Thunderbird Rising

The Maxx King Thrillers, Book 1

By: John H. Thomas

Narrated by: Scott Fleming

Maxx King is a former Army Ranger turned cybercrime investigator trying to get his life back on track when he has an unexpected confrontation with a ruthless Chinese spy. Struggling to understand the escalating violence, he discovers a clandestine US-China conflict centered around a device of unknown origins with the power to trigger massive natural disasters.

Caught between competing US government agencies, Chinese assassins, secret informants, and a rising number of deaths, Maxx must get to the truth before the next catastrophe strikes. Things get personal when it turns out his girlfriend, Gabby, has been working on the covert project and may be the source of damaging leaks that threaten national security.

The clock is ticking, and a break in the code reveals that something big will happen on September 11th, 2001. Thunderbird Rising is an action-packed alternate-history thriller full of uncertain loyalties, deceit, and international espionage set in Seattle and New York City.

©2024 John H. Thomas (P)2025 John H. Thomas

Modern Intrigue with Pace and Depth.

I'm someone who really enjoys well-constructed audiobooks, especially ones that offer clear and simple explanations in detail. Thunderbird Rising surprised and pleased me. The plot is intense, with a solid protagonist and a geopolitical backdrop that feels real and current. The combination of action and cyber intrigue is nicely balanced.

Scott Fleming's narration is precise and tight, ideal for this type of story. His voice conveys authority and he keeps the pace just right, without exaggeration.

Smart Action with a Touch of Realism.

Thunderbird Rising has a snappy pace and its present-day approach so it managed to grab me immediately. The plot nicely blends modern espionage with personal dilemmas, never losing clarity at any point.

Scott Fleming offers a sober but effective narration, ideal for a story of this type. His tone conveys seriousness without falling into excessive drama. A very good choice for those looking for action with brains.

A Man's Story

Maxx King is a fun character for a man to channel.
I went along with him vicariously as he navigated his threats and challenges by using logic and his fists.
An entertaining conspiracy thriller with vivid characters.

Intriguing

Maxx King, a former Army Ranger turned cybercrime investigator, is pulled into a deadly web of espionage when he crosses paths with a Chinese spy and uncovers a secret US-China conflict over a device capable of triggering natural disasters. As bodies pile up and loyalties blur, Maxx races to unravel the truth—especially when he learns his girlfriend, Gabby, may be leaking critical intel. With the clock ticking toward a catastrophic event on September 11th, 2001, Thunderbird Rising delivers a high-stakes alternate-history thriller set against the backdrops of Seattle and New York City.

John H. Thomas, author, crafts a complex yet accessible thriller that reimagines a pivotal historical event with compelling fictional twists. His writing is both intelligent and immersive, blending real-world events with imaginative storytelling that captures the listener’s attention from start to finish. The plot is thoughtfully paced, and the characters are richly developed through sharp dialogue and vivid action. Each scene unfolds with purpose, leading to a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.

Narrator Scott Fleming elevates the experience with a powerful performance. He captures the essence of every character and moment, using just the right amount of emotion, tension, and intrigue. His voice is clear and expressive, with a steady cadence that keeps the listener engaged. His ability to embody a wide range of personalities brings depth and realism to the story—he truly was the ideal choice for this audiobook.

This is an intriguing and emotionally resonant thriller that not only entertains but also encourages reflection on alternate versions of history. It stirs curiosity, evokes strong emotional responses, and adds a compelling layer to conspiracy theories worth contemplating.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Pushed all the right buttons!

This was exactly the kind of story I didn’t know I needed. The pacing is sharp, the characters are gritty, and the setting—man, it hit home. I used to live in Seattle, so hearing those street names and places made it all feel realer. The plot has layers, and it pulled me in quick. Between the tech espionage, the double-crosses, and the creeping tension, it just kept building in the best way. I was in the hospital listening during long wait times, and honestly, it was the perfect escape. It kept my mind moving and gave me something to be excited about. Also, the twist with the girl? Didn’t see that coming. Super well done. Honestly, wish it had been longer—though maybe that’s just me being impaitent. Solid 5 stars.

Modern Espionage with a Narrative Pulse!

This is a story with solid characters and a plot that combines espionage, technology and international tension without losing the plot, with a protagonist with grit, human and credible, trapped in a web of modern intrigue.

It also features a smooth and precise narration, giving each scene just the right tone. An ideal audiobook for those who enjoy emotion well told and without exaggeration.

A Contemporary Hero in a Complex World!

I appreciate when a story combines action with background content. This novel is not only about spies and technology, but also about a man facing his past as the world around him changes at great speed.

I found Scott Fleming's narration to be spot on: clear, measured and just the right tone so as not to distract from the content. An audiobook that gives food for thought, while still entertaining.

Tech-Conspiracy Thriller With Killer Narration

Thunderbird Rising by John H. Thomas, narrated by Scott Fleming, hits the mark—hands down. This thing’s a rush, mixing tech with conspiracy in a way that’s fast, wild, and full of turns I didn’t see coming. The mix of real and alternative history is solid, the characters stick in your head, and the story’s got suspense that grabbed me.

Scott Fleming’s narration? Man, it’s a winner. He cranks up the action scenes and gives each character their own - Maxx’s voice especially had me hooked. It’s a full-on movie in your head, perfect for tuning out the commute. Clocking in at just over 10 hours, it flew by.

If you’re into thrillers with characters you’d share a beer with and a narrator who nails it, this is the one. Five stars—I’m already looking forward to the next one from this pair!

thriller and more

If you enjoy books by authors like Tom Clancy, Brad Thor, or Mark Greaney, this one will be right up your alley. Highly recommend

Gripping and suspense-packed

Thunderbird Rising is a highly entertaining, action-packed story that will keep you hooked and intrigued until the end. The narrator does a very good job. Highly recommend to listen if you like thrillers that are a blend of espionage, cybercrime and real-world stakes.