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Wolfhounds #2
Taking Ground: Wolfhounds - Book Two
With the Battle of Portlandia behind him, Chase is a hero now and the rank and file truly believes that he's the prince the Command Team claims he is. For his part, Chase has made his choice and now he's committed. As the face of the revolution he's 'in it to win it' because anything else will lead to his death. The twenty-five million-credit bounty on his head will see to that.
The problem he faces now is convincing Fleet Captain Witner, and his Command Team to trust him, when Chase still doesn't trust them enough to tell them who he truly is. Chase had been betrayed too many times in his past to come clean easily, and for all that he's doing everything they ask of him, until the Captain and his team gives him a seat at the table, he's not about to start trusting any of them.
So he's content to let them continue believing he's a fraud of their own creation to justify the search for a 'real' heir.
Still, he now has Claire on his side, and he can't think of anyone else he'd rather have there. She's as driven as he is, and at least as crazy. He's never met a better fighter and probably never will. As a duchess she's been teaching him valuable lessons about how to act and what to say. As a friend and lover, she's giving him something that he never thought he'd have - a reason to win.
The problem he faces now is convincing Fleet Captain Witner, and his Command Team to trust him, when Chase still doesn't trust them enough to tell them who he truly is. Chase had been betrayed too many times in his past to come clean easily, and for all that he's doing everything they ask of him, until the Captain and his team gives him a seat at the table, he's not about to start trusting any of them.
So he's content to let them continue believing he's a fraud of their own creation to justify the search for a 'real' heir.
Still, he now has Claire on his side, and he can't think of anyone else he'd rather have there. She's as driven as he is, and at least as crazy. He's never met a better fighter and probably never will. As a duchess she's been teaching him valuable lessons about how to act and what to say. As a friend and lover, she's giving him something that he never thought he'd have - a reason to win.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2024
518 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
John Van Stry
48 books364 followersI'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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
February 14, 2024
Space Opera with mechs and an interesting plot
I read book 1 way too fast. I wanted more but it was gone!
So this one I tried to read slowly. That worked okay until today where I forgot I was trying to read it slowly and finished it all at once. Damn! These books are either too small or too good.
I read book 1 way too fast. I wanted more but it was gone!
So this one I tried to read slowly. That worked okay until today where I forgot I was trying to read it slowly and finished it all at once. Damn! These books are either too small or too good.
February 2, 2024
does chase tell witner he’s the prince for real?
I don’t think so from what I can see. Tired of that kind of crap. It’ll go to 5 stars when this annoying shit is done.
I don’t think so from what I can see. Tired of that kind of crap. It’ll go to 5 stars when this annoying shit is done.
February 14, 2024
Another fun addition in the series. Will be interesting to see where we go from here
Read
February 17, 2024Real lack of conflict, and disturbingly few mechs. Few space operas include mechs, it's what brought me to the series. While the first had few mech scenes; I figured we were building up to it. Now it's mech-o'clock and I'm drowning in space emperor power fantasy. Every character is constantly like "Oh MC you're so cool and smart blah blah" Where are the challenges? Is the opposing military going to under-estimate the wolfhounds forever? Is Chase ever going to have to break a sweat to achieve anything or was simply being in a street gang enough to over qualify himself as sexy god king forever? The mech has a sword and has yet to parry anything in two books... Also the dialogue could use a little more time in the oven. It sounds more like a daydream of an ego pump for the MC than anything realistic. Even the casual ribbing that is a staple of any military sci-fi has a "Chase ur so great please come to my birthday party" vibe.
Claire could use some more depth too. Like I know she doesn't like to be under estimated and she's pretty gung ho and rowdy, but now she's also kinda the brakes on the MC. How's she dealing with knowing most of her family is dead and now possibly ship slaves? She's got a unique opportunity to shape galactic policy, does she want to push the MC to direct more funds to the space VA? She volunteered for combat, rose through the ranks, and made a name for herself as a viscous pilot, and now all she wants to do is whatever is best for the MC? This lady ought to have some more shit going on.
