Mack Maloney

Technically it probably comes under mil-sf but actually it's dreck. Pure dreck. American flyboy fan fiction at best. Fairly obviously written by an ex-F16 pilot who's ideal life is flying around blowing (russian) things up and shagging women. If you want to read a book about this, than this is the one for you, although there are probably better ones around. If you want to read about anything else at all, have any kind of character development, appreciation for anybody who isn't a flyboy show more (note no flygirls, or women as anything other than readily available sex objects ready and willing just because he's a pilot), or anything even remotely described as a plot, then read something else. Almost anything, even a manual on how to watch paint drying.

For what it's worth the plot goes something like this - in the future russia attacks europe (just because allright, they're the nasty communists - yes I know they haven't' been for twenty years now, but still). And all of the western powers win a wonderful land/air/sea war because the russians can't think independently. However they can suborn the VicePresident who allows the russians to nuke most of midland (flyover) USA. This enables them to win, and they institute the New Order - the USA is dismantled into independant nations rather than a cohesive Union, and nearly all of the miltary is destroyed. But a few pilots manage to salvage their airplanes and so form an AirForce that still remember the good 'ol USA. And hence win lots of battles because they're so much better than ground trops and don't need to worry too much about supply (although they do a bit, but only for military stuff, food drink and power just appears magically). One particular ace does all the work in his the only remaining F16. And in the end defends america's last city which has been rebuilt solely to support american football it's the only worthwhile sport apparently.

I can't believe there is a whole series of ten book about this! It's not even satire. It would be much better if it was. show less

Mack Maloney's Haunted Universe is an incredible collection of stories about strange occurrences and conspiracies across the United States.

If you're looking for a unique, niche book that will give you lots of facts to share with the world, this book is for you. It's a great collection that is amusing, insightful and truly intriguing. I love a book that can share something new, and this book does it! There are conspiracies in this book that you've probably heard before, but there is so much show more more that you likely haven't heard of. The hundreds of stories found in this book will surely give you something to talk about, or question your entire existence about. You never know.

There's stories in here about UFO citing, haunted mysteries, ghost stories and more wacky and wild topics.

I love the back story behind this book: Mack Maloney works as a writer for a newspaper. He ended up coming across multitudes of stories that didn't make the paper, and they all were weird and exciting. Mack collected the stories and eventually made this book. Honestly, it was worth it!

Side note: Mack has a radio show, if you're interested. I listened to a couple episodes that I found for free online and quite enjoyed it.

Four out of five stars.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. show less

Fun, silly book. Cardboard characters, Cannon Films action. I'll read the sequels.

For a story that has an improbable and absurd story, weird plot twists and other things that make no sense at all, it sure was a fun read.