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Michael Neill #2
Tempest of Fire
Somalia has split in two, with armed insurgents threatening American lives. China has emerged as a leading arms exporter, supplying weapons to Third World nations. But before National Security Advisor Willis Avery can deal with either danger, he faces a new challenge On her maiden voyage, Beijing’s newest and most advanced nuclear submarine is destroyed by a weapon of unimaginable power. While the loss of the sub is kept secret, America and her allies want to know what happened. Avery believes a renegade faction of China’s Navy is behind the attack, striking from a secret naval facility in the South China Sea, and assembles a group to investigate. Leading the mission is Marine Corps Lieutenant Michael Neill. Fresh from his assignment in the Ukraine, Neill and his team, with a little help from British Intelligence and the Royal Navy, must find a way to locate the weapon before it is deployed again. Along the way, they must stop a Chinese Admiral who plans on seizing control of an independent Taiwan. Neill’s squad is aided by a mysterious informant, but is he baiting them into a trap?
370 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2013
236 people want to read
About the author
Steve Wilson
5 books24 followersSteve Wilson is a multimedia designer and has worked in advertising for over 25 years. He is a prior service Marine and now serves as a senior NCO in the Air Force Reserve. He has deployed to Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, in addition to tours in the United States, Germany, and the Pacific, and has visited the former Soviet Union several times. He lives in Florida with his wife. 'Red Sky at Morning' is his first novel, and 'Tempest of Fire' is the second book in the Michael Neill adventure series. 'Trinity Icon' was published in 2014, and Steve is currently working on book four, 'Eye of Charybdis'.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 12, 2014
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite at www.ReadersFavorite.com.
There is something deeply satisfying about settling into a story created by a man of military training and insight as is the case with Tempest of Fire by Steve Wilson. Bringing back Lieutenant Michael Neill from an earlier story (Red Sky at Morning), Wilson weaves a careful tale of political intrigue and espionage on an international scale. When a Chinese submarine goes down near Hua Shan, an island about 100 kilometers from the Chinese mainland, an island shrouded in mystery according to folklore, the U.S. suspects it is the work of a rogue element of the Chinese military led by Admiral Xian Lee. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence identifies an American who has set into play, events that could give Lee a decided advantage through cyber warfare. Following the leads, Lt. Neill and a specially selected crew, including Lt. Simon Chau, a gifted computer analyst who also has synesthesia, visit the island. What they discover there could have a serious impact upon international relationships. Everything comes together when Lee determines it is time to take back the wayward Taiwan by opening events with the use of a torpedo dubbed the “Tempest of Fire.”
Tempest of Fire comes with a setting that is unique, a fast paced story that is believable, and it is packed with easy to read and understand information about the military and its dealings with political leaders as well as private commercial interests. The characters are well drawn, each challenged in his or her own way. In Lt. Neill, Steve Wilson has created a man of integrity and faith, a man others respect. Chau was an interesting addition, with his ability to “sense” location. Sec. Lt. Nathan Crockett, a “man’s man,” adds elements of both focus and humor. Add in Ensign Kelsi Pressman, incredibly talented at breaking code, Captain Zhu Ling, Lee’s chief of staff (who comes with a few surprises of his own), and additional high ranking government and military officials, and you have a story that continually draws you in. Tempest of Fire reinforced the profound gratitude I have for the men and women who serve. It is a fitting tribute to their sacrifice.
Also posted at www.Oathtaker.com and on BookLikes, added to my FaceBook page and to two Google+ review groups, and tweeted. Cover pinned.
There is something deeply satisfying about settling into a story created by a man of military training and insight as is the case with Tempest of Fire by Steve Wilson. Bringing back Lieutenant Michael Neill from an earlier story (Red Sky at Morning), Wilson weaves a careful tale of political intrigue and espionage on an international scale. When a Chinese submarine goes down near Hua Shan, an island about 100 kilometers from the Chinese mainland, an island shrouded in mystery according to folklore, the U.S. suspects it is the work of a rogue element of the Chinese military led by Admiral Xian Lee. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence identifies an American who has set into play, events that could give Lee a decided advantage through cyber warfare. Following the leads, Lt. Neill and a specially selected crew, including Lt. Simon Chau, a gifted computer analyst who also has synesthesia, visit the island. What they discover there could have a serious impact upon international relationships. Everything comes together when Lee determines it is time to take back the wayward Taiwan by opening events with the use of a torpedo dubbed the “Tempest of Fire.”