Our villain too! Dude is cartoonishly evil. I get that, it's fun. However, all he ever does is twiddle his thumbs, objectify women and participate in meetings. He needs to take some action or we gotta meet the elite space gestapo or something. My dudes finally got this badass imperial war robot and no rival? No great white whale of a battleship floating out there? No hot shot young gun fascist fleet commander that hates America and has an unreasonably large laser?
Oh! The side arcs! They are certainly a breath of fresh air from the supreme ruler dick riding parade, but there are a lot of named characters that lack any defining traits besides their role in the space navy. I only bring it up because we switch perspectives without warning occasionally, and I got no clue who Jenkins or Terry are by name since I know not, their wants, fears desires or neat scars. So I'll just be reading along and suddenly Jenkins! and I gotta try to parse which side arc this is and what they were up to. These are interesting missions they're on! They're also doing the lion's share of the world building. I wanna hear more about their day to day challenges and how they feel about it. Little quirks of living on a cramped stealth boat, or picking up on the tells of your counter intelligence partner and how to politely tell them they tap their thigh when they're nervous. Stuff like that would make them stand out as more than Stealth Boat Captain who is also named Jenkins. When I first read Jenkins name I wanna have a feeling about it.
The first book was pretty fun. Seeing our main character do the new kid on the block thing was entertaining, and we were learning about the world, but the second just kind of felt like a lot of filler. Don't get me wrong, I will DNF a book in a heartbeat and I did finish this, I was just let down by unmet potential. Military Sci-fi with Mechs sounds like catnip to me.
Claire could use some more depth too. Like I know she doesn't like to be under estimated and she's pretty gung ho and rowdy, but now she's also kinda the brakes on the MC. How's she dealing with knowing most of her family is dead and now possibly ship slaves? She's got a unique opportunity to shape galactic policy, does she want to push the MC to direct more funds to the space VA? She volunteered for combat, rose through the ranks, and made a name for herself as a viscous pilot, and now all she wants to do is whatever is best for the MC? This lady ought to have some more shit going on.
Our villain too! Dude is cartoonishly evil. I get that, it's fun. However, all he ever does is twiddle his thumbs, objectify women and participate in meetings. He needs to take some action or we gotta meet the elite space gestapo or something. My dudes finally got this badass imperial war robot and no rival? No great white whale of a battleship floating out there? No hot shot young gun fascist fleet commander that hates America and has an unreasonably large laser?
Oh! The side arcs! They are certainly a breath of fresh air from the supreme ruler dick riding parade, but there are a lot of named characters that lack any defining traits besides their role in the space navy. I only bring it up because we switch perspectives without warning occasionally, and I got no clue who Jenkins or Terry are by name since I know not, their wants, fears desires or neat scars. So I'll just be reading along and suddenly Jenkins! and I gotta try to parse which side arc this is and what they were up to. These are interesting missions they're on! They're also doing the lion's share of the world building. I wanna hear more about their day to day challenges and how they feel about it. Little quirks of living on a cramped stealth boat, or picking up on the tells of your counter intelligence partner and how to politely tell them they tap their thigh when they're nervous. Stuff like that would make them stand out as more than Stealth Boat Captain who is also named Jenkins. When I first read Jenkins name I wanna have a feeling about it.
The first book was pretty fun. Seeing our main character do the new kid on the block thing was entertaining, and we were learning about the world, but the second just kind of felt like a lot of filler. Don't get me wrong, I will DNF a book in a heartbeat and I did finish this, I was just let down by unmet potential. Military Sci-fi with Mechs sounds like catnip to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
3.5 stars!
I’ve decided that most of the Kindle Unlimited books are independent authors of varying talent and many of them have a lot of raw ability but still could use a really good editor and guidance on their stories.
I feel like Taking Ground is an example of a potentially very good author, who just needs that guidance.
Taking Ground and the entire Wolfhounds series so far has been FUN! It’s a fun space opera that is worth reading. It is fun but it is also flawed in ways that a really good editor could make it very good or even great.
There are some serious flaws though. I don’t think by this point I’m giving away any spoilers by saying that not only would it be impossible to keep Chase’s identity secret now, as many people know and as many things as he has done that give it away, but we are no longer being given any reasons why it would make sense for him to hide it. There is even subtle but unexplained hints that the captain would not support him even if he revealed his identity, which doesn’t make any sense as the captain is sworn to the Morgan family.
