Blog Archives
Vaccine: A Terrorism Thriller
Robin C. Rickards’ Vaccine: A Terrorism Thriller is a tightly wound medical and geopolitical thriller that spans decades, tracing the roots and reach of a mysterious virus with chilling implications. The novel kicks off with a covert extraction in post-war Vietnam, spirals into secretive military research at Fort Detrick, and stretches to the 1990s with echoes of biological danger and buried secrets. At its core, the book follows Major Darien Rhodes, a gifted but stubborn infectious disease expert, as he battles bureaucracy, hidden agendas, and his own conscience in an effort to uncover the truth behind a terrifying disease with no name, no cause, and no cure.
What struck me most was the writing’s visceral intensity. The first few chapters grabbed me, drenched in sweat, blood, and the low thrum of helicopters and paranoia. Rickards writes like someone who’s lived in a lab coat and knows what’s at stake when science goes silent. The pacing is confident, with bursts of claustrophobic tension that feel like watching a fuse burn. But it’s not just action; the book spends thoughtful time inside the minds of its characters. Rhodes is a complex, sympathetic lead — brilliant, dogged, haunted. His frustration with the military’s politics and their cold, calculated response to a mystery illness felt raw and real, especially in an era where public trust in institutions is fragile.
The plot sometimes leans on exposition. There are moments, particularly during scientific breakdowns or historical recounts, where the narrative slows and the tension thins out. At times, the dialogue leans more toward explanation than emotion, shifting the focus from character feeling to background detail. Still, I didn’t mind being taught, because Rickards clearly knows his stuff. The background in infectious disease, military protocol, and covert research added weight and believability. And when the story snaps back into motion — as it often does — it hits hard. The final act, in particular, left me uneasy in the best way, with ethical questions echoing after the last page.
I’d recommend Vaccine to readers who enjoy thrillers with brains and backbone. It’s ideal for fans of Michael Crichton, Richard Preston, or anyone who likes their fiction layered with fact. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of nightmares lie behind closed lab doors, or how far people will go to hide the truth, this book’s for you. It’s gritty, smart, and at times deeply unsettling.
Pages: 421 | ASIN : B009596W5O
Magnanotron: The Evolution
Magnanotron: The Evolution is a high-octane military thriller that fuses emotional personal drama with futuristic warfare and global political tension. The story picks up with Commander Jason Patrick mourning the loss of his father, then launches into a series of global threats, from Houthi pirates and Venezuelan gang takeovers in the U.S., to clandestine nuclear plots in Iran. Saniscalchi weaves the development of a cutting-edge shielding tech, Magnanotron, into the narrative, as a team of elite soldiers employs it to battle terrorism, defend American ideals, and even toy with the fringes of science fiction as it hints at invisibility and teleportation. It’s part tech-thriller, part military adventure, with a strong sense of duty and brotherhood throughout.
The story opens on a somber note, Jason grappling with grief after his father’s passing, and that thread never really lets go. I appreciated this blend of heart and action. It made the stakes feel personal. Jason’s loyalty to family mirrors his commitment to his team and country. At times, the writing leaned on exposition and direct dialogue, which occasionally dulled the impact of high-tension moments. But it was clear that Saniscalchi cares deeply about his characters and the men and women in uniform they represent. There’s a sincerity in his storytelling that makes even the more predictable beats feel grounded.
From a writing standpoint, the style is straightforward, brisk, and often cinematic. That works well for the genre, especially in the battle scenes. The action sequences, particularly the rescue mission in Gallo and the Magnanotron-enhanced assaults, are sharp and vivid. But what really gave me pause was the science fiction angle: the accidental disappearance and reappearance of a test subject hinted at teleportation or cloaking technology. That twist caught me off guard, in the best way. I wish it had been explored more fully. It’s like the story flirted with going full sci-fi but held back to stay in familiar military-thriller territory. Still, it added a spark of the unexpected.
Magnanotron: The Evolution is a fast-paced and action-heavy read that doesn’t forget the human element. It’s for fans of military fiction, especially those who enjoy stories rooted in current geopolitical tensions with a dash of speculative tech. If you like your heroes tough but principled, your missions bold, and your plot with enough grit to keep the pages turning, this book is for you.