Tempest of Fire comes with a setting that is unique, a fast paced story that is believable, and it is packed with easy to read and understand information about the military and its dealings with political leaders as well as private commercial interests. The characters are well drawn, each challenged in his or her own way. In Lt. Neill, Steve Wilson has created a man of integrity and faith, a man others respect. Chau was an interesting addition, with his ability to “sense” location. Sec. Lt. Nathan Crockett, a “man’s man,” adds elements of both focus and humor. Add in Ensign Kelsi Pressman, incredibly talented at breaking code, Captain Zhu Ling, Lee’s chief of staff (who comes with a few surprises of his own), and additional high ranking government and military officials, and you have a story that continually draws you in. Tempest of Fire reinforced the profound gratitude I have for the men and women who serve. It is a fitting tribute to their sacrifice.
Also posted at www.Oathtaker.com and on BookLikes, added to my FaceBook page and to two Google+ review groups, and tweeted. Cover pinned.
July 5, 2013
The second novel in Steve Wilson's Michael Neill Adventures, Tempest of Fire is a real page-turner.
The action grabs you from the start with the introduction of a new undersea weapon rogue elements of the Chinese Navy have developed.
I really liked the pacing of the novel. The tension kept building until there was finally a dramatic showdown between Neill and his squad and their Chinese adversaries on a remote island. When that deliciously long scene was resolved and I was able to take a breath, there were still around 100 pages to go.
The author made good use of those 100 pages, packing even more action and tension into the last chapters as China, Taiwan, the U.S., and the British all converge on a powder keg of tension in and around the South China Sea.
Wilson writes a taut military thriller with the perfect balance of description and dialog, and the description has the just the right amount of explanation for us laymen without going on and on like some authors do.
This author "gets" that story and characters should trump all else, and he does a great job with developing both.
This book gets high marks and I'm looking forward to reading the third installment in the series.
The action grabs you from the start with the introduction of a new undersea weapon rogue elements of the Chinese Navy have developed.
I really liked the pacing of the novel. The tension kept building until there was finally a dramatic showdown between Neill and his squad and their Chinese adversaries on a remote island. When that deliciously long scene was resolved and I was able to take a breath, there were still around 100 pages to go.
The author made good use of those 100 pages, packing even more action and tension into the last chapters as China, Taiwan, the U.S., and the British all converge on a powder keg of tension in and around the South China Sea.
Wilson writes a taut military thriller with the perfect balance of description and dialog, and the description has the just the right amount of explanation for us laymen without going on and on like some authors do.
This author "gets" that story and characters should trump all else, and he does a great job with developing both.
This book gets high marks and I'm looking forward to reading the third installment in the series.
August 22, 2013
I just finished reading this book and again give my honest assessment per the author's request.
First, I was intrigued by the depth of research/knowledge of submarine information. The vast detail of the features and inner-workings from both on-board and off were compelling to read.
Second, as in the first book, the names and descriptions of the characters were excellent.
Third, this book read and flowed better than the first--I did not feel there were any dry parts. The old adage that 'practice makes perfect' is quite befitting this second book in the series. The first book was still fantastic as evidenced by my four stars.
Fourth, I much preferred the flirtatious banter of the women in this book to that in the first. It can be a challenge to successfully write believable "opposite gender" characters, however the author succeeded in this novel.
I gave this book five stars as I truly enjoyed the range of experiences from mission descriptions to faith discussions. I especially liked the way in which the author demonstrated that God surpasses all language and political barriers. I highly, highly recommend this book and peg this author as "one to watch for" in upcoming popularity! Truly well-done.
