Max Thrust

by James Walker

Maxwell Ardis is a rocket mechanic. As far as he knows, he is the only one of his kind. He is the man you call when your spaceship breaks down in mid-flight. Need a lift from low earth orbit? Call Max. Communications satellite craps out? Give Max a ring. There is no job too far-out, given adequate fuel and appropriate thrust.

Max Thrust is a novel about rockets, science, and rocket scientists. A new space age dawns in the 21st century, and to understand the possibilities of space travel, one must appreciate the challenges as well. A rocket rides fire at the extreme edge of what is possible by leveraging materials science, chemistry, physics, and computing. This story will take you on a journey of real rockets, where understanding the mathematics means the difference between life and death.

Genres: Science Fiction

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2023

About the author

Hi! My name is James Walker and I am a Psychiatrist from Atlanta, GA. I got into writing out of a passion for telling the sort of stories that I love to read. My favorite genres are historical fiction and sci-fi. I enjoy exciting adventures with believable characters and good villains. I've made a personal goal of writing a book every year! The Barbarians of Rome series has five books planned already, I just finished a psychological adventure story and I'm halfway through writing a fun sci-fi book. When I'm not writing I enjoy traveling and riding motorcycles. Thanks for taking the time to read my stories! It means a whole heck of a lot to me. Feel free to send me your questions and I'll try and get back to you right away!

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This author has the "Right Stuff". The scientific, mathematical and space program knowledge placed throughout this book are phenomenal. In addition, this information is in a form somewhat understandable to those of us who are scientifically challenged. I found myself researching terms I didn't understand and in the process, learned much. There is a good plot and a main character who is relatable in his imperfections. To read this book was, for me, an unanticipated joy! Loved it.

My thanks to the author, James Walker, for my electronic copy of this book. #Goodreads Giveaway

[Jeff Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Thrust by James Walker was, for me, MAX entertainment. The story is a contemporary fiction situated in the middle of todays space program. There is even a reference to The Space Force. When NASA or any other government space programs can’t launch a project in time to solve a problem in space, they call the ultimate space cowboy, contractor Maxwell Ardis of Thrust Solutions. Max is a mashup of the Right Stuff, MacGyver, and Indiana Jones with a little Flash Gordon thrown in. Max has little government bureaucracy restraining him. He can get the job done, done quickly, and done with flair when others can’t. He launches into space for a repair the way some tow-truck drivers dive out to the freeway for a tow, just another day at the office. The whole book just seems like it should be taking place in today’s world: Thrust Solutions: a real company. My kind of book. My kind of read. I was so along for the ride. Kudos for James Walker on a spectacular book. Jeff Bailey, author of Not On My Watch.

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I really wanted to like this book. I love space. I love science. I love stories about things going wrong in space because space is SCARY. This book was about those things, but I never felt any true sense of danger. It was sort of like watching an MCU movie.

Max was a superhero who flies spaceships. It is really cool for people who like that. For me, it just took away all the suspense. I always knew he was gonna do some math, solve some problems, and save the day. Even at the end, I knew they would attract the help to save the ship.

The cast of characters were real fun. Everyone knows a Georgy, and we love him. He's a perfect sidekick character. Li was my absolute favorite. I would love a book just about her gambling and then going into space.

I think this is the right book for a huge audience, but it just wasn't for me.

[Read Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.

Oh what a nerd I am. You don't have to be a Rocket Scientist to enjoy this book, but if you are a Rocket Scientist you will really appreciate the attention to detail. This is set in pretty much our current timeline, just as the US is developing their Artemis project. I already knew just enough of the space program and orbital mechanics to really appreciate the thought that went into this story.

The storyline reads very credible. It could have used bit more over the top drama, but then it would likely have lost some of its credibility. I would love to see humanity establish a greater presence away from Mother Earth and that is what science fiction is all about.

Have a GoodReads.

[Amelia.S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Thrust by James Walker is a thrilling dive into the high-stakes world of modern space travel, blending adventure, science, and technical precision. The story follows Maxwell Ardis, a skilled rocket mechanic whose expertise makes him indispensable in the emerging 21st century space age.

What makes this novel particularly compelling is Walker’s ability to balance scientific rigor with engaging storytelling. Readers experience the challenges of space travel from complex calculations to life or death decisions while being drawn into a character driven narrative full of tension, ingenuity, and wonder. For anyone fascinated by rockets, physics, and the human ingenuity that propels us beyond Earth, Max Thrust offers an exhilarating journey that entertains while educating.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful sci-fi read! I admit there was a lot of the technology/math/science that I didn't get but there was a really good story here. Interesting characters, exciting action, a believable plot, an ending that promises more ... what more could you want?
(I've read and enjoyed this author before with a completely different time frame story and have to say that I am impressed with his versatility.)
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[denise hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Basic Science Fiction with science not wishful thinking. I know the formulas are correct but math was never my strong point. ( Maybe NASA or Space X could use a plumber??????) Good story with serious engineering issues. Hope this is a first of a series.
Bill Hodges
P.S. Remember, we didn't just abandon those lunar rovers-----we parked them we just gotta remember where and Thai up some spare parts.

[William Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great hard science.

Very much in the same vein as the Martian and Hail Mary. Also simular to the Apollo Murders. Almost a text book of orbital mechanics.