Pages: 133 | ASIN : B0DZV7Q65J
The Silent Professional
Sky Thunder follows a man retired from the military who now works as a CIA operative leading a mission to protect a scientist defecting from Morocco while facing off against a group of radical terrorists. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
As I finished my first book Cry of the Eagle I was doing some research on how I was going to continue the Colt Hawkins Series. During my research, I was reading about how the stealth technology had gone from aircraft to missiles and how China actually has a stealth missile called Sky Thunder. I loved the name. As I was building the outline, I remembered a book from the late 70’s that I read in high school by Gayle Rivers called The Five Fingers. I used that as the base idea for Sky Thunder.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I research everything. For Sky Thunder, I did an in-depth study of Russian Services like the FSB, Elite units, and how Russia uses contractors to be mercenaries, and even though I may know some of it, I still researched to make sure I am as accurate as I can be. I always want the story to sound authentic with the reader in mind. Especially my fellow brothers and sisters who wear or have worn the uniform. If I get positive feedback from them, then I know I did ok.
Colt Hawkins is such an engaging character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?
That is really a good question. Colt is a combination of people that I have had the pleasure to work with. Hell, part of him is me. Colt is the silent professional, Once you have been through some real life and death experiences you have nothing to prove to anyone. Colt knows what he can do when he has to do it. He doesn’t like it but he will do it for the greater good. The part where he tries to keep his emotions to himself. All the good that comes his way he is afraid to trust it. The bad he keeps in because he doesn’t want to burden anyone.
Colt slowly realizes he can’t do it alone. This is my story. Use what you know, right? I think as warriors we have it ingrained into us that we can endure, I don’t need help, I am ok, we shake it off, ignore it, or bury it deep within regardless and continue the mission at all cost. But now the mission is us, our families. At some point you have to depend on others if you don’t it becomes a lonely world. So Colt and his teammates are flawed. Like every team I have ever been on.
Where will the next installment in this series take readers? When can they expect to see it released?
Book Three Rogue Vengeance is the aftermath of Sky Thunder on so many levels. The opening paragraph reveals several things from Sky Thunder that will catch the readers by surprise. China reveals itself to Taiwan. I will say this, for Colt and Liberty things hit too close to home.
Rogue Vengeance is ready. As of right now, we are looking at every Veterans Day to be a release date for all my books. But that may all change if I acquire representation with an agent.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
“Sky Thunder” is the story of the men and women of one of the world’s most elite and secretive paramilitary organizations. Special Activities Division of the CIA, Former Tier One Operator Colt Hawkins is gritty, smart, honorable, battle-tested, and devoted to his fellow operators and his country, who are frequently put in harm’s way by the evils of the world.
Colt Hawkins has recently retired from the military and is now a CIA Operative engaged with NASA Director Dr. Liberty Starr. A new team has been assembled on their first mission in Morrocco to protect a CIA spy transferring a defecting Chinese Scientist. During the defection, Vlad Benchiko, the mastermind behind the Dallas bombings, and Wahid Madi and Amal Sefer, the two Iranian-trained radical terrorists who were also responsible for all the killing and destruction in Texas, catch Task Force 24 and the CIA off-guard trying to stop the defection.
The scientist discovered a secret about Russia and China collaborating to develop the first strike weapon, a stealth missile called Sky Thunder. The new President is determined to obtain the innovative technology that America abandoned and orders the mission- seize the technology and destroy a secret facility deep inside Russia in the Caucasus Mountain ranges. Colt leads his team, U.S. Army Special Forces members, and U.S. Navy Seals into a never attempted feat. Inside the White House, a Chinese double agent is a top advisor and part of the President’s inner circle.
CIA Special Activities Division Task Force 24 retrieves the technology. Another team is ambushed by Vlad and his army of mercenaries of Red Star Group. At the same time, the President gives the abort order, afraid of being blamed and giving the White House a black eye, leaving the CIA operatives inside Russia to fight for their survival, not giving up Dr. Liberty Starr and the CIA team with Washington insiders try to save Colt and the men and women in Russia.
An unbreakable bond is forged when people sacrifice their lives for each other to bring these brave men and women home.
