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Viper Mission: A World War 3 Techno-Thriller Action Event
"Nick Ryan knows his craft, and his topic. His World War 3 stories are tightly-written, fast-moving, with great characters."- LARRY BONDCo-author of Tom Clancy's 'Red Storm Rising' and New York Times bestselling author of 'Red Phoenix'.As fierce fighting across Poland and the Baltics captures the world's attention, a single squadron of American F-16 pilots deployed to Ukraine must battle against overwhelming odds and impossible conditions to take the war to the Russians.Shot down behind enemy lines on a dangerous sortie in the skies over Kiev, rookie pilot Steve 'Lone Wolf' McQuade is rescued by a group of Ukrainian refugees who are on a mission to rally patriotic resistance against the Russian invaders.Relentlessly hunted by the enemy and with time fast running out, McQuade decides to help the refugees on their perilous journey - risking his life for a chance to change the course of the war, and to unite a nation.
From the book...“Gunslinger One. Fox Two!”The AIM-9M leapt off its rail like a dart, corkscrewing and skidding across the sky towards the formation of trailing MiG fighters, the short-range heat-seeking missile hunting like a bloodhound.The Sidewinder swerved unerringly towards the nearest enemy fighter. At the very last moment the Russian pilot saw death approaching. He had only just begun to turn away from the danger when the missile tore off the MiG’s starboard wing.The shock wave of the sudden violent explosion washed over the F-16. The Fulcrum disintegrated in the sky. The severed wing went cartwheeling across the clouds and the fighter became enveloped in a bright bloom of fire and smoke.The two surviving Fulcrums split apart into a panic of chaotic dives and climbs, each pilot frantically trying to put lift vectors and G’s towards the incoming danger. The enemy jets went to full power and turned tightly into the diving Vipers that trailed them, pumping out flares to turn the sky into a chaos of smoke and confusion...
From the book...“Gunslinger One. Fox Two!”The AIM-9M leapt off its rail like a dart, corkscrewing and skidding across the sky towards the formation of trailing MiG fighters, the short-range heat-seeking missile hunting like a bloodhound.The Sidewinder swerved unerringly towards the nearest enemy fighter. At the very last moment the Russian pilot saw death approaching. He had only just begun to turn away from the danger when the missile tore off the MiG’s starboard wing.The shock wave of the sudden violent explosion washed over the F-16. The Fulcrum disintegrated in the sky. The severed wing went cartwheeling across the clouds and the fighter became enveloped in a bright bloom of fire and smoke.The two surviving Fulcrums split apart into a panic of chaotic dives and climbs, each pilot frantically trying to put lift vectors and G’s towards the incoming danger. The enemy jets went to full power and turned tightly into the diving Vipers that trailed them, pumping out flares to turn the sky into a chaos of smoke and confusion...
- GenresFictionMilitary Fiction
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 23, 2022
Book Review – Nick Ryan’s “Viper Mission” is Book 3 of six from his World War III techno-thriller action series. It is a 162-page ‘quick read’ that I read in one sitting. I was expecting some air-to-air combat action via the title and image of the F-16 fighter jet on the cover of the book, but what I read was much, much more. The story was about a rookie Air Force pilot deployed to Ukraine to take on the Russians only to get shot down behind enemy lines and is rescued by a group of Ukrainian refugees who are on a mission to fight against their Russian invaders. While being relentlessly persuaded by the Russians, the downed pilot decides to join his rescuers in fighting the Russians and is part of uniting others to combat the intruders. Fans of infantry and resistance fighter fiction would enjoy, as well as the well-researched F-16 sequences. Technical enough to be considered a techno-thriller but the human interactions in the fight against the Russian aggression will tug at your heart! The six books in the series can be read as standalones and will impress any military thriller genre reader. Ryan does an ‘excellent job’ with the humanity of those in combat and helps the reader draw very realistic pictures in the mind’s eye while reading. Very well written and engaging story with great technical details and most importantly, a believable story line and characters. I really like this series…
January 12, 2023
I read the first few chapters of this book and it was terrible, specifically it lacked any credibility in terms of the strategy being played out.
