Picture a high-flying U.S. Air Force veteran weaving tales of espionage and aerial adventure—meet Michael Byars Lewis! This Amazon #1 International Bestselling Author has soared from the cockpit of an AC-130U Spooky Gunship to the pages of gripping military thrillers, captivating readers with his authentic, pulse-pounding Jason Conrad series. With 25 years of service and a knack for storytelling, Lewis brings the skies to life.
His novels, described as 'The House of Cards meets The Right Stuff,' blend political intrigue, heart-stopping aviation, and relatable characters. Let’s dive into the life and works of this thrilling author who’s taken the literary world by storm!
The Making of Michael Byars Lewis
Born into an Air Force family, Michael Byars Lewis grew up immersed in the world of aviation. A Louisiana State University graduate, he embarked on a 25-year career as a pilot, serving 18 years in Air Force Special Operations Command. Lewis flew combat missions in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, piloting the AC-130U Spooky Gunship. His experiences in high-stakes missions shaped his authentic storytelling, giving readers a front-row seat to the cockpit. After retiring, he transitioned to a major U.S. airline, but his passion for writing took flight, launching the award-winning Jason Conrad series.
Michael Byars Lewis’s Unforgettable Stories
Lewis’s Jason Conrad Thriller series follows USAF pilot Jason Conrad through high-octane adventures filled with espionage, romance, and geopolitical drama. His debut, Retribution, introduces Conrad as a young lieutenant caught in a deadly conspiracy during a D-Day celebration. Surly Bonds, a multi-award-winning novel, tracks Conrad’s struggles in pilot training amid Russian plots and personal betrayals, earning praise for its authentic aviation details.
Veil of Deception, the fourth book, is a standout, garnering 12 awards, including the 2016 National Indie Excellence Award for Military Fiction. It follows Conrad testing a top-secret F-2000 fighter jet, uncovering corporate deception and foreign espionage. The Quiet Professional, the fifth installment, sees Conrad piloting special operations missions in Southeast Asia, entangled in a gold heist and terrorist plots. Lewis’s writing style—fast-paced, technically precise, and character-driven—appeals to fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, with vivid aerial scenes drawn from his own expertise.
Themes of loyalty, duty, and resilience run through Lewis’s work, reflecting his military background. His ability to weave complex plots with relatable characters, like the flawed yet heroic Conrad, keeps readers hooked. Each book stands alone, but starting with Retribution offers the full thrill ride.
Why Michael Byars Lewis Matters
Michael Byars Lewis has carved a niche in military thrillers, bringing unparalleled authenticity to the genre. His novels not only entertain but also honor the sacrifices of service members, resonating with veterans and civilians alike. By blending real-world geopolitics with fiction, Lewis makes readers ponder the stakes of global conflicts. His active involvement in community initiatives, like the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine and the Air Commando Foundation, showcases his commitment to leadership and service beyond the page.
As a speaker at Thrillerfest, Killer Nashville, and other conferences, Lewis inspires aspiring writers with his journey from pilot to bestselling author. His work continues to thrill readers, proving that the skies are no limit for storytelling.
- Birthplace: Raised in an Air Force family
- Key Works: Retribution, Surly Bonds, Veil of Deception, The Quiet Professional
- Awards: 2016 National Indie Excellence Award, 2014 Beverly Hills Book Award, and more
- Career: 25-year Air Force pilot, now with a major U.S. airline
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Surly Bonds and dive into Michael Byars Lewis’s high-flying world of military intrigue!