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.

Action, Intrigue, and High Stakes Espionage

Thunderbird Rising delivers a gripping mix of cybercrime, espionage, and alternate history. Maxx King is a strong lead caught in a web of secrets, betrayals, and ticking-clock tension. The story keeps you hooked with its twists and action, though a few parts could move faster. Overall, an exciting and thought-provoking thriller.

The narration was incredible!!

I just finished listening to Thunderbird Rising and I’m still in shock. I started it this afternoon and couldn’t stop. The narration was incredible and made the story feel so real. Maxx King is my new fictional crush~ strong, brave, but also deeply human. I loved how the book explored his trauma while keeping the action intense. The chase scenes through Seattle had my heart racing, and the twists around Gabby kept me guessing the whole time. The tension, emotion, and realism were perfect. I’m already downloading book two because I need to know what happens next. Five stars from me!

Surprisingly Intense From the First Confrontation

Right after the first run-in with the spy, I knew the story was going somewhere wild. I appreciated how the danger didn’t just come from guns or fights but from the bigger political tensions hiding in the background. It gave the plot a layer that made me think beyond just the action scenes. Listening to the audiobook, every moment felt like it carried consequences, and that made me genuinely care about how Maxx would handle things.

Highly Recommend.

John H. Thomas has crafted something that transcends typical genre boundaries—this isn't just a thriller, it's a meditation on power, loyalty, and the terrifying intersection of technology and warfare.

What strikes me most is Thomas's sophisticated approach to character development. Maxx King isn't your stereotypical action hero; he's psychologically complex, carrying visible scars from his military service. The author layers his motivations beautifully, showing us a man desperately seeking stability in an increasingly chaotic world.


Structurally, the novel employs a tightening spiral technique, with each revelation pulling Maxx deeper into a web where personal and political intersect devastatingly. The Gabby subplot isn't romantic filler—it's the emotional core that transforms international intrigue into intimate betrayal.

I absolutely loved the kindle book but I enjoyed the audiobook more for its wonderful narration. Highly recommend.