Customer Reviews

Sky Hunters: X-Battalion

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As soon as i finished the 1st chapter, I knew I had a good read in my hands.

And it just got better after that. I look forward to this new writer's next endeavor.

If you like fun and exciting reads, then this one is for you.

Ok, Great book, a must read. I didnt put this down once I started. I hope there is more in the pipeline for this series. After a good book like this I always wonder why Hollywood can't get a decent movie out when there are obviously great stories to be told.

Just bought the book, read it in one day. The author begins by immersing the reader into the lifestyle of America's mysterious top-secret TF-160 "Nightstalkers" helicopter unit; they were major players in the "Blackhawk Down" tragedy. But about one quarter of the way into the story, there is a very interesting twist that makes this book go above and beyond the typical military action-thriller. From there, the plot is like a speeding locomotive that doesn't stop, or even slow down, until the very last page. Lots of action and especially dramatic helicopter flying, but a sort of ghost story too. Very unusual, but well worth the read. I'm looking forward to Shane's next book.

The book really started to pick up quickly untill I could not put in down and stop reading! The plot was refreshing. The possible that this could happen in real life is very real. To bad, people only want to deal with evil after it is to late.

Outstanding first book, obvious start to a series. Concept is to build a greater capability out of a highly skilled and experienced unit. The particular vehicle for this concept centers on an often overlooked and underdeveloped area of Army Aviation and rotary wing flight, with particular emphasis on the second to none Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). The day must be carried by this team and their aircraft. They must develop the resume to perform the missions normally executed by the special forces teams they fly into operations. The characters are realistic, with true to life excellence and flaws. They form a team that discovers the greatest weapon a military force can have is a forged team willing to know no limits to acheive an objective and keeping faith with each other. Jack Shane captures this concept better than most writing today, he plays this out well with a fictional plot closer to truth than most would know. From an upper echelon concept turn into impossible orders with little support, a capable fighting team is forged, tested and thrown into operations. They play out against the real world GWOT and the newest, latest threat to the delcate balance of security, freedom and peace. Action is superb, well developed throughout. The pace of the book is fast as well as the read, but clear that it builds on each chapter. Found the sublime commentary very engaging and nicely placed through out the book. As an experienced helicopter pilot I sought more details on the flying and execution from the cockpit perspective. A small, insignificant detail against a body of outstanding writing. Excellent book, an outstanding start to a great series? Standing by anxiously.

I usually don't read this type of novel, but the title - along with the nice cover artwork - grabbed my interest.

Of course, along with the synopsis on the back cover.

This new writer, Jack Shane, is a breath of fresh air. He instantly catapulted me into this novel. I'm more of the ground-pounder type of reader. I'd much prefer to read more about special forces types of warfare, than aerial so much.

Jack Shane combined both. And did it with style.

The main character, Autry, is a solid protagonist. Not the heavily-muscled hero type. Very realistic. Along with a couple of his main sidekicks.

The storyline was very interesting and exciting. It got a bit draggy for me towards the middle to end, but the final confrontation with the North Koreans in their snowy stronghold at the end was pretty excellent. More visually well written than awesome action sequences that I like.

Not that the action isn't written well. Just could have been better, in my humble opinion.

But still, all in all, this debut novel was a solid read. It is hopefully a beginning to a series. I would definately pick up the next book this man writes.

A must read.

Jack Shane gives Mack Maloney competition in the art
of warfare X-Battalion style.
Sky Hunters keeps you on the edge of your seat untill
the climax.
If you love Helicopter battles this book is for you.