Artemis, the ship’s AI is grossly underused and doesn’t offer advice or help very often. In a real world, the captain and higher ups would use a resource like this heavily, and Artemis would be very proactive in volunteering information and advice. It makes NO sense to have him be so passive except as a weak plot device to keep us from learning too much about the Prince. It requires an intelligent reader to pretend that there are no holes in the story.
Finally, I’m no prude, but the constant references to the sex life of Claire and Chase add nothing to the plot, and they aren’t even lurid enough to be erotic. They (along with the ‘evil empire’s sick abuse of women with the control collars and sadism) read like a socially awkward sci-fi nerd who has never really had a relationship is getting his jollies by fantasizing about a world where these things happen often.
It isn’t realistic, nor is it enjoyable and it adds nothing but tons of wasted pages of reading or skimming past to the book.
Also ‘finally’ the book doesnt even pretend to be a standalone novel. It just ends at a convenient stopping point, there is no attempt to try and make it seem like an actual book with a beginning and an end. It’s just “part two.”
It’s a flawed, but fun and somewhat stereotypical space opera with a fantasy nazi sadomasochist sex fetish empire as the bad guys. It could be a lot more, but there are no adults in the room advising the author. I would not recommend this to women, it is so sexist that it offends me sometimes and I’m not the most PC person either.
I’ve decided that most of the Kindle Unlimited books are independent authors of varying talent and many of them have a lot of raw ability but still could use a really good editor and guidance on their stories.
I feel like Taking Ground is an example of a potentially very good author, who just needs that guidance.
Taking Ground and the entire Wolfhounds series so far has been FUN! It’s a fun space opera that is worth reading. It is fun but it is also flawed in ways that a really good editor could make it very good or even great.
There are some serious flaws though. I don’t think by this point I’m giving away any spoilers by saying that not only would it be impossible to keep Chase’s identity secret now, as many people know and as many things as he has done that give it away, but we are no longer being given any reasons why it would make sense for him to hide it. There is even subtle but unexplained hints that the captain would not support him even if he revealed his identity, which doesn’t make any sense as the captain is sworn to the Morgan family.
Artemis, the ship’s AI is grossly underused and doesn’t offer advice or help very often. In a real world, the captain and higher ups would use a resource like this heavily, and Artemis would be very proactive in volunteering information and advice. It makes NO sense to have him be so passive except as a weak plot device to keep us from learning too much about the Prince. It requires an intelligent reader to pretend that there are no holes in the story.
Finally, I’m no prude, but the constant references to the sex life of Claire and Chase add nothing to the plot, and they aren’t even lurid enough to be erotic. They (along with the ‘evil empire’s sick abuse of women with the control collars and sadism) read like a socially awkward sci-fi nerd who has never really had a relationship is getting his jollies by fantasizing about a world where these things happen often.
It isn’t realistic, nor is it enjoyable and it adds nothing but tons of wasted pages of reading or skimming past to the book.
Also ‘finally’ the book doesnt even pretend to be a standalone novel. It just ends at a convenient stopping point, there is no attempt to try and make it seem like an actual book with a beginning and an end. It’s just “part two.”
It’s a flawed, but fun and somewhat stereotypical space opera with a fantasy nazi sadomasochist sex fetish empire as the bad guys. It could be a lot more, but there are no adults in the room advising the author. I would not recommend this to women, it is so sexist that it offends me sometimes and I’m not the most PC person either.
February 9, 2024
Great series!!
Great start for this series. These first two books were fast paced and full of action. Chase is in the process of becoming a great warrior and leader. With Claire by his side and Artemis the AI guiding him. He is very much a Morgan. His back ground makes him hard,strong and ruthless. He is loyal to his people and caring. The terrible people who took over the government are led by Phillip Neil. His government is very oppressive and takes advantage of everyone. They are so corrupt. All the machines that run the industries need people with noble interfaces to run the infrastructure that keep everything running. Neil has killed off all the Morgans except Chase.The other nobles are collard to control them as slave. Our solar system is ran by an AI that only allows a Morgan with a royal interface to enter the solar system to get new machines when the old ones breakdown. They call our solar system the tomb. The officers of the wolfhounds are searching for a Morgan heir to conquer Neil's government. They think they are using Chase as a decoy prince without knowing he really is the prince. This story is well worth reading. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
Great start for this series. These first two books were fast paced and full of action. Chase is in the process of becoming a great warrior and leader. With Claire by his side and Artemis the AI guiding him. He is very much a Morgan. His back ground makes him hard,strong and ruthless. He is loyal to his people and caring. The terrible people who took over the government are led by Phillip Neil. His government is very oppressive and takes advantage of everyone. They are so corrupt. All the machines that run the industries need people with noble interfaces to run the infrastructure that keep everything running. Neil has killed off all the Morgans except Chase.The other nobles are collard to control them as slave. Our solar system is ran by an AI that only allows a Morgan with a royal interface to enter the solar system to get new machines when the old ones breakdown. They call our solar system the tomb. The officers of the wolfhounds are searching for a Morgan heir to conquer Neil's government. They think they are using Chase as a decoy prince without knowing he really is the prince. This story is well worth reading. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
May 27, 2025
I put this book down when I was nearly 60% of the way finished to do something else, and now that it's time to come back to it, I had to really stop and think if I could even remember anything that happened in the first half. It was really forgettable for one simple reason: the book doesn't give you a reason to care about what's happening.
In my review of the first book, I said this series needed to provide a reason to care about the events of this book, and this story fails to do so again. I am interested in Chase's personal story, but his personal motivations don't match the larger story carrying the series. The story doesn't give you a reason to care other than to hope Chase comes out okay, and that's just not enough to compel me to keep reading.
Also, the drawn-out story of Chase hiding his true identity became old halfway through the first book, and it's just getting tedious now. It's one of those situations where the reader, the author, and the story all know that something is inevitably going to happen, but it just drags that storyline out for the sake of it.
2-stars for this one for the little that I did enjoy of it, but mentally I've already moved on to something else.
In my review of the first book, I said this series needed to provide a reason to care about the events of this book, and this story fails to do so again. I am interested in Chase's personal story, but his personal motivations don't match the larger story carrying the series. The story doesn't give you a reason to care other than to hope Chase comes out okay, and that's just not enough to compel me to keep reading.
Also, the drawn-out story of Chase hiding his true identity became old halfway through the first book, and it's just getting tedious now. It's one of those situations where the reader, the author, and the story all know that something is inevitably going to happen, but it just drags that storyline out for the sake of it.
2-stars for this one for the little that I did enjoy of it, but mentally I've already moved on to something else.
February 12, 2024
well done space opera
Take a smart street rat, put him in the military and then discover he is a bastard prince, but he made the military think he is not actually a prince but a good enough story so that they can pretend he is and use him as a banner to revive the empire after it was usurped by a high ranking politician who hopes to place his son as the new emperor. The story is well told, with a whip smart MC, a loving relationship with a pretty and high ranking noble who is also an ace mecha pilot and pretending to be a prince while actually being one is a new slant for me in this genre. The only issue I had was it did take me a while to remember what happened before as I had read several sci-fi books which had enough similarities to make me a little confused about what happened previously. I would suggest a few page synopsis of the previous story at the start of the book to remind readers when there are several months between book releases, binge readers late to the story can just skip the recap.
Take a smart street rat, put him in the military and then discover he is a bastard prince, but he made the military think he is not actually a prince but a good enough story so that they can pretend he is and use him as a banner to revive the empire after it was usurped by a high ranking politician who hopes to place his son as the new emperor. The story is well told, with a whip smart MC, a loving relationship with a pretty and high ranking noble who is also an ace mecha pilot and pretending to be a prince while actually being one is a new slant for me in this genre. The only issue I had was it did take me a while to remember what happened before as I had read several sci-fi books which had enough similarities to make me a little confused about what happened previously. I would suggest a few page synopsis of the previous story at the start of the book to remind readers when there are several months between book releases, binge readers late to the story can just skip the recap.
February 7, 2024
I highly recommend this story
I'm a fan of the author's past works and his continuing work. I really like the first book in this series and while I usually take it easy on the 1st of a new series I certainly did not have to in this case. I'm quite pleased with the sequel. I enjoyed the first book which has received the audio treatment before diving in to the sequel. Our main character appears to mostly be building trust with the powers that be in this entry. I was reminded in the afterward that the series is set to be five books in total so the author states that he may do some companion type stories. With that and because I do not want to risk spoiling anything for anybody I will simply say Well done to everybody who had a hand in bringing the story to us, the Amazon readers.
I'm a fan of the author's past works and his continuing work. I really like the first book in this series and while I usually take it easy on the 1st of a new series I certainly did not have to in this case. I'm quite pleased with the sequel. I enjoyed the first book which has received the audio treatment before diving in to the sequel. Our main character appears to mostly be building trust with the powers that be in this entry. I was reminded in the afterward that the series is set to be five books in total so the author states that he may do some companion type stories. With that and because I do not want to risk spoiling anything for anybody I will simply say Well done to everybody who had a hand in bringing the story to us, the Amazon readers.
July 23, 2024
Space opera, politics, intrigue, attempted assinations.... oh and lets not forget romance.
The MC continues to position himself to do the job of a deposed prince returning to seize back what was taken. Its a hard slog, but the prince and the Wolfhounds are up for the challenge. Meanwhile, the usurpers are so very confident that evil will prevail. They reward depravity while their authority shrinks.
The storyline is masterfully written with interesting characters both righeous and villainous. As a reader, I look forward to seeing the usurper, his wives and toadies watch their nefarious plans crumble since their culture is all about destruction. When they try to flee, I expect that they get appropriate compensation for their wicked ways.
The MC continues to position himself to do the job of a deposed prince returning to seize back what was taken. Its a hard slog, but the prince and the Wolfhounds are up for the challenge. Meanwhile, the usurpers are so very confident that evil will prevail. They reward depravity while their authority shrinks.
The storyline is masterfully written with interesting characters both righeous and villainous. As a reader, I look forward to seeing the usurper, his wives and toadies watch their nefarious plans crumble since their culture is all about destruction. When they try to flee, I expect that they get appropriate compensation for their wicked ways.
September 21, 2024
Still have no idea what Chase or any of the other male characters look like. Are they tall, short, bald, thin, muscular….nothing. Not even eye colors. However, I can tell you that Claire has a hot body. Jill has a hot body. Felice has a hot body.
The dialogue sometimes reads as juvenile, very at odds with the story. And why does Chase have everything come so easy. Whatever he tries to learn, he gets it in a few hours. He’s like a little genius. Ugh.
Final conclusion is that it reminds me of the Gor books and I won’t be continuing with the rest of the books in this series.
What with the annoying dialogue and the objectification of the female characters, I’m not the target audience.
The dialogue sometimes reads as juvenile, very at odds with the story. And why does Chase have everything come so easy. Whatever he tries to learn, he gets it in a few hours. He’s like a little genius. Ugh.
Final conclusion is that it reminds me of the Gor books and I won’t be continuing with the rest of the books in this series.
What with the annoying dialogue and the objectification of the female characters, I’m not the target audience.
February 15, 2024
Good story so far
I am really enjoying the story so far. The characters are well written and interesting. I really like how the author goes into just enough detail so you really get a feel for it, but doesn’t get bogged down in so many details it drags the story.
The only complaint I have is the whole not telling them he is actually a prince thing. In book one it made sense, but at this point it feels more like Chase is just being whiney and paranoid.
I am really enjoying the story so far. The characters are well written and interesting. I really like how the author goes into just enough detail so you really get a feel for it, but doesn’t get bogged down in so many details it drags the story.
The only complaint I have is the whole not telling them he is actually a prince thing. In book one it made sense, but at this point it feels more like Chase is just being whiney and paranoid.
February 16, 2024
The Prince is coming into his own...
Chase is slowly adapting to being real royalty. As he progresses, he is becoming more the Prince that the empire needs while still keeping his childhood gang attitudes. He's finding that running an empire isn't really that different from running a gang except in scope...
Can't wait to see what happens next, especially when they get him to the Tomb!