Firstly we’re told that Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia have all fallen to Russia’s invasion and that Russia were now invading Poland en route to Warsaw.
So, why did the Ukraine decide to prepare defences on their eastern border? It makes no sense.
The characters are also one dimensional and stereotyped. What was also ridiculous was how a crew chief back at the dispersal saluted the pilot, who saluted back, as he was accelerating down the runway to take off. i) there’s no way the pilot would have spotted him ii) he would have been busy controlling his aircraft iii) neither one would have saluted, it’s not an aircraft carrier.
I couldn’t bear to read any more. DNF
Firstly we’re told that Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia have all fallen to Russia’s invasion and that Russia were now invading Poland en route to Warsaw.
So, why did the Ukraine decide to prepare defences on their eastern border? It makes no sense.
The characters are also one dimensional and stereotyped. What was also ridiculous was how a crew chief back at the dispersal saluted the pilot, who saluted back, as he was accelerating down the runway to take off. i) there’s no way the pilot would have spotted him ii) he would have been busy controlling his aircraft iii) neither one would have saluted, it’s not an aircraft carrier.
I couldn’t bear to read any more. DNF
February 27, 2026
Didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the previous two, the story was more about the development of one of the characters rather than anything else. I though it ended quite abruptly and was left thinking 'Is that it?'. Still, move onto the next one!
November 2, 2021
Patriotism at it's best
Great action and a moving storyline that is a bit different from the norm. I enjoyed the whole thing and it was a moving story.
Great action and a moving storyline that is a bit different from the norm. I enjoyed the whole thing and it was a moving story.
September 18, 2021
Read the book alongside its own sequel! It's amazing! Although I'm not too fond of the West interfering in Ukraine, it was awesome to see American F-16s fight in it.
May 8, 2022
Stunning, moving human drama against a backdrop of war-torn tragedy. Just fantastic!
Viper Mission is the third book in author, Nick Ryan’s World War 3 series that I’ve read, and I can say that as I read each of these standalone stories snapshotting different military domain perspectives, the power of Mr Ryan’s writing grows ever more stronger. This last book shows a poignant introspective on a cocksure fighter pilot Steve ‘Lone Wolf’ McQuade who learns humility and humanity in the heart of battle ravaged Kiev in the Ukraine, helping those Ukrainians whom he had previously discounted, with words “why should I care about them!”
Mr Ryan writes all his books with a deep understanding of the human condition. I’ve seen ego and military bluster take precedence with devastating effect, blind courage and fortitude winning the day against almost insurmountable odds; in Viper Mission it is faith, hope and unwavering belief to stand resilient in the face of inhumane atrocities. A power borne of a virtually superhuman strength of mind to fight resolutely to the end. This is the case with the enigmatic and charismatic character Maksim Guslistaya, who has an end goal, and like a Seer from ancient times, knows his role to be intrinsic in Ukraine’s ability to overturn the invading force. To say that Mr Ryan’s prose has an ability to be shatteringly prophetic is an understatement. It is as though the author had a crystal ball and possessed the power of future-sight. Perhaps, this aspect made the moments of the refugees dodging enemy soldiers and kill-squads in a bid to navigate through the rubble of Kiev’s streets made a lump rise in my throat and tears flowed unrestricted. I’m not a sentimentalist, but this is phenomenally powerful writing that moves you with an unerring force.
The characterisation in Viper Mission is deep and affecting. McQuade is the central focus, and the reader is there with the F-16 pilot, amongst the seemingly unending terror of his passage to safety with Maksim and the refugees, as his mind in parallel with his body transitions from dark, closed and confined to light, open and free. It is an amazing journey to read, and it held me raptured. From the moments in his Viper when McQuade really believed he was experiencing his last second, to when he was prepared to die to try to rescue one of the refugees captured by the enemy, McQuade is a changed man mind, body and soul by the end.
