Starhawk

Rating:
Summary: So-so writing, but decent plot
Review: Fortunately, Mack Maloney knows how to spin an interesting story; that alone makes it worth reading. Frankly, however, when compared to other SF authors such as William Fortschen or David Weber, Mack Maloney does not even begin to compare; at times his writing is almost chidlesh. Furthermore, an SF author should at least have some semblence of realistic science; Mack Maloney's use of "extra-demensions" and so forth is more entertaining than believable, however. If one wishes to use extra dimensions in science fiction, that is fine; string theory, after all, proposes 11. Maloney, however, simply uses the concept of "extra-dimensions" as a vehicle to advance that plot so that he can have ships winking in and out of existence, etc.
Having given the negative side of this review, it's only fair that I give credit Maloney for a very interesting and enjoyable plot. It's original (well, sort of) and he manages to make the reader truly interested in his protagonist's fate. All in all, this makes up for his lack of talent (this might not be entirely fair; I haven't read anything other than this series). I can definitely recommended this series for others; just don't expect too much from his writing style.

Rating:
Summary: Hawk is back and good as ever
Review: I bought Wingman in 1990 at an airport shop in Shreveport, LA. I needed a book for a flight to LA and this seemed the only one there I could read.

Wotta great choice!

The intervening 12 years brought us 15 more. Then, a hiatus occurred with Chopper Ops. That series never quite hit its stride, though I'm the first to admit that Shuttle Down came close to matching the Hawk Hunter/Ryder Long adventure index.

But, Star Hawk Rocks!

With a strong improvement in style and narrative, better characterization, continued control of the babe count, and a hint of one goddam fantatstic story line, Mack Maloney grabbed me a page 1 and held me through the end on page 267.

The story finds Hawk lost again, but still on his quest for his peace of mond. But, it's not on a war-ravaged earth or alternative earth. This time, it's a war-ravaged galaxy, where deep secrets are being kept by everyone. Hawk is/will be the catalyst for change.

While it stands alone, knowledge of the other stories only makes the enjoyment of this one richer.

Hey, anyone think that Colonel Long may have been involved with the lighthouse or home?

Rating:
Summary: Starhawk the alpha and omega of WINGMAN
Review: If you have never read of the Wingman or Hawk Hunter the intrepid aviator and warrior, you can start the exploration with this book, the latest in the series. Part of the genuine talent the author Mack Maloney puts into each of his works is an ability to pick up any one of them and start the journey. In this start, the reader is taken into a more "pure" science fiction realm, but holds excellent military action - military aviation action scenes. If you have followed the series, the other publications of Chopper Ops (An outstanding series that needs at least one more book!!) and the earlier War Heaven series you will find countless intelligent tie ins, concepts, and thought provoking enigmas that always seem to make this reader look forward to more. As a military aviator and professional warrior I enjoy these books for both the accurate, realistic and incredible fantasy aspects of the human conflict of combat of the Wingman-Starhawk-Hawk Hunter and Chopper Ops series and all of Mr Maloney's works. Starhawk promises the begining of new great series towards an unknown, but eagerly sought end. True to the series is the unending battle of good versus evil, the ultimate struggle. Strongly recommend this for newly initiated and experienced Maloney readers.

Rating:
Summary: Highly enjoyable SF adventure
Review: Somehow Hawk Hunter, the fighter-pilot hero of the long-running Wingman series, is now living in the far-flung future. (Even he doesn't know how he got there.) He's figured out a way to bring and still fly his F-16 fighter jet, though it has been souped-up and is now the fastest thing flying in the Galaxy, which is what we'd all expect from Hawk! He goes through a series of adventures, meeting friend and foe alike along the way, always searching for the reason why he is now in the year 7200AD. He befriends the daughter of the Emporer O'Nay, ruler of the vast empire that controls the Galaxy. She vows to help him find his identity, and sends him on a mission to a tiny war-ravaged moon at the edge of the Milky Way where she thinks the answer to his secret might be. This is a five-star adventure all the way and anyone who thinks author Maloney has "sold out" has missed the point entirely and should go back and re-read the book. Hawk is still the Wingman, he is still fighting for what is right, he's just doing it in another place and time!