Jane
First, I was intrigued by the depth of research/knowledge of submarine information. The vast detail of the features and inner-workings from both on-board and off were compelling to read.
Second, as in the first book, the names and descriptions of the characters were excellent.
Third, this book read and flowed better than the first--I did not feel there were any dry parts. The old adage that 'practice makes perfect' is quite befitting this second book in the series. The first book was still fantastic as evidenced by my four stars.
Fourth, I much preferred the flirtatious banter of the women in this book to that in the first. It can be a challenge to successfully write believable "opposite gender" characters, however the author succeeded in this novel.
I gave this book five stars as I truly enjoyed the range of experiences from mission descriptions to faith discussions. I especially liked the way in which the author demonstrated that God surpasses all language and political barriers. I highly, highly recommend this book and peg this author as "one to watch for" in upcoming popularity! Truly well-done.
Jane
August 27, 2016
Michael Neill spent a little time behind the desk once he returned home from his last mission, but his heart was out in the field. He was happy to leave the desk job behind and get back into the action. Little did he know that he would be in the middle of a life and death mission all too soon.
Tempest of Fire is the latest Michael Neill novel from Steve Wilson. Once again, Wilson brings fast-paced military action that grabs the reader and holds their attention to the very end. The twists and turns throughout the novel keeps the reader guessing as the plot unfolds. Whether you’re a military member or a civilian, you’re sure to enjoy this suspense-filled novel. Wilson uses his military experience to make his novels realistic all the while presenting the information in a manner in which anyone can understand.
Other than a few typos that continually presented themselves in the Kindle version, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest Michael Neill novel. Both the characters and story line were well developed and believable, and I look forward to the next novel in the series.
Tempest of Fire is the latest Michael Neill novel from Steve Wilson. Once again, Wilson brings fast-paced military action that grabs the reader and holds their attention to the very end. The twists and turns throughout the novel keeps the reader guessing as the plot unfolds. Whether you’re a military member or a civilian, you’re sure to enjoy this suspense-filled novel. Wilson uses his military experience to make his novels realistic all the while presenting the information in a manner in which anyone can understand.
Other than a few typos that continually presented themselves in the Kindle version, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest Michael Neill novel. Both the characters and story line were well developed and believable, and I look forward to the next novel in the series.
August 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this book on it's own and as a follow up to the first book in the series. They are both stand-alone books with excellent plots. The characters are men you'd be honored to know in the real world. There is one character in particular that made a huge impression on me but I can't give away that powerful part of the story. Steve Wilson's life experience shows through in his writing. He has learned who an honorable and patriotic character is and has created several to go with Michael Neill in this book. If you enjoy military fiction like Tom Clancy writes I can recommend this book to you. I won't need to drop Mr. Clancy's name as a comparison much longer as I think Steve Wilson is making his own name known in the military fiction genre.
August 13, 2013
Here's what the Military Writers Society of America had to say:
Meshing the complexity of high technology of modern navies with cyber warfare and boots on the ground action, “Tempest of Fire” is an exciting and entertaining read that is in the vein of Tom Clancy's military thrillers.
Rogue officers within the Chinese Navy launch a plan using stealth, sophisticated cyber attacks, and top secret high-speed torpedoes to bring Taiwan back into the fold of the Peoples Republic, triggering a war between China and the U.S. But the scheming Chinese admiral in charge of the plan had not factored in the resourcefulness of two U.S. Marine commandos and an unlikely pair of sailors.
“Tempest of Fire” begins with the largest and most advanced Chinese submarine sunk by another mysterious submarine firing a high-speed torpedo unlike anything the world has yet seen. In the U.S., sophisticated hackers disrupt communications service of major cable companies on the West Coast, but fail to break into the military’s top secret network, their efforts blocked by skilled counter-intelligence programmers at the U.S. Cyber Command.
Searching for clues about the cause of the submarine crash, allied satellite surveillance picks up what looks like a small uncharted submarine pen on an isolated, unpopulated Island claimed by China. At the same time, an American millionaire, whose family is a major military communications programming contractor, has been selling secret codes to the disloyal Chinese admiral.
