Black Star Rising (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Brick Maxwell, a naval aviator for all seasons, is back again in Robert Gandt's sixth novel, BLACK STAR RISING, which is, as usual, timely, authentic, and reeks of "Blue and Gold." -- Daytona Beach News Journal, 21 January, 2007

Gandt, a former Navy fighter pilot and author of some of the best in fiction and non-fiction aviation writing, has just about perfected the art of involving the reader in his dramatic and adventurous tales of Navy fighter pilots. -- Pacific Flyer, February 2007

Product Description

As China expands its industrial might, it becomes one of the biggest oil-consuming countries in the world. And the only thing blocking China's access to an unlimited fuel supply is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. When a Vietnamese oil rig is destroyed, China is the obvious culprit. The U.S.--recently joined in a defense pact with Vietnam--calls upon Commander Brick Maxwell to fly the hyperadvanced Black Star stealth jet against the Chinese. But the Chinese have on their side technology just as formidable--and one of Maxwell's old adversaries, who is hunting him with a vengeance.

"Gandt understands not only airplanes but the people who fly them." (Air & Space)

"Gandt has a way with words that will send the reader soaring." (News Chief)

"His writing is for fans of air racing and warships and lovers of extreme sports." (Publishers Weekly)

"Robert Gandt is a former Pan Am pilot who also happens to have the pen of a poet." (Christian Science Monitor)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Signet (January 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451220145
• ISBN-13: 978-0451220141
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #586,870 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Black Star Rising by Robert Gandt, January 17, 2007

By	Scott A. Thompson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Black Star Rising the sixth book in a series of Naval aviation thrillers stars Brick Maxwell. Black Star Rising as others in the series is a "stand alone" quick read that any aviation enthusiast or lover of fast paced thrillers is sure to enjoy. The naval combat aviation is taut and exciting. Combine this with covert ground operations, salty in your face leadership and a love interest and you have the makings of a non-stop winning read. I believe that that Bob Gandt continues to improve his craft of writing with each effort and Black Star Rising is his best to date. Make sure you have a few hours when you sit down because putting the book down will be a challenge.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carrier aviation at its best, February 26, 2007

By	jkm3rd "Former Naval Person" (NE Tennessee, USA) - See all my reviews

Bob Gandt's Brick Maxwell series is probably the most authentic naval aviation fiction being produced today. You even vicariously pull several "G's" as Brick's plane gets flung off the carrier's catapult or tries to roll inside his opponent -- it's that authentic. Gandt has a unique way of explaining the obscure naval term or aviator's jargon that keeps you feeling "with it" while not interfering in the slightest with the continuity of the plot.

Gandt's knowledge of contemporaneous world events and his continuous exposure to naval carrier operations help greatly in lending contemporaneous authenticity to each of his novels. Try his works -- you'll love them!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brick Maxwell and General Zhang Yu mix it up over the South China Sea, February 12, 2007

By	J. Gernetzke-Hays - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sit down and shut up as Gandt stuffs us into the seat of the military's finest aerial hardware. This time it is the secret stealth jet - Black Star. The flying sequences are top notch. Even if you are not a shithot Navy pilot, Gandt knows how to draw the reader into the cockpit in a very visceral way. I even find myself grunting on the cat launches! It is precisely why I love his writing. The author has obviously "been there and done that". The plot line has the typical good guy, bad guy sequence and obligatory love interest. Brick Maxwell is the James Bond/Robert Gandt of the U.S. Navy. Good stuff!