Thunderbird Rising

The Maxx King Thrillers, Book 1

De: John H. Thomas

Narrado por: Scott Fleming

Maxx King is a former Army Ranger turned cybercrime investigator trying to get his life back on track when he has an unexpected confrontation with a ruthless Chinese spy. Struggling to understand the escalating violence, he discovers a clandestine US-China conflict centered around a device of unknown origins with the power to trigger massive natural disasters.

Caught between competing US government agencies, Chinese assassins, secret informants, and a rising number of deaths, Maxx must get to the truth before the next catastrophe strikes. Things get personal when it turns out his girlfriend, Gabby, has been working on the covert project and may be the source of damaging leaks that threaten national security.

The clock is ticking, and a break in the code reveals that something big will happen on September 11th, 2001. Thunderbird Rising is an action-packed alternate-history thriller full of uncertain loyalties, deceit, and international espionage set in Seattle and New York City.

©2024 John H. Thomas (P)2025 John H. Thomas

My honest take!

John H. Thomas’ Thunderbird Rising hits like a lightning bolt. It is sharp, fast, and impossible to ignore. Maxx King, a former Army Ranger turned cybercrime investigator, is a hero you can’t look away from.

Thomas blends high-tech intrigue, cinematic pacing, and human vulnerability in a way that feels both modern and timeless. And the narration brings it to life perfectly, capturing every ounce of tension, grit, and heart.

If you’re a fan of Tom Clancy or Matthew Reilly, this one will grip you from the first chapter to the last. Thunderbird Rising isn’t just a thriller, it’s a pulse-pounding ride you’ll want to experience in one sitting. Can't wait to read the next one!

Thunderbird Rising

Thunderbird Rising is my first introduction to the writing of John H Thomas. It, also, the start of his A Maxx King Thriller series. Oh my goodness, what a roller coaster of a read it was for me. I found the alternate history to be intriguing. Living during the time of the tragedy of September 11, 2011, the novel did make me think about the "what ifs". It was thought provoking, action packed, suspenseful, and thrilling. I loved getting to know Maxx and taking the twists and turns right along with him. I never knew where else he was going to lead me from chapter to chapter. I thought it was a fabulous and hard to put down.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version of Thunderbird Rising. I enjoyed listening to the narrator, Scott Fleming. His performance was superb and a perfect addition to the book. His voice made it more exciting than it was already.

I am going to give Thunderbird Rising a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read exciting thriller fiction. I am looking forward in continuing the series with the second installment from A Maxx King Thriller series, Masters of War, to see what adventure author, John H Thomas, will take his fans on next.

I received an audio version of John H Thomas' Thunderbird Rising from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Smart Action with a Touch of Realism.

Thunderbird Rising has a snappy pace and its present-day approach so it managed to grab me immediately. The plot nicely blends modern espionage with personal dilemmas, never losing clarity at any point.

Scott Fleming offers a sober but effective narration, ideal for a story of this type. His tone conveys seriousness without falling into excessive drama. A very good choice for those looking for action with brains.

Highly Recommend.

John H. Thomas has crafted something that transcends typical genre boundaries—this isn't just a thriller, it's a meditation on power, loyalty, and the terrifying intersection of technology and warfare.

What strikes me most is Thomas's sophisticated approach to character development. Maxx King isn't your stereotypical action hero; he's psychologically complex, carrying visible scars from his military service. The author layers his motivations beautifully, showing us a man desperately seeking stability in an increasingly chaotic world.


Structurally, the novel employs a tightening spiral technique, with each revelation pulling Maxx deeper into a web where personal and political intersect devastatingly. The Gabby subplot isn't romantic filler—it's the emotional core that transforms international intrigue into intimate betrayal.

I absolutely loved the kindle book but I enjoyed the audiobook more for its wonderful narration. Highly recommend.

A Man's Story

Maxx King is a fun character for a man to channel.
I went along with him vicariously as he navigated his threats and challenges by using logic and his fists.
An entertaining conspiracy thriller with vivid characters.

It has depth!!

The audiobook of Thunderbird Rising pulled me in from the first chapter. The narrator captures Maxx King’s internal battles. The tension between Maxx and Gabby hits even harder when spoken aloud; every doubt, every withheld truth lands like a punch. The pacing is tight. This isn’t a light listen. It’s dark, gripping, and smart. A perfect pick for thriller fans who crave depth and adrenaline.

Modern Intrigue with Pace and Depth.

I'm someone who really enjoys well-constructed audiobooks, especially ones that offer clear and simple explanations in detail. Thunderbird Rising surprised and pleased me. The plot is intense, with a solid protagonist and a geopolitical backdrop that feels real and current. The combination of action and cyber intrigue is nicely balanced.

Scott Fleming's narration is precise and tight, ideal for this type of story. His voice conveys authority and he keeps the pace just right, without exaggeration.

Action, Intrigue, and High Stakes Espionage

Thunderbird Rising delivers a gripping mix of cybercrime, espionage, and alternate history. Maxx King is a strong lead caught in a web of secrets, betrayals, and ticking-clock tension. The story keeps you hooked with its twists and action, though a few parts could move faster. Overall, an exciting and thought-provoking thriller.

The narration was incredible!!

I just finished listening to Thunderbird Rising and I’m still in shock. I started it this afternoon and couldn’t stop. The narration was incredible and made the story feel so real. Maxx King is my new fictional crush~ strong, brave, but also deeply human. I loved how the book explored his trauma while keeping the action intense. The chase scenes through Seattle had my heart racing, and the twists around Gabby kept me guessing the whole time. The tension, emotion, and realism were perfect. I’m already downloading book two because I need to know what happens next. Five stars from me!

Tech-Conspiracy Thriller With Killer Narration

Thunderbird Rising by John H. Thomas, narrated by Scott Fleming, hits the mark—hands down. This thing’s a rush, mixing tech with conspiracy in a way that’s fast, wild, and full of turns I didn’t see coming. The mix of real and alternative history is solid, the characters stick in your head, and the story’s got suspense that grabbed me.

Scott Fleming’s narration? Man, it’s a winner. He cranks up the action scenes and gives each character their own - Maxx’s voice especially had me hooked. It’s a full-on movie in your head, perfect for tuning out the commute. Clocking in at just over 10 hours, it flew by.

If you’re into thrillers with characters you’d share a beer with and a narrator who nails it, this is the one. Five stars—I’m already looking forward to the next one from this pair!