Thunderbird Rising (audiobook) by John H. Thomas
Thunderbird Rising by John H. Thomas launches listeners into an alternate history thriller set in September 2001. Former Army Ranger Maxx King is pulled into a covert conflict between the U.S. and China after a violent encounter with a spy. At the center is a mysterious device capable of triggering catastrophic natural disasters … and every intelligence agency wants control. What begins by chance becomes a race to stop global devastation.
The plot’s shifting loyalties and escalating stakes are grounded by clear, cinematic pacing. Twists land cleanly, the tension builds naturally and the story balances speculative “what if” ideas with grounded realism. As the opening chapter in the Maxx King trilogy, it sets the tone without revealing too much, but it certainly hooks you.
Thomas skillfully blends real-world history with conspiracy, giving the alternate timeline a chilling plausibility. On audio, that atmosphere becomes even more immersive.
Narration That Drives the Story
Scott Fleming’s narration is where the audiobook truly stands out. His gravelly tone aligns perfectly with Maxx King’s hardened military background, yet he still captures the character’s humanity. His delivery adapts to the scene — sharp and urgent during ambushes, measured during quieter exchanges — and his character distinctions are effortless, even in crowded scenes.
Fleming doesn’t just read the story, though. He amplifies it. You hear the strain in Maxx’s decisions and feel the time slipping away beside him. It’s a performance that keeps tension high without ever becoming overblown.
Strong Production and Smart Pacing
The audiobook’s production is clean and professional. Listeners can expect smooth transitions, consistent volume levels and no distracting noise. Fleming matches the rhythm of the narrative with precision, too — slowing for introspection and tightening during action. What’s more, short chapters and shifting perspectives create a cinematic flow, and the editing ensures every moment serves the momentum.
The hours spent listening fly by unexpectedly as revelations surface and pressure builds, the suspense escalates naturally, which is a testament to both Thomas’s writing and Fleming’s performance.
Why Audio Makes It Stronger
Audio adds emotional clarity to complex moments. Conversations with Gabby — Maxx’s girlfriend, who may be part of the conspiracy — carry extra weight when heard aloud. Character dynamics feel instinctively clear through tone and timing and technical terms are articulated cleanly, eliminating confusion that might occur on the page.
The result is more than just a thriller you understand … it’s one you feel. Fleming brings the story to life with grit, restraint, and well-timed urgency.
The Start of a Bigger Journey
Thunderbird Rising is the first in the Maxx King trilogy, followed by Masters of War and Falling Angels, which are both available in audio and narrated by Fleming, giving the series a consistent voice. This first book establishes the emotional core and conspiracies that echo throughout the series, making it easy to continue straight into the next installment.
With its gripping premise, believable alternate history, and standout narration, Thunderbird Rising delivers exactly what an audiobook thriller should: clarity, tension and momentum. It’s polished without being flashy and cinematic without sacrificing character.
Fans of Tom Clancy, Matthew Reilly, or techno-conspiracy thrillers will find plenty to enjoy this audiobook immensely, and we guarantee that once you start listening, you may not want to press pause.
Thrillers Redefined
While John is focused on writing thrillers, he’s not limited to a single subgenre. He enjoys the challenge of mixing themes that bend from suspense to alternative history, science fiction, espionage and more. Like our lives, books are most interesting when they meld reality and imagination. The thrill is in the journey and allowing our imagination to freely explore the question of “what if,” without knowing where the journey will go. Crack a book, get a drink, and enjoy the ride…
Innovative Storytelling
John carved a distinguished career in the healthcare industry, marked by strategic innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to enhancing healthcare services.
With many decades of experience in writing business documents, in his semi-retirement he has elected to try something new. He’s focused on the creative side of his personality and applying his talents to imaginative story telling.
BookTrib recently published an author spotlight on John, highlighting his Maxx King Thriller Trilogy. The Q&A provides fascinating insight into his writing process. Please read it here.
About John H. Thomas:
