from the very beginning of the book. That action continued until the very end. I was pulled in from the very beginning and it was great!
There is a lot of unexpected "counter" plans that surprised the heck out of me while at the same time had me holding my breath. That was one of the best things about this book - seeing these plans come to fruition - in the way they did. Fun, fun, fun. It was wonderful to see the "bad guys" caught off guard...really great.
This has been a really fun series filled with characters that we have come to like and respect. This book only seems to reinforce those beliefs. Obviously, since this is the conclusion of a story arc, it should not be read as a stand alone. There is too much history that is important to understanding WHY the response had to be as blatant as it was. It is also necessary to see the development of the relationships between the key characters as things have developed over the 4 books.
Yep....definitely worth the time to read and enjoy.
June 30, 2021
A wonderful (maybe) final book in the Decker series
Dang it, Steve, this can’t be it! I’ll admit, I teared up at the end.
As always, Steve did a fantastic job with our favorite motley crew of operators. The attention to detail he expresses is phenomenal, but not a surprise considering his background. I’ve read each book in this series ahead of publication (so happy to be an advanced reader!) but this time, even though I have a physical copy, I kept putting it off. I wanted the Decker saga to last a little while longer.
Never one to disappoint, Steve made sure to go out with a bang. Just when you think APEX is ready to behave, something else comes on the scene to bring Decker and crew up to bat. This time is no different, and they’re on the run and ready for action from the first pages.
If you love military intrigue, covert operations, and good humored military humor (there’s no need to get offended by the language, it’s just as accurate as the descriptions of the weapons!) then I highly recommend this series.
Dang it, Steve, this can’t be it! I’ll admit, I teared up at the end.
As always, Steve did a fantastic job with our favorite motley crew of operators. The attention to detail he expresses is phenomenal, but not a surprise considering his background. I’ve read each book in this series ahead of publication (so happy to be an advanced reader!) but this time, even though I have a physical copy, I kept putting it off. I wanted the Decker saga to last a little while longer.
Never one to disappoint, Steve made sure to go out with a bang. Just when you think APEX is ready to behave, something else comes on the scene to bring Decker and crew up to bat. This time is no different, and they’re on the run and ready for action from the first pages.
If you love military intrigue, covert operations, and good humored military humor (there’s no need to get offended by the language, it’s just as accurate as the descriptions of the weapons!) then I highly recommend this series.
April 6, 2025
Wow! Skystorm is a showstopper! An explosive ending to a new and exciting thriller series. Skystorm, book 4 in the Ryan Decker thriller series, ties up, well almost ties up all the loose ends, and brings us to a rock solid, satisfying end. I said almost because there are still enough dangling threads that Steven Konkoly could use to create more adventures for Decker, Harlow, and senator Steele if the muse moves him in that direction and I, for one, hopes that there are Decker thriller spin offs in the future. I can see Steven Konkoly doing that with the Decker Thriller series just as Don Pendleton did with his Mack Bolan, The Executioner Series. For me Don Pendleton has always been the King of adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster thrill ride thrillers, but Steven Konkoly has taken a place on a throne right beside his.
If you have never read any of Konkoly’s books, start with this series and you will find yourself binging on all his books. I have already downloaded his complete Black Flag series and will be binging on those next.
If you have never read any of Konkoly’s books, start with this series and you will find yourself binging on all his books. I have already downloaded his complete Black Flag series and will be binging on those next.
May 19, 2021
Wow! Action throughout the story. But the action was better than expected because it was a constant battle between Senator Steele's group of special operatives (including Ryan Decker of course) and APEX with all its own special operatives and high tech equipment. APEX goes all out to destroy Senator Steele and her people including their families. Ryan Decker and the others working with Senator Steele do everything they can to save themselves, their families and destroy APEX.
It's been awhile waiting for book #4 in this series to come out. As such, it took me a litle while to fully remember all the players from the first three books. And sure, you can enjoy this book without reading the previous books in the series but boy, it's nice remembering who is who and who did what in the prior stories. This book was the end of the series although Konkoly did wonder himself if more could follow. Great book. Great four book series.
It's been awhile waiting for book #4 in this series to come out. As such, it took me a litle while to fully remember all the players from the first three books. And sure, you can enjoy this book without reading the previous books in the series but boy, it's nice remembering who is who and who did what in the prior stories. This book was the end of the series although Konkoly did wonder himself if more could follow. Great book. Great four book series.
May 21, 2021
Ryan Decker and Senator Steele's crew of operatives were in the final planning to bring down APEX.
APEX's SKYSTORM project to heavily arm civilian aircraft for sale to Russia to be used against Ukraine violated many civil and global laws. Decker and his batch of handy operators, coordinated with Senator Margaret Steele and her augmented protection detail and staff to destroy APEX and its SKYSTORM project.
The Ryan Decker series has been an amazing ride. Margaret Steele's crew and Decker's band of capable operators have performed at blistering pace through the missions to eliminate APEX's ability to cause trouble. Definitely a page turner, these books have caused me lost sleep and chewed fingernails. The characters and storyline are frighteningly plausible and made this a terrific read! I sincerely hope that we'll have more Ryan Decker exploits to come.
APEX's SKYSTORM project to heavily arm civilian aircraft for sale to Russia to be used against Ukraine violated many civil and global laws. Decker and his batch of handy operators, coordinated with Senator Margaret Steele and her augmented protection detail and staff to destroy APEX and its SKYSTORM project.
The Ryan Decker series has been an amazing ride. Margaret Steele's crew and Decker's band of capable operators have performed at blistering pace through the missions to eliminate APEX's ability to cause trouble. Definitely a page turner, these books have caused me lost sleep and chewed fingernails. The characters and storyline are frighteningly plausible and made this a terrific read! I sincerely hope that we'll have more Ryan Decker exploits to come.
November 6, 2024
This book started with so much action it was Great!! The chapters were flying by as Decker and his team were preparing for the attack of their lives. I could not put it down for the first 30% of this book because there was so much action and so much anticipation of who was going to survive! Decker, Steele, Pierce, Harlow, everyone is in the fight of their lives against APEX. After the fight on the streets, it is time for Decker and Steele to plan for their counterattack and to put the nail in the coffin on APEX once and for all. They find ways to shutdown SKYSTORM, the project APEX was working on. They anticipate attacks on Steele in her own home, and they find the main hideout for the board of directors so they can hit them where it hurts the most. Sad this is the last Decker book, but I really enjoyed it very much!
July 18, 2025
In the previous book, The Mountain, investigators Ryan Decker and Harlow Mackenzie wreck an enormously profitable business for the greedy APEX corporation, leading to a temporary truce with Decker and Mackenzie's client, Senator Margaret Steele, who accesses dark governmental funds. Steele discovers APEX is secretly working on a manufacturing a highly dangerous and untraceable weapon: code named Skystorm. To protect its new venture, APEX decides to go on the offensive, targeting Decker, his family, Harlow, their work colleagues, and the Steele. After a failed attack on Decker and his family, war is declared and battle lines are drawn. Steele has hired a personal protection agency, and there are some intense gun battles at Decker's daughter's school and Steele's lakefront home. Last book in the series.
October 5, 2021
Ice clean thriller with a touch of romance
Steven Konkoly has a rare gift of producing a clean story without resorting to unnecessary filler in the bedroom His attention to detail brings us his readers along for a hell of a ride begging for more. National and international political intrigue brng the tension to a boil. Ryan Decker and crew bring the story to a satisfying ending worthy of a trip to the big screen. Great job.
The excellent voices on this tale were very easy to keep up with the plot.
One thing that could be improved was too many - he said - she said Also a little for more detail could have been clarified on Senator Steelers qualifications for being on the investigation committee.
Steven Konkoly has a rare gift of producing a clean story without resorting to unnecessary filler in the bedroom His attention to detail brings us his readers along for a hell of a ride begging for more. National and international political intrigue brng the tension to a boil. Ryan Decker and crew bring the story to a satisfying ending worthy of a trip to the big screen. Great job.
The excellent voices on this tale were very easy to keep up with the plot.
One thing that could be improved was too many - he said - she said Also a little for more detail could have been clarified on Senator Steelers qualifications for being on the investigation committee.
