Raven 1, a novel by Kevin Miller.

Miller is a former F/A-18 driver who can really write! I think this may be my favorite air combat book, ever.

He also wrote a very short piece called "High Desert Reflections" which I also recommend: Reflections of his time flying the F/A-18.

I can almost guarantee you will love his work.

Oh yeah, the topic header is just a quote from the novel of when a maintenance Chief stumbled into a pilot's meeting that was very tense-known as a joker, he was just trying to lighten the atmosphere. I figured it might generate some "views", this writer really needs to get some exposure, and maybe some encouragement, he is really a good writer.

One review: "“Raven One” is an action novel by Kevin Miller that moves at mach speeds! The author fuels his exciting story with a balanced blend of tension-building drama and conflicts involving the characters, the weather, and the enemy. Miller breaks the sound barrier with his amazing descriptions of the cacophony of noises, unique sounds both aboard a U.S Navy aircraft carrier and inside the cockpit of an FA-18 in aerial combat! Likewise he makes the reader “feel” the motion and vibrations of these complex machines. It seems as if the narrative is on “after burner,” yet the writer then artfully slows the speed at appropriate intervals to build suspense and anticipation. This is a book for action-loving females as well as males, as two of the squadron fighter pilots, “Psycho” and “Olive,” are women who fight side by side with the male characters. I highly recommend this well-written book, Miller’s first, but I also recommend you “clear the deck” before picking it up…you will not be able to put it down. Let’s hope Captain Miller soon has another one taxiing to the cat for launch…."

Um, is it based off his experiences or is this fiction?

Both, I would imagine. It's definitely fiction, but the details about carrier operations show his experience.

Harrowing details.

Only £2.50 for the Kindle version....

Yeah, it's cheap, he's not a "normal" author. Just a guy who knows what he's talking about.

I get the sense that you are dissing his work, is that the case?

Not at all. I was expecting it to be a bit more, that's all. Then again, I'm clueless about Kindle prices. I'm now debating whether to get it at that price or pay more for a dead-tree version.

What I read from the "Look Inside" was interesting, though I wonder if there's more "action" in it or more about the musings of a soon-to-be-retired-to-a-desk pilot?

Thanks for the recommendations, Li'lJugs. I just bought both on Amazon in the Kindle versions- $3.99 for Raven 1, and
$0.99 for High Desert Reflections(HDR for the PRIME Amazon price). I enjoy good air combat books, especially U.S.
Navy aircraft carrier related.

Well, I confess that I am only about half way in the book, but my impression is much more "action" than musings. And that's action with real world experience behind that action. Suffice to say that it is a book that I don't want to end.

Interesting.. I looked this up on Barnes & Noble site (have a Nook and Nook apps..) and found a series I was not familiar with. Whole bunch of novels featuring the Hog:

Amazon Kindle Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Hogs-Going-Deep-DeFelices-First-ebook/dp/B009V0WB4I

BN Nook Link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hogs-1-jim-defelice/1115750717?ean=2940016769400

DeFelice has co-authored a ton of techno thrillers and military themed books including a lot of the Dale Brown and Larry Bond books, Chris Kyle's American Sniper etc..

DeFelice's Hog books are a blast to read. I got a few DCS A-10C mission ideas from those books. The character 'A-Bomb' is a fun loving Hog pilot and doesn't think too highly of any enemy units that take pot-shots at his Hogs.


I will check out your recommendation Li'lJugs.

WC

I love you so much, and pray for you every day.

Love always,
Mary


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Thanks for this tip, Li'lJugs. I enjoyed both of Kevin Miller's books. I'd like to see more.

WC

they are both 99 cents right now