Chase is slowly adapting to being real royalty. As he progresses, he is becoming more the Prince that the empire needs while still keeping his childhood gang attitudes. He's finding that running an empire isn't really that different from running a gang except in scope...
Can't wait to see what happens next, especially when they get him to the Tomb!
March 20, 2025
It appears that following a certain guttersnipe turned imperial imposter (?) is going to be addicting. I am riveted by watching how Chase is dealing with the pool that he has been dumped into willy-nilly. All the action and the chances for Chase to show what he is really made of is fascinating and I am devouring this. I need to find out if reading this series is going to turn into an addiction.
March 21, 2025
Overall a good read
Very good world building and for the most part character development. I would like to suggest the author make the women who are part of the armed forces and in leadership roles a little less kittenish and less two dimensional. Too much use of “giggling” etc. I will have to say he does do a better job than a lot of male authors but would recommend tweaking in future books. Honestly this series is an enjoyable read overall.
Very good world building and for the most part character development. I would like to suggest the author make the women who are part of the armed forces and in leadership roles a little less kittenish and less two dimensional. Too much use of “giggling” etc. I will have to say he does do a better job than a lot of male authors but would recommend tweaking in future books. Honestly this series is an enjoyable read overall.
November 21, 2025
Reap what you sow.
The book became very ugly. The (good guy) "hero" prince sentencing a criminal to death by feeding him to be, 'eaten alive by hogs.' When in fact all the rape, murder, torture... horrible crimes the criminals committed came from the author's mind, as well as the punishment. Set up very bad guys from within his own mind to do despicable things and then deliver despicable punishment with a presumably justifiable morality. Ergo two wrongs make a right.
The book became very ugly. The (good guy) "hero" prince sentencing a criminal to death by feeding him to be, 'eaten alive by hogs.' When in fact all the rape, murder, torture... horrible crimes the criminals committed came from the author's mind, as well as the punishment. Set up very bad guys from within his own mind to do despicable things and then deliver despicable punishment with a presumably justifiable morality. Ergo two wrongs make a right.
February 2, 2024
The plot thickens
I like this series. Will definitely get book 3 when it comes out.
Mechs. Political intrigue. A corrupt evil empire. Lots of goodies here.
Hopefully, they will go to "The Tomb" in book 3. Maybe even go planetside on Dirt- you know, the planet all humans came from...
I like this series. Will definitely get book 3 when it comes out.
Mechs. Political intrigue. A corrupt evil empire. Lots of goodies here.
Hopefully, they will go to "The Tomb" in book 3. Maybe even go planetside on Dirt- you know, the planet all humans came from...
February 3, 2024
Great series, keep them coming
I always love the stuff that John Van Story writes. This book seemed a little slower than the first, but it also set up a lot of things and seemed to hint at a lot of interesting developments. I love how Chase is really starting to take charge and I can't wait for EVERYONE to know the truth. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
I always love the stuff that John Van Story writes. This book seemed a little slower than the first, but it also set up a lot of things and seemed to hint at a lot of interesting developments. I love how Chase is really starting to take charge and I can't wait for EVERYONE to know the truth. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 5, 2024
write faster
Great second book in the series and I’m looking forward to the third book. In the afterword the author expects to start writing it 6 weeks after this book is released. I wish he was starting right away. I read this book in one day, although i finished it about 2 hours after I should have gone to sleep to be ready for work in the morning.
Great second book in the series and I’m looking forward to the third book. In the afterword the author expects to start writing it 6 weeks after this book is released. I wish he was starting right away. I read this book in one day, although i finished it about 2 hours after I should have gone to sleep to be ready for work in the morning.
February 6, 2024
Space opera fun
This is not my usual genre and I did struggles at times but still read it in under a day. Chase and Claire remain interesting and are a force their enemies are not ready to go up against. I personally don't like the number of side stories but overall, a well planned and well written adventure.
This is not my usual genre and I did struggles at times but still read it in under a day. Chase and Claire remain interesting and are a force their enemies are not ready to go up against. I personally don't like the number of side stories but overall, a well planned and well written adventure.
February 7, 2024
How many assassin attempts does it take before the MC wears a bullet proof vest
I am really hooked on this series. I hope we get an extended series like the Valens legacy. Hopefully Chase will get a few more love interest, and we get to read the ups and downs of a street urchin turned Prince or emperor???
