Black Dragons Attack: A Nick Grant Adventure - Book Four (Book) - 5/5/2018 4:13:01 AM
A Terrific Novel of Pre-War Heroics
Jamie Dodson’s Black Dragons Attack (A Nick Grant Adventure Novel) is a rip-roaring yarn set in 1936, just as the Japanese are positioning themselves for the impending war. The smart-alecky, incredibly gifted young Nick Grant is a very likeable hero, the best kind of risk-taker, always with a plan, constantly improving his skills. He’s back fighting his old nemesis Toshio Miyazaki. This novel centers on the Japanese (through Miyazaki) doing their darnedest to steal the H-1 aircraft – Howard Hughes’ state-of-the-art plane that may just be the key to the future of aerial superiority.
Part of the fun of this book is capturing pre-World War II America in all its optimism and glamour (hey, Katherine Hepburn gets a nice scene). The figure of the ridiculously rich, charming, and brilliant Howard Hughes gives this novel a distinct sensibility, one that combines ingenuity and a charming hint of innocence. It represents an America where the sky’s the limit. And although we never meet William Randolph Hearst, we get to get to visit his monumental castle under construction and are granted an eyeful of his zoo, featuring the legendary lion Gilmore (that cat has his own key role to play).
Beyond the historical figures, Dodson has a deft hand at incorporating lively, somewhat crotchety characters who serve as fine counterpoints to the prodigy Grant. Commander Boltz, the Navy’s West Coast Counterintelligence Chief, is both a mentor and a cranky boss (“Can it, Midshipman. You are in so much trouble that the Navy dare not let you loose on the civilian population.”). With the help of Boltz and Chief Ellis (who has a grim, humorous professionalism), Nick begins to apply his precocious skill set toward becoming a true leader. That leadership will be tested throughout Black Dragons Attack under a clever assortment of confrontations in evocative locations.
With the Black Dragons (the Japanese warrior spies) always on the hunt for the H-1, the action keeps coming. Those skirmishes become increasingly intriguing as they involve a couple of lively and resourceful heroines in Nancy and Leilani. Without giving away too much, I will just say the climax really delivers.
Black Dragons Attack has many pleasures. Boy, does Dodson know his airplanes. Plus, all of this action and storytelling is presented in a punchy style: “However, he was out of altitude, airspeed, and ideas.” I highly recommended Dodson’s terrific novel. It will transport you to another time, filled with ingenuity, commitment, and heroics.