A small four-man team slips onto the island to quietly investigate the situation and to recover software codes. Leading the group is Marine Lieutenant Michael Neill, a highly trained special operations warrior who has direct contact with the National Security Adviser in the White house. With him are a Marine sharpshooter, a young naval computer programmer who is fluent in Mandarin and a seasoned master chief boatswain mate. Neill is also a devout Christian whose faith guides his actions throughout the adventure. Taken to the area aboard a British warship, the American team clandestinely goes ashore as a typhoon approaches the area, further complicating the situation.
While the American team is searching the island, the Chinese navy begins its annual war games in the seas around Formosa. During the maneuvers, the rogue admiral plans to goad the Taiwanese into sinking one of his ships, opening the way for a People’s Republic of China military takeover of Taiwan. To trigger the assault, Taiwan’s satellites suffer a crippling cyber attack, causing a communications shut down within the Taiwan Navy.
Steve Wilson’s “Tempest of Fire” is a military thriller that quickly captures a reader’s attention and holds it in suspense until the end.
Meshing the complexity of high technology of modern navies with cyber warfare and boots on the ground action, “Tempest of Fire” is an exciting and entertaining read that is in the vein of Tom Clancy's military thrillers.
Rogue officers within the Chinese Navy launch a plan using stealth, sophisticated cyber attacks, and top secret high-speed torpedoes to bring Taiwan back into the fold of the Peoples Republic, triggering a war between China and the U.S. But the scheming Chinese admiral in charge of the plan had not factored in the resourcefulness of two U.S. Marine commandos and an unlikely pair of sailors.
“Tempest of Fire” begins with the largest and most advanced Chinese submarine sunk by another mysterious submarine firing a high-speed torpedo unlike anything the world has yet seen. In the U.S., sophisticated hackers disrupt communications service of major cable companies on the West Coast, but fail to break into the military’s top secret network, their efforts blocked by skilled counter-intelligence programmers at the U.S. Cyber Command.
Searching for clues about the cause of the submarine crash, allied satellite surveillance picks up what looks like a small uncharted submarine pen on an isolated, unpopulated Island claimed by China. At the same time, an American millionaire, whose family is a major military communications programming contractor, has been selling secret codes to the disloyal Chinese admiral.
A small four-man team slips onto the island to quietly investigate the situation and to recover software codes. Leading the group is Marine Lieutenant Michael Neill, a highly trained special operations warrior who has direct contact with the National Security Adviser in the White house. With him are a Marine sharpshooter, a young naval computer programmer who is fluent in Mandarin and a seasoned master chief boatswain mate. Neill is also a devout Christian whose faith guides his actions throughout the adventure. Taken to the area aboard a British warship, the American team clandestinely goes ashore as a typhoon approaches the area, further complicating the situation.
While the American team is searching the island, the Chinese navy begins its annual war games in the seas around Formosa. During the maneuvers, the rogue admiral plans to goad the Taiwanese into sinking one of his ships, opening the way for a People’s Republic of China military takeover of Taiwan. To trigger the assault, Taiwan’s satellites suffer a crippling cyber attack, causing a communications shut down within the Taiwan Navy.
Steve Wilson’s “Tempest of Fire” is a military thriller that quickly captures a reader’s attention and holds it in suspense until the end.
October 3, 2013
Here's what the Military Writers Society of America had to say:
Meshing the complexity of high technology of modern navies with cyber warfare and boots on the ground action, “Tempest of Fire” is an exciting and entertaining read that is in the vein of Tom Clancy's military thrillers.
Rogue officers within the Chinese Navy launch a plan using stealth, sophisticated cyber attacks, and top secret high-speed torpedoes to bring Taiwan back into the fold of the Peoples Republic, triggering a war between China and the U.S. But the scheming Chinese admiral in charge of the plan had not factored in the resourcefulness of two U.S. Marine commandos and an unlikely pair of sailors.
