Serendipity: Ghost Warrior - Book 1

by John Van Stry

Nash has got a pretty good thing going on. A hot girl friend, who always takes him back, money whenever he needs it, the respect - no matter how grudgingly given - of his peers, and a safe place to lay his head each night when he goes to sleep. For one of the 'animal people' working the underground of the recently rebuilt Vegas, what more could he want?Sure his memory is sketchy and he hasn't a clue of where he came from or how he came to be. But living in a world of awakened gods, magic users, high tech gadgets, monsters and all sorts of mythical creatures, well that's just par for the course! As a freelance runner, Nash has got a solid rep, even if it is small time. But as long as he's getting fed, having fun, and getting laid, what else is there in life?Well, maybe that contract for picking up some gamer nerd. If he could score that one, well that would definitely move him up.Now if only Coyote hadn't taken an interest in him...

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2023

About the author

I've had a very varied life. I grew up in New York, on Long Island.
I went to school to become an Engineer, then joined the Air Force.
After that I worked first in Robotics, then in Aerospace as a Flight Test Engineer. I moved into the medical fields, then into more Technical markets working for a number of high tech companies where I became a Contractor.
I used to own and raise big cats. I love motorcycles and old cars. I'm a pilot and former martial arts instructor. I'm a fan of the Reno Air Races.
Then there's the stuff I'm not supposed to talk about, but that's another story.
I've seen a lot of interesting stuff go by, met a lot of interesting, wonderful, strange, or sometimes just psychotic people. I've had the opportunity to work on some truly game changing technologies. And while I've had some very bad things happen to me in my life, I've never let it stop me.
Keep smiling.
-John

Reviews

[Justin Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

Another great start of a series by a wonderful author. Really looking forward to further adventures of Nate and Nash.

[Steve Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.0 stars

I really like this author's writing. He has a thing for cat's. Almost all the male main characters are cat people. This one started off a little slow for me. It didn't take me too long to figure out the "big secret" but instead of being happy, it made me wonder how nobody else in the MCs life could figure it out. There are 2 main characters Nate and Nash. One is a human and the other is a cougar. They both have an issue. Nate has night terror and sleep walks. Nash has a bad memory and tends to wake up in weird places. They end up finding out about each other and finding out how much they have in common. They are both Navajo. They both are from the same village. It didn't take genius to figure out they were the same person. When Nate sleeps, Nash wakes up and vice versa. What I don't understand is how nobody else could figure this out. How did his family not notice. Nobody checked on him when he was sleeping? What if one personality had to stay up late for a test or job or something. The other one would miss whatever they had going on. It looks like Nash was up at night and Nate was up during the day, but there is too much to make this a plausible part of the story.

Once I got over that aspect, the story actually started to pick up. Both Nate and Nash have things going on. Nate is being targeted for kidnapping/murder since he worked for a gaming company and there is corporate intrigue. Nash works as muscle for a crew and also has a bounty on his head.

Once they figure their situation out, they head out back to the Navajo nation to get answers and maybe a solution to why they can't talk to each other. Overall I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next one.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written

This was a good read. The rules of the world stayed consistent and the characters were easy to like. A

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good original story

Don’t know if I have read much by John but he does entertain. I won’t leave a blow by blow description there are sure to be others who will. I will say that his characters are unique and likable. If you’re looking for a new series of urban fantasy then give this one a try. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

That said, this book doesn't truly end in this form. The conclusion isn't present. There's an obvious set up for a sequel and nothing ever gets concluded in this book. There should have been an ending, not just a pause while the author writes the rest of the story. That's why a four and not a five.

[Ann-Catherine Morner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different. I like Different.
It is very difficult writing a review of this without some SPOILERS.
This is a story about shapeshifters. It becomes apparant after some chapters. I might be slow on the uptake. I also haven't read anything else by the author so I didn't have the background.
If you enjoy Tony Hillerman and Joe Leaphorn you will enjoy this.
If you like post-apocalyptic stories of the more positive kind you will enjoy this.
If you like Urban Fantasy with mysteries you will enjoy this.
If you like your stories intelligent and logical you will enjoy this.
I dearly hope there will be a sequel. Soon.

[Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tried to review this on Audible back when I finished the listen, along with just earlier today.. t'was annoying for the darn site refused then as now to acknowledge that I have listened to/read the book.

As I recall things I enjoyed the story, though it like most everything in life wasn't perfect, so its getting a Really Liked it Rating of 4/5.

/Cheers
..and I'm still hoping to get part two on Audible but not sure how long that may be. Annoying to have 3 credits just sitting there without the audiobooks I want to spend them on existing.

[John E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

The main characters are a fun mix of personalities even it what is happening is picks to everyone except them. I didn't realise this was set in am existing world of Van Stry's and it didn't hurt my enjoyment of the novel. A mix of native American mythos with some light magic and plenty of combat, this is an interesting story and I am looking forward to book 2.

[Richard Dienel · Rating 5 out of 5]

great start of another series by Jan

Thinking that the cover was a mistake, kind of a spoiler.

However, the contents delivered the kind of fast paced action and great character we’ve come to expect from this author.

Well put together and satisfying, including the teaser tending.

[Guy Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put the book down. Captures the imagination and runs with it. Can't wait for the 2nd book.

Combined some everyday activity with a whole lot of action and of course some romance/intimate relationships.
Great read.
I've read other JVS books and I really like the way he writes.

[Sergey Kravtsov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

The story is great, characters are incredible, and the story is simply riveting. Gonna have to read Days of Future Past for backstory of the world. All in all, hope you enjoy it as much as I have 😀

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo!

Really enjoyed the book, great characters and interesting developments to the story, lots of future possible scenarios. Also really like this world setting from the previous series set here so happy to be back to explore even more!

[Rhonda M Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This is a truly great read. Once I started, I was unable to put it down as I just had to continue to find out what was going to happen next. Keep up the good work. I love all of your books and series, old and new.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating return

Took a while to figure out that this is a return to the world of a previous series - no, won't spoil. Well done character, story and world building as always with the author. Looking forward to the continuation.

[Huskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Interesting universe

Very interesting universe And setting that the book is written in. Nice character development and interesting hooks and turns in the story. Interested to see where it goes

[David A. Kier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good attention grabber

A new and different universe that captures your attention immediately and holds it. Unlike some stories in this one you can't predict what happens next which grabs and holds ones interest. A must page turner!

[Doug Druschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!!

Yet another great book and one I will have to wait to read the next one again. Going to have to find more books written by him. And now to wait for the next book in this series and the other one I found of his.

[Ian Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this

Navajo meets cyberpunk meets shapeshifter. This hit all the right spots for me. In some ways the setting reminds me of Rachel Aaron's Heartstriker series with a native spin to it. This feels like urban fantasy at its best.

[John Vislosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Description doesn't do this book justice

I was originally hesitant to read this book. I like the author but I hate cheaters and I don't think I would connect with the main character.

He is not a cheater and this book has depth. Great development and would highly recommend

[Michael Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone

[James Copley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting start

I love the little Easter egg inserts from the previous trilogy, and Nate\Nash is a great main character! Well done, John!

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read

Really enjoyed the story. Nice writing and characters as always from this author. Looking forward to the ne t book in the series.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

Absolutely love this book so we’re all written so well thought out great characters. Great action. A must read. Get it now.

[Jim Lellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

riveting !

The suspense of the story is very nice, and the true mystery lasts quite a bit. Other mysteries will have to wait to be solved.

[Jay Paparella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to a series

I enjoyed this. It doesn't seem exactly like the Valens Legacy or Valens Heritage, but it's enjoyable, so that's fine.

[David G McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind if feels like a really good shadowrun book

If you like his work or like magical cyberpunk, then you will like this one. Looking forward to book two

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

John is an amazing author. I always end up reading his books though faster because the characters are so well done they just draw you in

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story

Great world building, characters who grow and interesting plots. I am interested in seeing where this leads.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!

[Luek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

A very fun story. Feels very similar to Shadowrun in regards to magic v tech. Was very confused at first... But all was revealed

[Grant Merrifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to reread.

Great book to reread.Great story.
Great characters.
I love visiting this world.
Going to read more books from this author.

[Peter Chivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great opening

This story set in a future after a nuclear winter is a gripping opening to a series that I am now looking forward to. I have ended up reading the story in a single session. Be warned!