Get Ready for an Exciting Read with Paco Chierici’s Lions of the Sky

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a good book, a multi-layered story with characters I care about, one that I don’t want to end, so I was very happy when given the chance to review Lions of the Sky by Paco Chierici (Braveship Books, April 2019), which delivers on every level.

* Complimentary book received for review. This post may contain affiliate links.

Lions of the Sky tells the story of a group of Navy pilots and WSOs (Weapons Systems Operators) in the last stages of their training and the instructors responsible for honing the students into disciplined fighters. The two main protagonists are Sam “Slammer” Richardson, a seasoned fighter pilot completing his final stint as a flight instructor before returning to active duty, and Keely “Quick” Silvers, a talented young pilot who wants nothing more than to fly. The reader follows the class of pilots and WSOs through the ups and downs of learning the finer points of flying, culminating with their first experiences on an air carrier. As if that’s not difficult enough, inevitable conflicts arise from the presence of female trainees in the class trying to make their way in a male-oriented culture. In the meantime, escalating international tensions in the South China Sea propel the newly-graduated class into life-and-death battles in the sky.

It’s hard to convey the intensity and excitement of Lions of the Sky without giving away any plot spoilers. However, I can tell you that this book is hard to put down, and in the end, you’ll have learned a great deal about what it’s really like to be a Navy fighter pilot. I’ve always been intrigued by the Navy’s fighter planes and their pilots, especially the skill and courage needed to take off from and land on an air carrier. Lions of the Sky has given me a glimpse into that particular brand of bravery and the amazing men and women who perform this seemingly superhuman feat.

The authenticity of Lions of the Sky results from the fact that the author, Francesco “Paco” Chierici, was a Navy fighter pilot himself, stationed aboard air carriers including the USS Ranger, Nimitz, and Kitty Hawk. Lions of the Sky is his first novel, but he’s no stranger to writing, having been a contributor to Aviation Classics Magazine, AOPA Magazine, and Fighter Sweep. He also created and produced the documentary film Speed & Angels (which I’ve put on my Prime Video watchlist).

I truly enjoyed reading Lions of the Sky, and I’m not-too-secretly hoping for a sequel. If this book sounds interesting to you, I urge you to visit the Lions of the Sky webpage for more information. You might also enjoy checking out the author on Facebook.

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Giveaway: One lucky winner is going to win an autographed copy of Lions of the Sky from Braveship Books. Good luck!

Giveaway Details: This giveaway is open to residents of the US ONLY age 18 and over. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy before entering. This giveaway will close on June 8th, 2019 at 11:59 pm EST time. No purchase necessary to enter or win.

Disclaimer: A. Bailey received a complimentary product for review purposes & feature on The Classy Chics blog. No monetary compensation was received. A. Bailey’s thoughts, opinions and words are 100% her own. Your thoughts may differ. Please read the blog’s terms of service policy before entering any giveaways. The Classy Chics are NOT responsible for prize fulfillment or shipping of any items won from this blog. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, we may or may not make a small commission which helps to support this website. Thank you!!!