I am really hooked on this series. I hope we get an extended series like the Valens legacy. Hopefully Chase will get a few more love interest, and we get to read the ups and downs of a street urchin turned Prince or emperor???
February 16, 2024
Stomping Grounds
This was a great second part to this story, even if it does feel a little cliffhangery. Action packed, and Chase’s arc is building beautifully. The relationship between he and Clair is a little weak, but the interactions between Chase and his crew and strangers keeps it and him interesting. Now back to waiting for a 3rd installment.
This was a great second part to this story, even if it does feel a little cliffhangery. Action packed, and Chase’s arc is building beautifully. The relationship between he and Clair is a little weak, but the interactions between Chase and his crew and strangers keeps it and him interesting. Now back to waiting for a 3rd installment.
June 4, 2024
Great space opera
I'm not a fan of military sci fi, but I'm a fan of Chase and his supporting cast. The body count is very high with graphic violence. The Republic is simply evil. I admit I skimmed some of the more military-based sections. The book is well-written and held even my attention. Artemis still rocks!
I'm not a fan of military sci fi, but I'm a fan of Chase and his supporting cast. The body count is very high with graphic violence. The Republic is simply evil. I admit I skimmed some of the more military-based sections. The book is well-written and held even my attention. Artemis still rocks!
March 2, 2025
Another great space opera read
Fans of John Ringo and David Weber will very much appreciate these. While there's not as much of the "political" aspect as the Honorverse, nor as much technical detail as Ringo is fond of, there's enough discussion of social and military tactics to make these a fun quick read.
Fans of John Ringo and David Weber will very much appreciate these. While there's not as much of the "political" aspect as the Honorverse, nor as much technical detail as Ringo is fond of, there's enough discussion of social and military tactics to make these a fun quick read.
March 15, 2025
Excellent Second Book in Series
It’s always a joy to discover a new author or series that just pulls me into the characters and story line. This book and series draws the reader into the action and intrigue. Very well written and put together.
The series has me reading much too late on work nights!
It’s always a joy to discover a new author or series that just pulls me into the characters and story line. This book and series draws the reader into the action and intrigue. Very well written and put together.
The series has me reading much too late on work nights!
November 16, 2025
I have a new go-to author
If you like Weber, Drake, and Ringo, these stories are sort of a combination of the 3. And I can't think of higher praise. Great combat scenes, very good characters (delightful, ruthless rogues), and a superb storyline.
I look forward to the next books in the series.
If you like Weber, Drake, and Ringo, these stories are sort of a combination of the 3. And I can't think of higher praise. Great combat scenes, very good characters (delightful, ruthless rogues), and a superb storyline.
I look forward to the next books in the series.
February 3, 2024
Read this one twice
Another excellent story by Mr. Van Stry. The war to retake the empire continues. The fake Prince continues to hide that he really is a Prime and the heir to the Empire. And he is clearly growing in to that role.
Another excellent story by Mr. Van Stry. The war to retake the empire continues. The fake Prince continues to hide that he really is a Prime and the heir to the Empire. And he is clearly growing in to that role.
February 3, 2024
I wish it were longer
Outstanding story with Great character development/interpersonal interactions throughout, with touches of humor. The only bad aspect is that I now have to wait for book 3.
Outstanding story with Great character development/interpersonal interactions throughout, with touches of humor. The only bad aspect is that I now have to wait for book 3.
February 3, 2024
Dave Weber, move over
This series reminds me of Weber’s earlier works, but with nastier bad guys. Engaging read, well formed characters, and a good plot line put these on my must read list.
This series reminds me of Weber’s earlier works, but with nastier bad guys. Engaging read, well formed characters, and a good plot line put these on my must read list.
February 4, 2024
Great pacing
Typically don’t like books with lots of viewpoints, but this is done very well and rather than distracting from the main story, really highlights it. Great story and eagerly awaiting the rest of the series!
Typically don’t like books with lots of viewpoints, but this is done very well and rather than distracting from the main story, really highlights it. Great story and eagerly awaiting the rest of the series!
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