“Tempest of Fire” begins with the largest and most advanced Chinese submarine sunk by another mysterious submarine firing a high-speed torpedo unlike anything the world has yet seen. In the U.S., sophisticated hackers disrupt communications service of major cable companies on the West Coast, but fail to break into the military’s top secret network, their efforts blocked by skilled counter-intelligence programmers at the U.S. Cyber Command.
Searching for clues about the cause of the submarine crash, allied satellite surveillance picks up what looks like a small uncharted submarine pen on an isolated, unpopulated Island claimed by China. At the same time, an American millionaire, whose family is a major military communications programming contractor, has been selling secret codes to the disloyal Chinese admiral.
A small four-man team slips onto the island to quietly investigate the situation and to recover software codes. Leading the group is Marine Lieutenant Michael Neill, a highly trained special operations warrior who has direct contact with the National Security Adviser in the White house. With him are a Marine sharpshooter, a young naval computer programmer who is fluent in Mandarin and a seasoned master chief boatswain mate. Neill is also a devout Christian whose faith guides his actions throughout the adventure. Taken to the area aboard a British warship, the American team clandestinely goes ashore as a typhoon approaches the area, further complicating the situation.
While the American team is searching the island, the Chinese navy begins its annual war games in the seas around Formosa. During the maneuvers, the rogue admiral plans to goad the Taiwanese into sinking one of his ships, opening the way for a People’s Republic of China military takeover of Taiwan. To trigger the assault, Taiwan’s satellites suffer a crippling cyber attack, causing a communications shut down within the Taiwan Navy.
Steve Wilson’s “Tempest of Fire” is a military thriller that quickly captures a reader’s attention and holds it in suspense until the end.
Meshing the complexity of high technology of modern navies with cyber warfare and boots on the ground action, “Tempest of Fire” is an exciting and entertaining read that is in the vein of Tom Clancy's military thrillers.
Rogue officers within the Chinese Navy launch a plan using stealth, sophisticated cyber attacks, and top secret high-speed torpedoes to bring Taiwan back into the fold of the Peoples Republic, triggering a war between China and the U.S. But the scheming Chinese admiral in charge of the plan had not factored in the resourcefulness of two U.S. Marine commandos and an unlikely pair of sailors.
“Tempest of Fire” begins with the largest and most advanced Chinese submarine sunk by another mysterious submarine firing a high-speed torpedo unlike anything the world has yet seen. In the U.S., sophisticated hackers disrupt communications service of major cable companies on the West Coast, but fail to break into the military’s top secret network, their efforts blocked by skilled counter-intelligence programmers at the U.S. Cyber Command.
Searching for clues about the cause of the submarine crash, allied satellite surveillance picks up what looks like a small uncharted submarine pen on an isolated, unpopulated Island claimed by China. At the same time, an American millionaire, whose family is a major military communications programming contractor, has been selling secret codes to the disloyal Chinese admiral.
A small four-man team slips onto the island to quietly investigate the situation and to recover software codes. Leading the group is Marine Lieutenant Michael Neill, a highly trained special operations warrior who has direct contact with the National Security Adviser in the White house. With him are a Marine sharpshooter, a young naval computer programmer who is fluent in Mandarin and a seasoned master chief boatswain mate. Neill is also a devout Christian whose faith guides his actions throughout the adventure. Taken to the area aboard a British warship, the American team clandestinely goes ashore as a typhoon approaches the area, further complicating the situation.
While the American team is searching the island, the Chinese navy begins its annual war games in the seas around Formosa. During the maneuvers, the rogue admiral plans to goad the Taiwanese into sinking one of his ships, opening the way for a People’s Republic of China military takeover of Taiwan. To trigger the assault, Taiwan’s satellites suffer a crippling cyber attack, causing a communications shut down within the Taiwan Navy.
Steve Wilson’s “Tempest of Fire” is a military thriller that quickly captures a reader’s attention and holds it in suspense until the end.
March 5, 2014
“Tempest of Fire” by Steve Wilson is a five star book! This is the Second novel in the “Michael Neill Adventure Series”. The first book “Red Sky At Morning” was also a five star novel.
This novel was good just not as good as the first one because this one I found to be more detailed than the mystery aspect like in “Red Sky At Morning”. This novel was about submarines instead of airplanes. The same main characters that are in “Red Sky At Morning” are in this book along with new characters.
There is a mystery surrounding the deserted Japanese Islands of Huo Shan and a weapon called Tempest Of Fire which is dangerous because once it is launched it cannot be controlled.
Michael Neill and three other marines are sent to discover what they can use to stop the person responsible for this. They know who the enemy is but they need proof.
While on Huo Shan they find things that prove that the "islands aren’t as deserted" as they thought and it is at that point that things ‘heat up” for the Marines.
They also met a friend who has been sending emails to their boss to help them. And this friend is a Christian like Michael Neill.
Even through this book has a lot of details, it isn’t boring and you can really understand what you are reading even if you aren’t interested in submarines and ships and etc. I really like the fact that even though these books are about war and evil. you don’t read any bad language in these pages!
There is a third book coming and I hope I am able to get a copy to review as I am sure it will be just as great as the first two books has been.
I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
This novel was good just not as good as the first one because this one I found to be more detailed than the mystery aspect like in “Red Sky At Morning”. This novel was about submarines instead of airplanes. The same main characters that are in “Red Sky At Morning” are in this book along with new characters.
There is a mystery surrounding the deserted Japanese Islands of Huo Shan and a weapon called Tempest Of Fire which is dangerous because once it is launched it cannot be controlled.
Michael Neill and three other marines are sent to discover what they can use to stop the person responsible for this. They know who the enemy is but they need proof.
While on Huo Shan they find things that prove that the "islands aren’t as deserted" as they thought and it is at that point that things ‘heat up” for the Marines.
They also met a friend who has been sending emails to their boss to help them. And this friend is a Christian like Michael Neill.
Even through this book has a lot of details, it isn’t boring and you can really understand what you are reading even if you aren’t interested in submarines and ships and etc. I really like the fact that even though these books are about war and evil. you don’t read any bad language in these pages!
There is a third book coming and I hope I am able to get a copy to review as I am sure it will be just as great as the first two books has been.
I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
May 10, 2016
The deserted Japanese Islands of Huo Shan are shrouded in mystery surrounding the Tempest Of Fire, a dangerous secret weapon which, once launched, cannot be contained. Tempest of Fire, is an all-out adventure story with international intrigue. Michael Neill, a US Marine, the British military and the navy of Taiwan join forces to thwart a plot by China to overthrow Taiwan.
Author Steve Wilson introduces readers to the intricacies of warfare and espionage while weaving an exciting tale of renegade factions within governments and the struggles to keep the world powers on an even keel. Written such that the layperson will easily grasp the concepts of military acronyms as well as hidden software and encryption challenges, this book will appeal to readers from all backgrounds. Tempest of Fire is a wholesome story with just a touch of spirituality in the mix. This is an exciting adventure with unexpected drama which comes highly recommended and earns our Seal of Approval.
Author Steve Wilson introduces readers to the intricacies of warfare and espionage while weaving an exciting tale of renegade factions within governments and the struggles to keep the world powers on an even keel. Written such that the layperson will easily grasp the concepts of military acronyms as well as hidden software and encryption challenges, this book will appeal to readers from all backgrounds. Tempest of Fire is a wholesome story with just a touch of spirituality in the mix. This is an exciting adventure with unexpected drama which comes highly recommended and earns our Seal of Approval.
July 25, 2019
It's an excellent read, even the second time around. It has been a couple years since I began reading the series, so I reread this book to help me catch up before moving on to the latest one. Very interesting characters and good clean action/adventure reading. I am looking forward to introducing this series to my nephews. One will be in middle school next year, and two are already in high school. Even though I am a huge fan of Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn's books, I tire of the profanity. They have strong characters, but so does Wilson's books, without the explicit stuff.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews