Thunderhawk by Kenneth Ward is a clever science fiction novel wrapped in a western. This combination makes one curious right away, and once you get into the story of a UFO and its human-like passengers landing in 1827, you want to keep reading to see how it all plays out. This is a quick, easy read that is entertaining and involves the reader from the first few pages. Ward is careful not to give too much information away in the beginning--just enough to keep you guessing and reading. The author knows how to keep the story going, and the details about the time, setting, and characters ring true. As the story unfolds, the suspense builds and although there are some violent scenes, they are relevant to the story. Ward's style is fresh and lively, and it's the characters and dialogue that drive the story the most. The author's lean approach prevents the story from getting bogged down by unnecessary narration.

The book as a whole has an intriguing premise--spacecraft meets 1827--and Ward carries out the action at a good pace until you reach the exciting climax. And if you like stories about Native Americans, then the author has included the Lakota Sioux into the plotline as well, which builds the story to a higher level of interest. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse were Lakota. This book has more to offer than just an interesting story. You'll read something about the solar system, something about culture, and something about human nature and societies. The conflict and dialogue among the crew members of the spacecraft at the beginning of this tale sound credible and this is used as a launching pad to let you know that trouble lies ahead for almost all the characters. The character of Junn, aka John, is especially strong and Little Feather is nice, too. If you enjoy Star Trek or The Twilight Zone, you will appreciate Thunderhawk by Kenneth Ward.

In the first part of the nineteenth century, two beings from another planet are stranded on earth, leaving turmoil and death in their wake, in the brilliant science fiction novel, Thunderhawk by Kenneth Ward. While on a routine space exploratory mission, Commander Krutt, medical officer Anad, and engineer, Junn, collide with a cloud made of energy particles. The collision damages their ship and the mind of the commander. Just before crashing into the Hudson River, Krutt attacks Anad and Junn with murderous intent. Anad's body sinks with the ship, but Junn escapes and swims to shore. Confused by the unexpected civilization, Junn realizes they have jumped ahead four hundred years in time. Utilizing his race's ability to read and manipulate minds, Junn adapts to the situation, changes his name to John, and begins his search for Krutt. To avenge Anad's death and save the inhabitants of earth from Krutt's evil madness, John follows his former commander to the frontier with the sole purpose of killing him. But Krutt knows he is being stalked and has an ugly surprise waiting for John. Can John catch Krutt and stop his bloody reign of terror? Or will he be another scalp on Krutt's belt?

In a paradoxical twist on the reality and existence of UFOs, aliens from outer space crash land on earth in the early 1800s and are unobtrusively absorbed into its history in the stunning novel, Thunderhawk by Kenneth Ward. Superbly written, it is an exciting and action-packed adventure with a captivating storyline and realistic characters. Easily connecting with the protagonist and his friends, becoming immersed in their lives is effortless. Filled with history and drama, it is a remarkable story with a compelling plot. Building to a thrilling climax, ultimately developing into a satisfying conclusion, it is an unputdownable book. Including action, drama, and a hint of the paranormal, it is a riveting novel that will entertain and delight science fiction enthusiasts from the ages of fifteen to a hundred.

Thunderhawk by Kenneth Ward is an inspiring ride into the western sunsets of North America, following four disparate people as they chase an incredibly dangerous foe, capable of inflicting extreme terror and destruction. The catalyst for this adventure arrives in 1827, with the crash of an alien spaceship into the Hudson River in New York, setting two diametrically opposed individuals on a path to find Native American tribes; one driven by a lust for power and conquest at its basest level and one chasing him, trying to stop the madness from evolving. As John Strand follows the trail of his adversary, he encounters others who each have their reasons to embark on this hunt and, as unlikely as it may seem, these incredibly different characters all find themselves being drawn into a bond none of them expected; a brotherhood that will change their lives and sculpt the thrilling climax they are hurtling towards.

Kenneth Ward’s Thunderhawk is pure adventure, primarily shaped in that of a Western yarn, with a slight mix of science fiction adding significant appeal to the plot. I found this mix to be refreshing and implemented perfectly, with each element balanced so that neither overpowered the other. What is perhaps even more impressive was Mr. Ward’s grasp of historical Western language, which to me seemed perfectly tuned. It greatly enhanced the authenticity of the characters and allowed the reader to fully empathize with the players involved. The inclusion of Fenny Dodd was a masterstroke; this character elicited so much interest and provoked an inspiring level of thought into how those perceived as different may hold depths unknown to those who choose not to look. Thunderhawk is no doubt a top read, and you will certainly feel the emotional strength of this book as you are drawn to reach the last page.

Thunderhawk by Kenneth Ward is a thriller that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and wanting more. Junn, aka John Strand, had no idea his exploration trip would end like this. He was on a trip that was supposed to be simple. However, that changed when the commanding officer Krutt killed the medical officer on board and crashed their aircraft on Veena: Earth. Now stranded on Earth with no way to leave, John was ready for some answers. That started his journey to chase after Krutt, find out why he tried to kill John, and what he wanted from landing on Veena. But before he can find Krutt, John must stay alive and make sense of the world around him. John had no idea this journey was going to change his life forever.

Thunderhawk by Kenneth Ward was far more intense and entertaining than I thought it would be. The pace was fast, which was perfect for the story and my heart as well. The suspense and the chase to find Krutt were aptly handled. I wanted to know why Krutt acted this way, why he was suddenly out of control and out of his mind. John or Junn, as we later find out, was very analytical yet he never hesitated in adapting to the situation. He allowed himself to accept his fate and fight for what he believed in. I enjoyed his responses, the chances he took, and how calmly he managed to find a solution to his predicament. His relationship with Fenny was very soothing. They provided the support they needed to survive, find strength, and keep fighting. I would highly recommend this interesting, unique, and incredibly well-written novel to readers who enjoy thrillers with a bucketful of action!