May 16, 2021
Sky storm. Steven Konkoly
Ryan Decker, and his partner Harlow Mackenzie as well as his daughter, his parents and his covert team members are facing a tremendous threat from Apex, supposedly a think tank but actuality a huge and that's an understatement criminal enterprise. Alex and Harlow are there number one enemies along with United States Senator Steel. They murdered her daughter and this also lead to her husband's suicide. Either Apex will survive or Alex, Harlow, Senator Steel will.Both parties have highly trained operatives. This is a non stop action filled thriller which is typical of all of Steven Konkoly's books. My highest recommendation!!!!
Ryan Decker, and his partner Harlow Mackenzie as well as his daughter, his parents and his covert team members are facing a tremendous threat from Apex, supposedly a think tank but actuality a huge and that's an understatement criminal enterprise. Alex and Harlow are there number one enemies along with United States Senator Steel. They murdered her daughter and this also lead to her husband's suicide. Either Apex will survive or Alex, Harlow, Senator Steel will.Both parties have highly trained operatives. This is a non stop action filled thriller which is typical of all of Steven Konkoly's books. My highest recommendation!!!!
May 18, 2021
Definitely have to read all 4 books sequentially.
I had actually started book 4 (Skystorm) before reading 1-3 and quickly realised I had no context.
So went back and read Books 1-3 first before returning to the last one.
And it was definitely worth it. Excellent book, well-written, good plot continues seamlessly from Book 3, SkyStorm is even a bit more bang-bang than the others but that is the theme of the series. Can connect with the characters even those on "the other side".
I have read quite a bit of pandemic Konkoly prior to this series so I was aware of how good his writing is.
Totally recommended - as long as you read them - 1 then 2 -then 3 - then 4.
I had actually started book 4 (Skystorm) before reading 1-3 and quickly realised I had no context.
So went back and read Books 1-3 first before returning to the last one.
And it was definitely worth it. Excellent book, well-written, good plot continues seamlessly from Book 3, SkyStorm is even a bit more bang-bang than the others but that is the theme of the series. Can connect with the characters even those on "the other side".
I have read quite a bit of pandemic Konkoly prior to this series so I was aware of how good his writing is.
Totally recommended - as long as you read them - 1 then 2 -then 3 - then 4.
September 19, 2021
Excellent conclusion, I think
I'm guessing this is the end of this series of books and an excellent ending it was. So many times a series of books end with an improbable storyline, or lots of deaths and destruction, just to tie everything off
The author took time to complete the story, with no loose ends but without the need to kill everyone off to do it. It may have been a little happy ever after, but given how the whole story from book 1 to this had been written and the characters developed, it all seemed appropriate
Would have been interesting to see Ryan & Rich meet up, but there was no reason for them to
I'm guessing this is the end of this series of books and an excellent ending it was. So many times a series of books end with an improbable storyline, or lots of deaths and destruction, just to tie everything off
The author took time to complete the story, with no loose ends but without the need to kill everyone off to do it. It may have been a little happy ever after, but given how the whole story from book 1 to this had been written and the characters developed, it all seemed appropriate
Would have been interesting to see Ryan & Rich meet up, but there was no reason for them to
February 15, 2022
Required reading if you enjoy the “I cannot tear myself away from this story” syndrome,!
Great ongoing plot. Characters you will love, particularly in how they interact with each other to eradicate evil. You will feel their stress, their ability to overcome overwhelming odds, their love of family and each other and laugh at their capacity for humor and all around “ball busting” with each other.
Kudos to Steven Konkoly for having the capacity, competence and research capability to deliver Ryan Decker and associates to me in four riveting, engrossing ACTION PACKED novels. Denny
Great ongoing plot. Characters you will love, particularly in how they interact with each other to eradicate evil. You will feel their stress, their ability to overcome overwhelming odds, their love of family and each other and laugh at their capacity for humor and all around “ball busting” with each other.
Kudos to Steven Konkoly for having the capacity, competence and research capability to deliver Ryan Decker and associates to me in four riveting, engrossing ACTION PACKED novels. Denny
May 20, 2021
A great addition to the Decker and crew story line. The plot moves very quickly and is easy to follow without having a lot of back story to catch up with. A few of same characters met in the previous novel have carried forward into this one. The action/ violence is not too over the top but quite entertaining in company with the plot. There were a few surprises and the ending is not predictable at all. Though there is always the left open thread of a story line to make another novel in this series.
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