Click on cover image to purchase a copy
MWSA Review
This story will appeal to and satisfy its target audience—veterans of the incredibly demanding profession of military aviation. Subtitled A Phantom Pilot Comes of Age, Paladins follows the development of a nugget (rookie) US Marine Corps pilot as he advances through the crucibles of flight training and initiation into the exclusive brotherhood of an operational fighter squadron.
The author has accurately captured the professional, social, and emotional pressures faced by fledgling military aviators, and has done so in an engaging story populated by emblematic characters. The narrative is well paced and is punctuated by iconic elements of Navy/Marine Corps aviation: how call signs are bestowed, the competitive camaraderie of a squadron ready room, and the excesses of overseas liberty ports to name a few. Aviation evolutions such as air-to-air combat maneuvering and in-flight emergencies are described in meticulous detail. An underlying love story provides suitable suspense.
The book's hero is faced with personal conflicts early in the story, notably a sense of guilt over a friend's death in a training accident coupled with strong feelings for his widow. He also comes up against challenges to his acceptance into the elite company of Marine Corps aviators as he learns to fly the formidable and technically demanding F-4 Phantom fighter jet.
The narrative carefully follows the main character's progression from his basic flight training through to his eventual acceptance as a respected member of the elite fraternity of military fighter pilots. His journey is met with many challenges—both personal and professional—that demonstrate his growing maturity and skill.
Paladins provides a fast-paced and entertaining insight into a truly elite segment of American military culture. Anyone with an interest in modern military aviation and the challenges of flying a high-performance jet fighter will find a lot to learn and enjoy. Former members of this fraternity will find much to remind them of their days of service, and current military aviators will be rewarded with a glimpse into the challenges faced by their predecessors.
Review by Peter Young (May 2023)
Author's Synopsis
The story of Nate Carson, a young Marine Pilot and Naval Aviator just starting his Military Career in the early 1980s. Nate suffers a trauma during Flight Training that provides him the opportunity to find himself in the process of learning to fly and fight the F-4 Phantom. Gripping and realistic flying sequences. Immersion into the challenges, dangers, camaraderie and hilarity of Squadron life as it was nearly a half century ago.
Includes a section that exposes the reader to terminology, equipment and jargon that was used by the brave Pilots and RIOs who flew this historic aircraft. Former Phantom Pilots and RIOs will recognize and relive their own experiences and the places they worked and played. Those looking at this world from the outside in will learn what it was like for those who experienced it. Tragedy, Romance, Adventure, Adversity, Heartbreak and Redemption.
Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle
Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 249
Word Count: 59,866