Lions of the Sky

By: Paco Chierici

Narrated by: Flynn Earl Jones

Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

In the world of fighter pilots, the most alpha of the alpha, competition is everything and the stakes are impossibly high. A Top Gun for the new millennium, Lions of the Sky propels us into a realm in which friendship, loyalty, and skill are tested, battles won and lost in an instant, and lives irrevocably changed in the time it takes to plug in your afterburners.

Sam Richardson is a fighter pilot’s pilot, a reluctant legend with a gut-eating secret. He is in the last span of his tour as an instructor, yearning to get back to the real action of the Fleet, when he is ordered to take on one last class - a class that will force him to confront his carefully quarantined demons.

Brash, carefree, and naturally gifted, Keely Silvers is the embodiment of all that grates on him. After years of single-minded dedication, she and her classmates can see the finish line. They are months away from achieving their life-long dream, flying Navy F/A-18 fighters. They are smart and hard-working, but they’re just kids with expensive new toys. They’re eager to rush through training and escape to the freedom of the world beyond, a world they view as a playground full of fast jets and exotic locales.

But Sam knows there is a darker side to the profession he loves. There is trouble brewing in the East with global implications. If they make it past him they will be cast into a dangerous world where enemy planes cruise the skies over the South China Sea like sharks, loaded with real weapons and hidden intentions.

Early Praise for Lions of the Sky

"Paco Chierici has written a humdinger of a book. Through vividly drawn characters, he takes us inside a Navy fighter squadron showing their incredibly difficult day to day lives, including the obstacles women still face in this tight knit community...a terrific window into a world very few people see." (The Honorable Ray Mabus, 75th United States Secretary of the Navy)

"Lions of the Sky is gripping, fast paced, and authentic. If you want a real, edge of the envelope thriller, look no further! (Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, pilot and New York Times best-selling author)

"I was BLOWN away! Paco put me right back in the cockpit and the Ready Room. Lions of the Sky is intense, and personal, and thrilling, especially the ending. A must read!" (Lea Gabrielle, journalist and F/A-18 Naval Aviator)

"Francesco 'Paco' Chierici made flying some of the U.S. Navy’s most treacherous fighters look easy. But it’s his deep and lasting infatuation with that deadly aerial artistry — and his ability to describe it so accurately and vividly – that set him apart as an aviator, a documentary film producer, and writer. Paco’s eye for detail, salty irreverence, and skill as both an aviator and a writer, make this fictional work very real. Strap in for an unforgettable ride." (Dave Hirschman, author of Hijacked: The True Story of the Heroes of Flight 705, and AOPA Pilot Editor at Large)

"An experienced fighter pilot, Paco Chierici knows what he’s writing about here. Fans of military fiction, strap into your favorite ejection seat and get ready for a high speed, G-pulling, missile-shooting thrill ride." (Ward Carroll, author of Punk’s War, Punk’s Wing, and Punk’s Fight)

"Paco Chierici’s debut novel is an unforgettable story of pride, lust, loss, betrayal and redemption...set today in a carrier-based fighter squadron in combat. Timely and gripping, Lions of the Sky is an exciting supersonic techno-thriller with well-written g-spikes of human drama that kept me turning the pages. Strap in and arm your seat!" (Kevin Miller, best-selling author of the Raven One trilogy)

"A high-octane blend of seawater, adrenaline, and human drama. LIONS OF THE SKY comes off the deck with afterburners roaring and never lets up." (Jeff Edwards, best-selling author of Sea of Shadows and Steel Wind)

©2018 Paco Chierici (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

too much girl power, top gun ish

I found too much "girl power" and "victim" mentality. Story was cliche, almost top gun ish ...dead back seater and then her struggle to gain back confidence....four Stars

Riveting!

This was a really captivating story, with a great reading too! I had a hard time putting it down, or, I should say, pressing the pause button. In fact, I blame this book for two days of impaired work productivity... no personal responsibility on my part ;) Now I have to go make up for that wonderful distraction. No matter who you are, I think everyone will enjoy this story.

Want More!

Informative, believable, great story line. Really gives you a great feeling for the abilities of Naval aviators. I felt like I was in the cockpit along with the pilots. I just could not put the audio book down once started. A great job by the author and narrator.

excellent story well told by I guess a pro who was

Loved it excellent story well told by a pro who was a jet pilot for real come on up with some more books I'll buy them thanks for a great story. from from Steve Drettler

Good insight into Naval Aviation

As a former Naval Aviator, I love the way Paco brings the readers into the world of Navy Tailhook aviation! He took some liberties here and there and stretched some things but overall does a incredible job of fitting the characters and the story to give readers a sense of what it’s all about!

Amazing book!

I generally don't write reviews but this book was terrific and the narrator was superb.

This book had my mind soaring!

Although there were some parts that had some logic and math that i couldn't quite understand, the book overall was well written and I enjoyed the twists and turns that the characters went through along their journey both on the ground and in the air. I liked how tense and intriguing the story became over time, and I really liked the ending.

The narrator did an excellent job portraying each character and their personalities as they went through several turns of events. Each of them had their own story and unique personality that was read and played out well. Flynn definitely inherited the acting talent from his family. I'm sure that many of us, including myself, are eager to hear more. (and maybe - if he makes the choice - to see him in a project someday. It fits him well.) Well done.

Excellent

Well written, fast paced, expertly narrated. Historical fiction or was it just just great fiction?

Epic

Great tale of Aviation, excellent detail oriented well written story. Can’t wait for the next tale of Slammer and Quick

Amazing Book About Modern Fighter Pilots

Lions Of The Sky gives a modern twist to naval aviation. It is very well written with relatable characters. I think the story line is great. It is focused on a somewhat older pilot and weapons officer… and a great deal on 2 female pilots pilots and their challenges. The book was written a few years ago so I would hope a lot of those sexist problems have been aliviated by now. I would have two suggestions: At least one of the pilots in the squadron should have been married. And I felt like the book could do without so many “F-bombs.” Other than that I would say the book is perfect. It really is worth the read for military aviation enthusiasts!