The character of Maksim was an incredible depiction of man steeped in single need. Obsessive, committed and devout in his objective to succeed. It was as though he was imbued with the spirit of past fighters from Ukrainian history, and although Mr Ryan identifies at the end of the book that the ‘Shrine to the Heroes of Ukraine’ is in fact fictitious, the poignancy of the message Maksim was driving, and the use of the aged original Ukrainian flag as a means to restore the people’s faith to fight for freedom of their land, was no less potent. Maksim was elderly, a historian but someone who had command of others by his strength of faith and hope. His relationship with McQuade afforded the pilot an almost metaphysical mirror for him to view and see his past misdemeanours and to reflect upon what was really in his heart, and why he had to help and fight for the innocents. The very message that his CO Ron ‘Magic’ Hernandez had tried, and failed to impart at the beginning of the book.
I’m not giving away any spoilers, but the denouement works so well I was literally punching the sky with joy when those last few pages were read. A feeling of full circle retribution and ultimate justice. Just perfect! I loved Viper Mission, I recommend it unreservedly, and if you enjoy under-the-bullet warfare realism action coupled with powerful human drama, you will adore Viper Mission.
Viper Mission is the third book in author, Nick Ryan’s World War 3 series that I’ve read, and I can say that as I read each of these standalone stories snapshotting different military domain perspectives, the power of Mr Ryan’s writing grows ever more stronger. This last book shows a poignant introspective on a cocksure fighter pilot Steve ‘Lone Wolf’ McQuade who learns humility and humanity in the heart of battle ravaged Kiev in the Ukraine, helping those Ukrainians whom he had previously discounted, with words “why should I care about them!”
Mr Ryan writes all his books with a deep understanding of the human condition. I’ve seen ego and military bluster take precedence with devastating effect, blind courage and fortitude winning the day against almost insurmountable odds; in Viper Mission it is faith, hope and unwavering belief to stand resilient in the face of inhumane atrocities. A power borne of a virtually superhuman strength of mind to fight resolutely to the end. This is the case with the enigmatic and charismatic character Maksim Guslistaya, who has an end goal, and like a Seer from ancient times, knows his role to be intrinsic in Ukraine’s ability to overturn the invading force. To say that Mr Ryan’s prose has an ability to be shatteringly prophetic is an understatement. It is as though the author had a crystal ball and possessed the power of future-sight. Perhaps, this aspect made the moments of the refugees dodging enemy soldiers and kill-squads in a bid to navigate through the rubble of Kiev’s streets made a lump rise in my throat and tears flowed unrestricted. I’m not a sentimentalist, but this is phenomenally powerful writing that moves you with an unerring force.
The characterisation in Viper Mission is deep and affecting. McQuade is the central focus, and the reader is there with the F-16 pilot, amongst the seemingly unending terror of his passage to safety with Maksim and the refugees, as his mind in parallel with his body transitions from dark, closed and confined to light, open and free. It is an amazing journey to read, and it held me raptured. From the moments in his Viper when McQuade really believed he was experiencing his last second, to when he was prepared to die to try to rescue one of the refugees captured by the enemy, McQuade is a changed man mind, body and soul by the end.
The character of Maksim was an incredible depiction of man steeped in single need. Obsessive, committed and devout in his objective to succeed. It was as though he was imbued with the spirit of past fighters from Ukrainian history, and although Mr Ryan identifies at the end of the book that the ‘Shrine to the Heroes of Ukraine’ is in fact fictitious, the poignancy of the message Maksim was driving, and the use of the aged original Ukrainian flag as a means to restore the people’s faith to fight for freedom of their land, was no less potent. Maksim was elderly, a historian but someone who had command of others by his strength of faith and hope. His relationship with McQuade afforded the pilot an almost metaphysical mirror for him to view and see his past misdemeanours and to reflect upon what was really in his heart, and why he had to help and fight for the innocents. The very message that his CO Ron ‘Magic’ Hernandez had tried, and failed to impart at the beginning of the book.