Sky Thunder
Sky Thunder is an intense military thriller that drops the reader straight into the chaos of war, espionage, and political maneuvering. The book follows an elite group of operatives navigating missions that blend battlefield tactics with high-stakes intelligence work. From the brutal streets of Iraq to the tangled webs of Washington D.C., Sky Thunder doesn’t hold back. It’s a gritty, unapologetic look at modern warfare, where danger lurks at every turn, and loyalties are tested in life-or-death situations.
One of the book’s strongest points is its sheer realism. The author’s descriptions of sniper teams setting up in war-torn Iraq feel authentic. The opening sequence, where a sniper team eliminates insurgents planting a bomb, is a perfect example. The technical details, the tension of lining up a shot, and the small but critical mistakes that can happen in combat all make this an immersive read. I found myself completely absorbed in these moments, feeling the weight of every trigger pull.
But for all its action-packed sequences, some of the dialogue, particularly in the political and intelligence briefings, can feel a bit bogged down by exposition. The high-level discussions about espionage, classified leaks, and international threats are fascinating but occasionally read more like a debriefing. That being said, these sections show the bureaucratic chaos behind military operations. The tension between intelligence agencies and boots-on-the-ground soldiers is palpable, and Stewart does a solid job illustrating the frustration that comes with politics interfering in war.
The characters are where Sky Thunder really shines. Colt Hawkins, the battle-hardened yet emotionally scarred operative, is compelling because he’s both an unstoppable force and a flawed man. His PTSD-fueled nightmares, like the flashback of an Iraqi ambulance carrying insurgents instead of babies, add layers to his character. And the relationships in the book, especially between Colt and Liberty, bring a much-needed human element to all the gunfire and strategy. While some side characters fade a bit into the background, there are standouts like Bo and Sam, who help ground the book’s non-stop action with camaraderie and humor.
Sky Thunder is for readers who crave military fiction that doesn’t sugarcoat anything. If you love military thrillers and American Sniper or Lone Survivor kept you up at night, this book is made for you. It’s intense, action-packed, and filled with the kind of insider knowledge that makes military fiction feel real.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0DK655KYG
My Most Crucial Audience
In Sky Thunder, a specialized team of operatives infiltrates Russian territory in an attempt to sabotage the development of advanced weaponry. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There were several things. While researching the following plot for the Colt Hawkins Series, I found information about China and an actual stealth missile, which they call Sky Thunder. The name alone caught my attention. Combined with an old book I read in high school, I believe it was from the 1970s called The Five Fingers by Gayle Rivers. It is a classic Vietnam War Novel.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
All my action scenes are from combat or training scenarios I have experienced or witnessed.
The scenes would speak independently if I could add a “real” element to my writing. In the opening scene of Sky Thunder, Colt is having a flashback as he sleeps. The dream was a real-life sniper mission that I was a part of in Iraq when I was a soldier.
I think many of the writing of characters in my genre are made to be superhuman. So, I use this for several reasons, such as a flashback to show that Colt is vulnerable to what he has done in the past. I wanted my characters to have flaws, making them more relatable to my readers.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
That is an excellent question, and there are a few, such as the importance of perseverance and the search for identity. Those two resonate because I write to cope with my mental health and struggles as a combat veteran.
When I first started writing, I felt that if veterans enjoyed my stories, I won as a writer. They were, first and foremost, my most crucial audience. But I realized that there was more to it than that.
It is for anyone who reads my stories. Regardless of your life struggles, you have to find your balance, give yourself a mental health check, forget what everyone else is doing in their lives, and concentrate on yourself- Search for identity, I asked myself many times after I stopped wearing a uniform and was struggling with my mental health.
At some point, you have to “Stay in the Fight.” A fight for your self-perseverance. What do you have to do to make those adjustments or changes? I wanted to be an example that there is light at the end of the tunnel. If I can do it, anyone can.
Colt and all my characters are consistent in self-evaluating.
Can we look forward to seeing more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I have a lot going on. Book three of the Colt Hawkins Series, Rogue Vengeance, 75k words is finished, and the final edit is complete. I am going to query a few agents on this work. I am finishing up book four, The Price of Freedom, which has over 100k words and is a pivotal piece in the series.
I also have a Dungeon and Dragon Fantasy Novel outlined for a series. I have outlined a one-off-only novel with the setting starting at the end of World War Two that will be an Adult Thriller.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
“Sky Thunder” is the story of the men and women of one of the world’s most elite and secretive paramilitary organizations. Special Activities Division of the CIA, Former Tier One Operator Colt Hawkins is gritty, smart, honorable, battle-tested, and devoted to his fellow operators and his country, who are frequently put in harm’s way by the evils of the world.
Colt Hawkins has recently retired from the military and is now a CIA Operative engaged with NASA Director Dr. Liberty Starr. A new team has been assembled on their first mission in Morrocco to protect a CIA spy transferring a defecting Chinese Scientist. During the defection, Vlad Benchiko, the mastermind behind the Dallas bombings, and Wahid Madi and Amal Sefer, the two Iranian-trained radical terrorists who were also responsible for all the killing and destruction in Texas, catch Task Force 24 and the CIA off-guard trying to stop the defection.
The scientist discovered a secret about Russia and China collaborating to develop the first strike weapon, a stealth missile called Sky Thunder. The new President is determined to obtain the innovative technology that America abandoned and orders the mission- seize the technology and destroy a secret facility deep inside Russia in the Caucasus Mountain ranges. Colt leads his team, U.S. Army Special Forces members, and U.S. Navy Seals into a never attempted feat. Inside the White House, a Chinese double agent is a top advisor and part of the President’s inner circle.
CIA Special Activities Division Task Force 24 retrieves the technology. Another team is ambushed by Vlad and his army of mercenaries of Red Star Group. At the same time, the President gives the abort order, afraid of being blamed and giving the White House a black eye, leaving the CIA operatives inside Russia to fight for their survival, not giving up Dr. Liberty Starr and the CIA team with Washington insiders try to save Colt and the men and women in Russia.
An unbreakable bond is forged when people sacrifice their lives for each other to bring these brave men and women home.
Sky Thunder
Sky Thunder is an intense, high-stakes military thriller that plunges readers into a covert operation aimed at stopping a dangerous new stealth missile program. The story follows a specialized team of operatives as they infiltrate Russian territory to sabotage a top-secret facility developing advanced weaponry. The stakes are global, the action relentless, and the geopolitical intrigue thick with tension. Through a mix of tactical precision, political maneuvering, and pulse-pounding combat, the book captures the high-risk world of special operations and intelligence warfare.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its commitment to authenticity. Stewart clearly knows his stuff when it comes to military operations, and he doesn’t hold back. The mission briefing sequences, the chain of command details, and the breakdown of special forces strategy all feel meticulously researched. This level of detail makes the story immersive, especially the section where Colt and his team receive their OPORD (Operations Order), which is packed with acronyms and unit designations, making it feel more like a declassified military report.
The action sequences, however, are where Sky Thunder truly shines. The book is loaded with high-adrenaline combat scenes that feel cinematic. A standout moment comes during a chaotic firefight with Russian attack helicopters, where the operatives engage in a desperate battle to stay alive. The descriptions are vivid, the stakes high, and the sense of danger palpable. There’s also a particularly tense HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) jump scene where Colt experiences a moment of sheer isolation as he plummets through the night sky, uncertain whether his team followed him out of the plane. These moments make the book gripping, giving readers a front-row seat to the intensity of modern warfare.
Character development, while present, takes a backseat to the mission. Colt, the team leader, is competent and battle-hardened, but his internal struggles are only briefly explored. We get glimpses of his doubt and leadership pressure, especially during critical moments, but the book focuses more on external threats than deep emotional arcs. Supporting characters like Smitty, Super Dave, and Lindsey add personality, but the sheer number of operatives and military personnel makes it hard to form strong attachments to any single one. That said, the camaraderie and sharp banter between team members help keep the story grounded in human connection.
