Black Star

Black Star by Robert Gandt; New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014; 352 pages; $7.50.

As he did with "Acts of Vengeance" and "With Hostile Intent," Robert Gandt continues to delight readers with "Black Star," his third novel in a series. In this latest installment, Cmdr. Sam "Brick" Maxwell again leads an F/A-18 Super Hornet Squadron. This time, the carrier USS Reagan plies the waters off the coast near Taiwan, where the crew has a ringside seat as the region erupts.

Readers learn more about Maxwell and his short career as a test pilot. Five years before the story takes place, the character participated in the secret flight-testing of the Black Star-the next-generation stealth aircraft-which is invisible to the human eye as well as to radar. Now the Chinese possess their own stealth aircraft-"Dong-jin"-and the Black Star's potential is vital. The ensuing battle of technology and wits is riveting. How will Maxwell get out of this one?

Gandt has clearly become more comfortable with his protagonist. He (and, consequently, devoted readers) are more familiar with Maxwell and his many acquaintances, and the result is a more rounded, and thoroughly likable, character. (And if Maxwell continues on his present career path, expect him to make admiral in short order.)

The flying and combat sequences continue to enthrall. As long as Gandt continues to write them, his large-and getting larger-audience will enjoy reading about Maxwell, as the stories are all set in thoroughly believable modern-day combat environments. "Black Star" is his best book yet.

Copyright Air Age Publishing Aug 2004
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