Firebolt: A World War II Novel

by Patrick Clay

AMERICAN MORALE!

Sergeant James Hawk is on a mission—search a large island in the western Pacific and capture a downed Japanese fighter pilot ace named Zanji. Nicknamed The Firebolt for downing 84 Allied planes, he has become a national hero in Japan, and his capture is seen as a major morale issue by the American command.

But the shores of the island are occupied to prevent an escape by sea, and—when enemy paratroopers counterattack—Hawk’s squad is separated from the rest of the U.S. forces. Ordered to go inland and conduct a search for the pilot in the badlands of the interior, Hawk is put to the test in an ultimate fight for survival.

Will Hawk succeed in his mission…or will the futility of war finally catch up to him?

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

Patrick Clay was born a fifth generation Texas in Galena Park, Texas, and graduated fifth in his class from St. Thomas High School. He operated a locksmith shop while attending law school, and graduated magna cum laude and fourth in his class from South Texas College of Law. While waiting for the bar results, he began writing, and started Sgt. Hawk in February 1977. A well-known New York agent expressed interest and presented it to publishers, also put it into consideration for a television movie. It finally sold to Leisure Books in 1978, and three more books followed through 1982. The author began a solo law practice and gave up writing. After fourteen years, he went to work for the federal government as an attorney, where he stayed for another thirty years. The podcast, Paperback Warrior, rekindled his interest in Sgt. Hawk and some old Sgt. Hawk manuscripts. Wolfpack Publishing reprinted the original series, as well as several new installments. Patrick’s father was a disabled veteran, who served in the South Pacific during World War II. Six uncles also fought in the South Pacific, and Patrick was named after one of them who served on a U. S. Navy destroyer with four battle stars. Another uncle was at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked in 1941.

Reviews

[Robert W Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessedly super read

A very interesting novel filled with a variety of action. I especially enjoyed the narrative. Could enjoy mire if this authors works.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey there, fellow War & Military thrillers; I have the next book in the Sgt. Hawk series.

Next up is book five, Firebolt. We find that Sergeant James Hawk is on another life-threatening mission, and it can't be good. The US forces have downed a hotshot Japanese fighter pilot, and it is Hawk's job to find him. This hotshot had become a hero of his homeland, and it was demoralizing the troops. Of course, we know that trouble abounds when Hawk is ordered to search the huge inland to find the pilot, which turns into a nightmare, and the men are fighting for their lives. Will Hawk succeed in his mission? Or will the futility of war finally catch up to him? Dive into the heart-pounding action as Hawk battles not only enemies but also his own inner demons. This novel, written by author Patrick Clay, immerses readers in the tension, danger, and heroism of wartime missions. If you're a fan of military thrillers and love stories set against the backdrop of history, this book is a must-read! Get your copy of **Firebolt** today and join Sergeant James Hawk on his harrowing journey through war-torn landscapes. 🚀🔥💥

[Audrey Haugen · Rating 4 out of 5]

War is hell.

It keeps you wondering what the next mess Hawk is going to get into.Some of the skirmishes get quite long .and drawn out.the end of the story he always comes out on top.

[Jim Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spell Binding!!!

Hard to put down. Very intense and descriptive! Looking forward to next book!! Puts you in the middle of everything.