Sky Thunder is a must-read for fans of military thrillers who appreciate realism and tactical depth. If you love books by authors like Tom Clancy or Brad Taylor, this will be right up your alley. However, if you prefer character-driven stories over mission-driven plots, the technical detail might feel overwhelming. The action is top-tier, the tension real, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Just be ready for a deep dive into military logistics along the way.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0DK655KYG
Finding Idyllium: Earth’s Stolen Future
N. Joseph Glass’s Finding Idyllium takes readers to a future where Earth teeters on the edge of annihilation following a catastrophic nuclear disaster. With the planet no longer habitable, humanity’s survival depends on Idyllium, a pristine parallel Earth. Diplomatic overtures to this new world fail, prompting the covert United Global Alliance (UGA) to send Marc and his team on a high-stakes mission. Their objective: sabotage Idyllium’s systems to prepare for an inevitable mass migration. For Marc, the stakes are personal—his gravely ill daughter’s survival hinges on their success. But as his mission progresses, Marc is torn between his duty to humanity and the devastating cost to Idyllium’s inhabitants. This gripping tale explores the weight of sacrifice, the clash of morals, and the meaning of humanity in times of crisis.
Marc is the story’s heart and soul. His inner struggles, steeped in fear, love, and obligation, are both relatable and gut-wrenching. I was immediately drawn to his humanity. The detailed backstories of the supporting characters enrich the narrative, making their choices and motivations resonate deeply. These aren’t one-dimensional figures, they are flawed, layered, and vividly real. Each one adds nuance to the unfolding drama, showing how complex and varied the human response to catastrophe can be.
I think what sets Finding Idyllium apart is its seamless fusion of science fiction and emotional depth. The technological and speculative elements are imaginative yet grounded, creating a vivid and believable world without overshadowing the human element. The narrative doesn’t rely on spectacle alone. Instead, the sci-fi aspects serve as a backdrop, amplifying the emotional intensity of the characters’ journeys and the moral dilemmas they face. The result is an immersive and thought-provoking story that stays with you. That said, the repetition of certain moral conflicts occasionally slowed the pacing. Marc and his team’s debates about the ethics of their mission felt realistic, but some moments seemed to circle the same points. While this repetition underscored the gravity of their choices, it occasionally detracted from the momentum. Even so, the story remained compelling, with its exploration of ethical complexity adding depth and resonance.
Finding Idyllium is an emotionally charged sci-fi thriller that grapples with universal questions of sacrifice and morality. Readers who enjoy speculative fiction with a strong focus on character and ethical dilemmas will find this a rewarding experience. N. Joseph Glass delivers a story that challenges the mind and stirs the heart.
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0DK3QPP6F
US Commissioned Warship
Intrepid Spirit follows a modern-day Navy Commander who is sent to “Old Ironside” for a PR cruise that turns into a battle with terrorists using antiquated weaponry. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the story was the events of 9/11. It was a reminder that, in effect, the Barbary Coast war of the early 1800s never really ended. That war prominently featured the U.S.S. Constitution, “Old Ironsides” a ship I read about extensively as a boy when I was fascinated by the age of sail. Research revealed that the ship is the oldest ship in the world and, significantly, still a US commissioned warship. Readers of the book will learn how important that factor is to the plot.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
The main character, Captain Moses Redding, was a challenge. Motivated by politics, the treatment he received from the navy over what most would consider a heroic action ignites a bitterness in him. His transfer to command of the Constitution on a PR cruise is purgatory for this man of action. The difficulty for me was in showing expressions of that bitterness without allowing it to overwhelm the character. I needed to show him to be a complex character that includes very likable traits and a depth that is key to the transformation in his character arc.
What research did you do for this novel to ensure that you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Intrepid Spirit was heavily researched in every aspect of the plot down to the smallest details. They included specifics regarding the US Navy now and in the age of sail, modern-day and historic Islamic influences around the world, the Qur’an itself, Muslim beliefs, geographic, astrological, flora, fauna, and meteorological details, miscellaneous historic points and every detail of the ship herself, including her reputation as a haunted vessel, which prompted a key element of the plot.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Not currently working on another book, but have compiled notes on another military action novel that I believe will share the kind of elements that make Intrepid Spirit distinct in the genre.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Onboard is the alluring but high-spirited Dr. Miriam Hannah. She’s a naval historian and the top aide to Vice President Virginia Mitchell, point person on the peace talks. A battle of the sexes ensues between the mutually attracted, but conflicted lovers.
While terrorists abduct VP Mitchell in a plot to destroy the talks and ignite a world-wide jihad, the haunted Constitution mysteriously intervenes in Redding’s personal transformation. He returns the favor by ordering the crew trained in her antique weapons, unaware how vital that soon will be.
LITERARY TITAN 