I’m not giving away any spoilers, but the denouement works so well I was literally punching the sky with joy when those last few pages were read. A feeling of full circle retribution and ultimate justice. Just perfect! I loved Viper Mission, I recommend it unreservedly, and if you enjoy under-the-bullet warfare realism action coupled with powerful human drama, you will adore Viper Mission.
July 15, 2024
I came across this group, Military Thriller Book Group, about two years ago and thought that after being made aware of a slew of great authors and building a TBR (To Be Read) pile of books, if they were physical copies would be leaning dangerously to one side or another. This is just one of those books that was at the bottom of the pile that, due to being medically waylaid from work and recovering from a knee-replacement surgery, I recently read and decided to post a review of this book, Viper Mission by Australian author Nick Ryan (that I am pretty sure was posted in the Military Thriller Book Group towards the beginning of my journey down this particular rabbit hole about a year and a half ago)
Thanks to Steve Lepper and the many authors who post their books in this group.
It is a 162-page ‘quick read’ that I read in one sitting. I was expecting some air-to-air combat action via the title and image of the F-16 fighter jet on the cover of the book, but what I read was much, much more.
The synopsis of this story is that it was about a rookie Air Force pilot deployed to Ukraine to take on the Russians only to get shot down behind enemy lines and rescued by a group of Ukrainian refugees who were on a mission to fight against their Russian invaders. While being relentlessly persuaded by the Russians, the downed pilot decides to join his rescuers in fighting the Russians and is part of uniting others to combat the intruders. Fans of infantry and resistance fighter fiction would enjoy, as well as the well-researched F-16 sequences. Technical enough to be considered a techno-thriller but the human interactions in the fight against the Russian aggression will tug at your heart!
Viper Mission is well researched and stated; final writing of last chapter left me hanging. On a five-star scale, I would easily give this book a solid four stars.
As with most of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
Thanks to Steve Lepper and the many authors who post their books in this group.
It is a 162-page ‘quick read’ that I read in one sitting. I was expecting some air-to-air combat action via the title and image of the F-16 fighter jet on the cover of the book, but what I read was much, much more.
The synopsis of this story is that it was about a rookie Air Force pilot deployed to Ukraine to take on the Russians only to get shot down behind enemy lines and rescued by a group of Ukrainian refugees who were on a mission to fight against their Russian invaders. While being relentlessly persuaded by the Russians, the downed pilot decides to join his rescuers in fighting the Russians and is part of uniting others to combat the intruders. Fans of infantry and resistance fighter fiction would enjoy, as well as the well-researched F-16 sequences. Technical enough to be considered a techno-thriller but the human interactions in the fight against the Russian aggression will tug at your heart!
Viper Mission is well researched and stated; final writing of last chapter left me hanging. On a five-star scale, I would easily give this book a solid four stars.
As with most of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
November 11, 2023
A Decent Thriller with Room for Improvement
"Viper Mission" by Nick Ryan delivers an action-packed story that keeps you engaged throughout. The plot revolves around espionage and covert operations, which adds a layer of intrigue. The author's writing style is clear and descriptive, making it easy to visualize the scenes.
However, the book falls short in some areas. The character development is somewhat lacking, making it hard to connect with the protagonists on a deeper level. Additionally, the pacing can be uneven, with moments of intense action followed by slower, less engaging sections.
While "Viper Mission" has its moments of excitement, it doesn't quite reach the heights of top-tier thrillers. It's a decent read for those who enjoy the genre, but there's room for improvement in terms of character depth and pacing.
"Viper Mission" by Nick Ryan delivers an action-packed story that keeps you engaged throughout. The plot revolves around espionage and covert operations, which adds a layer of intrigue. The author's writing style is clear and descriptive, making it easy to visualize the scenes.
However, the book falls short in some areas. The character development is somewhat lacking, making it hard to connect with the protagonists on a deeper level. Additionally, the pacing can be uneven, with moments of intense action followed by slower, less engaging sections.
While "Viper Mission" has its moments of excitement, it doesn't quite reach the heights of top-tier thrillers. It's a decent read for those who enjoy the genre, but there's room for improvement in terms of character depth and pacing.
July 12, 2021
Mesmerizing
Wow, what a great read, the protagonist of the story is so well written it could be someone life story about his adventures in war. I’m hooked on this author as he actually does research on the subject he’s writing about and skillfully blends it into his fiction, fiction so good you feel its a true story. Don’t pass this or the previous two books by, they are truly military fiction gems.
Wow, what a great read, the protagonist of the story is so well written it could be someone life story about his adventures in war. I’m hooked on this author as he actually does research on the subject he’s writing about and skillfully blends it into his fiction, fiction so good you feel its a true story. Don’t pass this or the previous two books by, they are truly military fiction gems.
July 22, 2021
Rattling good series
Having now read all three of the series (so far), I'll avoid reviewing the technical details and concentrate on the storylines. For me, these books made me feel as if I was alongside the principal character, experiencing each and every moment. Whilst I know that there is no way reading a book can come anywhere near to experiencing the realities of war, these books draw very real pictures in the minds eye. Looking forwards to the next one.
Having now read all three of the series (so far), I'll avoid reviewing the technical details and concentrate on the storylines. For me, these books made me feel as if I was alongside the principal character, experiencing each and every moment. Whilst I know that there is no way reading a book can come anywhere near to experiencing the realities of war, these books draw very real pictures in the minds eye. Looking forwards to the next one.
September 24, 2021
This was the 3rd of the series that I read. Its far less "techno thriller" and far more "lets have the noble peasants preach at the foreigner about how he's a heathen" and then he has a "change of heart."
Its still a fast paced book and an easy, enjoyable read, but while the other two books, which focused on ground warfare really placed you in the middle of the events, this one was far more "Tell" than "show"
Its still a fast paced book and an easy, enjoyable read, but while the other two books, which focused on ground warfare really placed you in the middle of the events, this one was far more "Tell" than "show"
June 27, 2022
not too good value when you consider that each book in the series is charged for as a book but really is 8-10 chapters.
The quality of writing is ok and better than some but the story (of this one - the only one I have read or will now read) is pretty poor. Not really a techno nove(ette) but a boys own tale. Mainly a sojourn across a wasteland with book ends of F-16 fights and not much else.
The quality of writing is ok and better than some but the story (of this one - the only one I have read or will now read) is pretty poor. Not really a techno nove(ette) but a boys own tale. Mainly a sojourn across a wasteland with book ends of F-16 fights and not much else.
May 27, 2024
It was a fast-paced read with an interesting depiction of what an air battle in Europe during WW III might look like. However, I would say he tends to underestimate NATO's capabilities a bit, while overestimating the Russians capabilities. It is pretty clear given Russia's struggles in Ukraine currently that they would struggle mightily in a larger theatre war. But it does make the story more interesting to read.
July 15, 2021
What I needed. Fast and personal. Perfect length. Touch of interpersonal relationship.
Perfect for a single read, though I had to break it up over a day. Advantage of accepting it as fiction. Good guys going strong at Russian enemy while fighting for the Ukrainian good partisans on land and in the air.
Perfect for a single read, though I had to break it up over a day. Advantage of accepting it as fiction. Good guys going strong at Russian enemy while fighting for the Ukrainian good partisans on land and in the air.
January 15, 2022
Air war is fierce in this book!
Another great war story by an author who understands both ground and air combat. His character creations are excellent. Believable and interesting. Hard to put these books down to do routine tasks like eating, sleeping and working! Highly recommended.
Another great war story by an author who understands both ground and air combat. His character creations are excellent. Believable and interesting. Hard to put these books down to do routine tasks like eating, sleeping and working! Highly recommended.
March 24, 2022
Fast Read, engaging
I felt the author captured both the feeling of exuberance and discouragement of the characters, I stayed up to finish reading which I rarely do. I would recommend to those who enjoy the military aircraft novels and as I read this ironically the Russians have just recently invaded Ukraine.
I felt the author captured both the feeling of exuberance and discouragement of the characters, I stayed up to finish reading which I rarely do. I would recommend to those who enjoy the military aircraft novels and as I read this ironically the Russians have just recently invaded Ukraine.
