Early Praise

“Francesco ‘Paco’ Chierici made flying some of the U.S. Navy’s most treacherous fighters look easy. But it’s his deep and lasting infatuation with that deadly aerial artistry -- and his ability to describe it so accurately and vividly – that set him apart as an aviator, a documentary film producer, and writer. Paco’s eye for detail, salty irreverence, and skill as both an aviator and a writer, make this fictional work very real. Strap in for an unforgettable ride.”

Dave Hirschman
Author of Hijacked – The True Story of the Heroes of Flight 705, and AOPA Pilot Editor at Large

“Paco is one of the best pilots I know, and a damn good storyteller. Lions of the Sky is gripping, fast paced, and authentic. If you want a real, edge of the envelope thriller, look no further!”

Brandon Webb
Former Navy SEAL, pilot and New York Times Bestselling author

“Paco Chierici has written a humdinger of a book. He shows how hard it is to become a Naval aviator—the greatest pilots in the world—and how inherently dangerous this work is, even in training. Through vividly drawn characters, he takes us inside a Navy fighter squadron showing their incredibly difficult day to day lives, including the obstacles women still face in this tight knit community. This is a terrific window into a world very few people see.”

The Honorable Ray MabuS
75th United States Secretary of the Navy

“An experienced fighter pilot, Paco Chierici knows what he's writing about here. Fans of military fiction, strap into your favorite ejection seat and get ready for a high speed, G-pulling, missile-shooting thrill ride. LIONS OF THE SKY is the real deal."

Ward Carroll
author of PUNK'S WAR, PUNK'S WING, and PUNK'S FIGHT

“Paco Chierici's debut novel is an unforgettable story of pride, lust, loss, betrayal and redemption...set today in a carrier-based fighter squadron in combat. Timely and gripping, Lions of the Sky is an exciting supersonic techno-thriller with well-written g-spikes of human drama that kept me turning the pages. Strap in and arm your seat!”

Kevin Miller
bestselling author of the Raven One trilogy

“In this fast paced, riveting and suspenseful novel about superpower conflicts, Paco c vividly depicts the heroism of Navy pilots from training to deployment. His strong story telling skills propel readers from zero to 450 knots in the very first few pages. Throughout, Paco presents a profound and dynamic view of the dangers of war and the challenges the Navy has in integrating women, fully, and equally into the most elite portion of our armed forces—-Carrier Fighter Pilots. This is an outstanding read and one I very highly recommend.”

Max Kennedy
Bestselling author

“I was BLOWN away! Paco put me right back in the cockpit and the Ready Room. Lions of the Sky is intense, and personal, and thrilling, especially the ending. A must read!”

Lea Gabrielle
Journalist and F/A-18 Naval Aviator