Starhawk (#5): Storm Over Saturn: 6

I have written a number of reviews for this series and others of the author Mack Maloney. I find myself often repeating the same words trying to leverage some concepts for another reader to glean some kind of worth in deciding to pick this book up and read it. Many readers are part of the long and dedicated fan base that will tear into the next installment. Some drift in to a book and then start the process of going to the other books in the series or the other works. As one that has read and re-read every one of the various series books, this is another fine addition to the series. I found myself a little troubled if this was going to be the last as I worked through the first 2/3 of the book. It is not. It contains the action and military/tech/scifi building blocks arranged in rich prose. It carries a long and heartfelt message to nation on the GWOT. My often mentioned interwoven links to other books to bolster and make living the parallel planes of existence concept is further developed in this installment, but with a more subtle and more sophisticated style. The story is exceptional, more science fiction based and crafted. It is linked the original series in a genre fashion not seen since the 1930's serial movies and turn of the century novella installments in literature. I will not spoil it for the long time reader, if you have waited for the return of one of the most sought characters this will set the stage. My only departure from my normal comments will focus on the new reader. If this is your first book of this series or any of the Maloney works it requires previous series reading to really make sense. I fear many new readers will dismiss the book and series starting here. There is sufficient background layered out for the book to stand alone, but not enough with the series setting to be fully appreciated. From all of us that watched Buster Crab play Flash Gordon and Buck Rodgers on the UHF channels re-runs in high school and college before cable and the internet, started out in the Wingman and War Heaven series - thanks Mack for latest installment and bringing light to a very dark entity in the series again.

"Storm Over Saturn" is one of the best purely science fiction stories I have read in a long time. All at once bemusing, confusing, disorienting and exciting, Mack Maloney takes his readers on an incredible "dizzylando" ride. As with the rest of the STARHAWK and WINGMAN novels, "Storm Over Saturn" answers many questions raised in previous novels/series. At the same time, the story creates new mysteries for the reader to consider. Most importantly, perhaps, is that this book is simply FUN to read. I laughed quite a bit as Hawk Hunter wound his way from one crazy episode to the next. References both to classic science fiction and current world issues were both tasteful and delightful. The only (very minor) complaint I have about this particular novel is the absence of Hawk Hunter's brothers-in-arms. While I knew that Erx, Berx, Zarex, Tomm, and co. couldn't/wouldn't be with Hawk this time, I did appreciate the fact that Hawk's trials and tribulations were given full attention. Now I just have to wait for the next STARHAWK novel to come out (hint-hint, Mack Maloney). If any prospective readers come across my review, PLEASE do yourself a favor and secure a copy of "Storm Over Saturn." If only for its entertainment value, this book is definitely worth reading.

TO ALL ENOY THE BOOK. HE STARTED TO ANSWER SOME ONE WINGMAN QUESTIONS. I ALSO ENOJYED HOW HE UPDATED THE BOOK WITH CURRENT EVENTS FROM ARE TIME. MACK WHEN WILL THE NEXT BOOK BE OUT.