June 11, 2021
Filed with air to air and ground action, highly recommended
A bit different than I anticipated as there was a lot of ground action mixed with the air to air drama. Really good character development and several interesting character interactions. Goes fast! Recommend
A bit different than I anticipated as there was a lot of ground action mixed with the air to air drama. Really good character development and several interesting character interactions. Goes fast! Recommend
June 15, 2021
Freedom
The depravity of Marxism of socialism of collective authority the blind belief that government knows better than you is the failure that defines the so called science of historical materialism
The depravity of Marxism of socialism of collective authority the blind belief that government knows better than you is the failure that defines the so called science of historical materialism
August 26, 2021
Viper Mission is well researched and stated; final writing of last chapter left me hanging.
Need more information on closing scene. Left me hanging. If because of a follow-up book I will probably not read.
Need more information on closing scene. Left me hanging. If because of a follow-up book I will probably not read.
October 9, 2021
Outstanding from start to finish!
This book not only is great for fans of infantry and resistance fighter fiction, but includes very well researched F-16 sequences. Kudos to the author!
This book not only is great for fans of infantry and resistance fighter fiction, but includes very well researched F-16 sequences. Kudos to the author!
November 14, 2021
Great storyline
This is a well researched and extremely well written novel with eerie echoes of current danger. i thoroughly enjoyed it and eagerly look for more aviation works to come!!!
This is a well researched and extremely well written novel with eerie echoes of current danger. i thoroughly enjoyed it and eagerly look for more aviation works to come!!!
February 1, 2022
Good read
Excitement and action. Edgecomb your seat action. If you like military techno thrillers I highly recommend this writers works of fiction. However my only caveat here as in his password is a lack of diversity. Other than that you will enjoy the novel.
Excitement and action. Edgecomb your seat action. If you like military techno thrillers I highly recommend this writers works of fiction. However my only caveat here as in his password is a lack of diversity. Other than that you will enjoy the novel.
April 6, 2022
Great action and story
Story about how a person in war can find passion that they never thought existed. How one people's struggles motivate you to overcome. Great war battles as well.
Story about how a person in war can find passion that they never thought existed. How one people's struggles motivate you to overcome. Great war battles as well.
December 16, 2022
was flying and fighting right along with the true to life characters
Flying right there with them!fighting alongside with the people and patriot s. Well written and action filled.Thanks for this humbling experience, the author is truly talented.
Flying right there with them!fighting alongside with the people and patriot s. Well written and action filled.Thanks for this humbling experience, the author is truly talented.
October 17, 2024
will it’d be missions
Each book follows a different mindset and conflict approach that you don’t know what your getting but it shows you war is never static is chaos has every person shapes it an in turn is shaped by it.
Each book follows a different mindset and conflict approach that you don’t know what your getting but it shows you war is never static is chaos has every person shapes it an in turn is shaped by it.
December 21, 2024
Weak link in book series.
This book was not as exciting as the other books in the series. The dialog was unrealistic, and there was no character development as the story progressed. The pilot was not likable throughout the book..
This book was not as exciting as the other books in the series. The dialog was unrealistic, and there was no character development as the story progressed. The pilot was not likable throughout the book..
June 13, 2021
4.25 / 5
June 17, 2021
Good read, characters developed and questioned
Plenty of action
Waiting for next installment eagerly
Plenty of action
Waiting for next installment eagerly
June 22, 2021
Ww3 at itsfinest hope it never hsppens.gerat read!
Look forward to othet books, hope that they are as great as this one.read it coveer to covetin 1 day.
Look forward to othet books, hope that they are as great as this one.read it coveer to covetin 1 day.
July 21, 2021
Big Disappointment
After blowing me away with the first two books, I found myself, quite bored with this book. Seemed to lack the nonstop action. The story just dragged on.
After blowing me away with the first two books, I found myself, quite bored with this book. Seemed to lack the nonstop action. The story just dragged on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews