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House Adamant #3
The Valkyrie Stratagem
A promise of victory
A long journey home
The price of alliances
Lorraine Adamant, Pentarch of the Kingdom of Adamant, has crossed hundreds of light-years to find the allies needed to overthrow her uncle, the man who killed her family and stole her mother’s throne.
The allies she found aren’t the allies she wanted, but three powerful sentient battlecruisers and a skilled covert operator from the United Worlds’ seedy underbelly are a force to be reckoned with. Between the firepower of the Valkyrie-class battlecruisers, the minds of the Synthetic Intelligences that command them, and the skills of the spy who loves her, Lorraine has a real chance of saving her Kingdom.
If she can get them all home.
A long journey home
The price of alliances
Lorraine Adamant, Pentarch of the Kingdom of Adamant, has crossed hundreds of light-years to find the allies needed to overthrow her uncle, the man who killed her family and stole her mother’s throne.
The allies she found aren’t the allies she wanted, but three powerful sentient battlecruisers and a skilled covert operator from the United Worlds’ seedy underbelly are a force to be reckoned with. Between the firepower of the Valkyrie-class battlecruisers, the minds of the Synthetic Intelligences that command them, and the skills of the spy who loves her, Lorraine has a real chance of saving her Kingdom.
If she can get them all home.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2025
349 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,748 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 31, 2025
Excellent third series novel and while I had great expectations for it, the book quite surpassed them as it expanded the series universe in very interesting ways, locations, characters, technology even history, had energy so having the pages turn by themselves so to speak, with action, intrigue, high-stakes diplomatic encounters, but also reflections about what it means to be sentient, have a conscience and an own will. There were some unexpected twists and the path our characters walked was definitely not straightforward though it ended at the expected tbc point.
Overall superb stuff and top 10 novel of the year, with the 4th installment announced for later in the year is now even more highly awaited.
Overall superb stuff and top 10 novel of the year, with the 4th installment announced for later in the year is now even more highly awaited.
May 30, 2025
There seems to be one moral stance in each of the author's series that becomes this champion cry. Every character starts sounding like they're delivering a sermon, with long-winded delivery and unchallenged principles like a rapid priest of some religion.
In this -- its AI personhood. It seems like everyone treats this as a given. That they're horrified by the callous murder of a few AIs. This coming from the mouth of military veterans that just finished killing a hundred times that number in space fleet combat. From every side. From peoples that don't share a common culture.
And there's zero attempt to explore any other perspective.
Even if one agrees with the premise, it's uninteresting writing. Conflict is a necessity. And a classic storytelling element is that sticking to one's principles is the harder path. Avoiding the topic while declaring a universal truth is boring.
The rest of the story is merely fine. The scale of the plot is small, and the characters aren't interesting enough to make that work. The author's best works are grand space battles and bombastic fleet combat. This small scale stuff just highlights characterization weaknesses.
In this -- its AI personhood. It seems like everyone treats this as a given. That they're horrified by the callous murder of a few AIs. This coming from the mouth of military veterans that just finished killing a hundred times that number in space fleet combat. From every side. From peoples that don't share a common culture.
And there's zero attempt to explore any other perspective.
Even if one agrees with the premise, it's uninteresting writing. Conflict is a necessity. And a classic storytelling element is that sticking to one's principles is the harder path. Avoiding the topic while declaring a universal truth is boring.
The rest of the story is merely fine. The scale of the plot is small, and the characters aren't interesting enough to make that work. The author's best works are grand space battles and bombastic fleet combat. This small scale stuff just highlights characterization weaknesses.
May 28, 2025
Good book, but I hope it leads to a strong finish.
While still a good book, well plotted and paced, this has been my least favorite of the first three in a four-part tale.
Some of Stewart’s foibles came to bear in this book. Using current or well-known persons as inspiration is a device that many writers employ. The way that they are used defines how well they blend into the story.
For example, this is a military Sci fi story about freeing her planet from control of an overreaching politician; having a ship named Nelson Mandela fits seamlessly. While it might pull you out of the story long enough to give it a mental thumbs-up, it’s not jarring. What is jarring is seeing Oprah Winfrey hailed as a prophet or the name Idina Menzell hung on a passing character. I recognize the wish to immortalize our favourite things in your writing, but the last two were ham-handed.
Occasionally, Stewart takes a phrase and runs with it in multiplicity. In this series it’s been “a cheerleading squad on her chest.” There is only one person in the book to whom this reference is used … and I don’t have a clue what it means. Shortness of breath? Pressure? An odd choice of idioms, not backed up by internet searches as one that is in use. So he made this up. Fine. It’s his book. It was odd, nevertheless.
There is an issue I have with the demise of a character. Not in the method or the need, but in the fact that every time the author mentioned the character, his loyalty was called into doubt. We never trusted him as a result, so his demise came as no shock. Again, ham-handed.
Outside of that, still a good book. We move the tale ahead to a final showdown and, while her luck and chutzpah have stood her in good stead, there’s gotta be a point where that streak fails. I’d prefer to see that it didn’t, yet it would be a stronger story if it failed, but she still prevailed.
While still a good book, well plotted and paced, this has been my least favorite of the first three in a four-part tale.
Some of Stewart’s foibles came to bear in this book. Using current or well-known persons as inspiration is a device that many writers employ. The way that they are used defines how well they blend into the story.
For example, this is a military Sci fi story about freeing her planet from control of an overreaching politician; having a ship named Nelson Mandela fits seamlessly. While it might pull you out of the story long enough to give it a mental thumbs-up, it’s not jarring. What is jarring is seeing Oprah Winfrey hailed as a prophet or the name Idina Menzell hung on a passing character. I recognize the wish to immortalize our favourite things in your writing, but the last two were ham-handed.
Occasionally, Stewart takes a phrase and runs with it in multiplicity. In this series it’s been “a cheerleading squad on her chest.” There is only one person in the book to whom this reference is used … and I don’t have a clue what it means. Shortness of breath? Pressure? An odd choice of idioms, not backed up by internet searches as one that is in use. So he made this up. Fine. It’s his book. It was odd, nevertheless.
There is an issue I have with the demise of a character. Not in the method or the need, but in the fact that every time the author mentioned the character, his loyalty was called into doubt. We never trusted him as a result, so his demise came as no shock. Again, ham-handed.
Outside of that, still a good book. We move the tale ahead to a final showdown and, while her luck and chutzpah have stood her in good stead, there’s gotta be a point where that streak fails. I’d prefer to see that it didn’t, yet it would be a stronger story if it failed, but she still prevailed.
April 3, 2025
I like where the series is heading and the way the universe is being fleshed out steadily by the author. I gave it 5 stars not because it is the next Dune in the making, but because it is the same Glynnslop I have become addicted to since Starship's Mage. Where the book fails completely in the suspension of disbelief is in its use of quotes from the mouths of characters. The author never used to do that or it was used sparingly enough that it did not seem forced. But I swear to God, the characters are quoting people left and right in a way that is jarring and frankly dumb. And the quotes themselves - Oprah for God's sake (21st century philosopher and educator, you don't say). Neither are the quotes very good or poignant. There is one page where the characters literally throw quotes at each other. And this is what 500 years into the future, the author couldn't invent a few people from some planet or another, they all have to be cringe present figures (or Shakespeare one time). Honestly, if I were the editor, I would have told him to cut it all out, it detracts from the story and characters. I know the author has an ideological baggage and he is not writing The Turner Diaries, but quoting Oprah 500 years into the future (and with no special insight or idea) is just embarrassing.
March 28, 2025
The shake-down cruise of the 3 newly acquired ships is anything but smooth, with minimal crews on board each ship, zero ammunition and only a sketchy plan of where to to go to acquire these items, what could go wrong?
Glynn Stewart, takes us through the pros and cons, weaving the plot for his characters as bit by bit, the pieces fall into place. Val thinks something is out of wack, but can’t run it down until it’s too late. A planned mutiny by a small group throws a spanner in the works that could affect Lorraine’s hopes to get to her Home world.
I totally enjoyed the story-line, the buildup to the conclusion of this chapter became a page-turner for me as the ships prepare to emerge into real time…… So looking forward to #4.
Glynn Stewart, takes us through the pros and cons, weaving the plot for his characters as bit by bit, the pieces fall into place. Val thinks something is out of wack, but can’t run it down until it’s too late. A planned mutiny by a small group throws a spanner in the works that could affect Lorraine’s hopes to get to her Home world.
I totally enjoyed the story-line, the buildup to the conclusion of this chapter became a page-turner for me as the ships prepare to emerge into real time…… So looking forward to #4.
December 24, 2025
This books feels a bit like filler. The summary is just "Lorraine brings the AI battlecruisers from the last book home," and not much more. There's a little skullduggery along the way, which keeps the book readable, but I can't help but feel like Stewart could have skipped this book entirely and moved on to the part where she starts fighting with her uncle's forces.
I still think stealing warships from the United Worlds was a dumb idea, and fundamentally unworkable because they'll eventually come for them with overwhelming force. Alastair brings this up more than a few times, and it's never adequately addressed. Presumably because Stewart doesn't want to reveal whatever implausible plot he has cooked up for defusing that.
I still think stealing warships from the United Worlds was a dumb idea, and fundamentally unworkable because they'll eventually come for them with overwhelming force. Alastair brings this up more than a few times, and it's never adequately addressed. Presumably because Stewart doesn't want to reveal whatever implausible plot he has cooked up for defusing that.
March 31, 2025
Glynn Stewart continues the tale of Lorraine Adamant, one of many heirs of a star kingdom. She had been serving in the Adamant Navy and never expected to be queen. Then her uncle assassinated her queen mother, father and most of her family. She survived attempts on her life and on her ship, made her way to the United Worlds on Earth. She got ships in the last tale, and now, using The Valkyrie Stratagem (ebook from Faolan's Pen Publishing) she has to arm, man, and fuel her ships, and surmount a mutiny while getting to an outer system of the Adamant Kingdom. Next exciting episode has her facing her evil uncle. I’m looking forward to finishing the tale.
October 6, 2025
5 stars
A great book by itself, not just as a continuation of the series, or just as a simple 3rd installment. If the rating had a 10 or a 100 as the maximum then my vote would be slightly lower but 4 out of 5 would be too low for how much i liked this book. Usually if plot twists come out one after another the story becomes somewhat heavy and tiring which in this case didn’t happened, the pacing seemed natural making every “surprise” the author planned to have the maximum effect. Can’t wait to read the next book and see how the plot progresses. The only downside is that book no. 3 created very big expectations for the next one.
A great book by itself, not just as a continuation of the series, or just as a simple 3rd installment. If the rating had a 10 or a 100 as the maximum then my vote would be slightly lower but 4 out of 5 would be too low for how much i liked this book. Usually if plot twists come out one after another the story becomes somewhat heavy and tiring which in this case didn’t happened, the pacing seemed natural making every “surprise” the author planned to have the maximum effect. Can’t wait to read the next book and see how the plot progresses. The only downside is that book no. 3 created very big expectations for the next one.
March 31, 2025
The book starts quite well and although it did seem to get a bit bogged down quite quickly, however the first half still wasn’t a bad read. Unfortunately the author then developed pretentions and storyline became forced, it really felt like the only reason things happened was because the author could make them and he needed to pad out the book to fill up a few more pages, most of it really was clichéd nonsense.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars, I might have made this two, but the second half of the book really annoyed me.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars, I might have made this two, but the second half of the book really annoyed me.
April 2, 2025
The saga continues to evolve. The author appears to be pacing the saga a bit more slowly than I might have expected, but this installment was still quite enjoyable. Good action as the team escapes from the United Worlds and tries to figure out how to return to stop her uncle's overthrow of the Kingdom of Adamant and prevent the interstellar corporations from moving in. You root for the team since they always adhere to the highest moral standards as they confront numerous challenges. The SI's continue to evolve and add to the story. I have pre-ordered book 4 and will read it as soon as published.
March 11, 2025
What happens when two people in love differ on what is best for one of them? Things get painful - then responsibilities take over. I can't help but feel for Lorraine - she seems to have the most difficult luck, but since she seems to embody Damien Montgomery, Keira Alexander and Rosalyn Chambers together, that seems to be how the cookie is gonna crumble. Thank goodness for good friends!
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2025
This series is top notch. Highly entertaining Space opera with strong characters. Lorraine and her crew are returning home in the stolen battle cruisers, with little crew and no ammunition. Intrigue and treachery follow them. An engrossing story that concentrates on the people rather than action and battles but still maintains a excellent pace. Pamela Almand is an excellent narrator for this series. I look forward to the final instalment. Highly recommended
April 15, 2025
Love strong leading character
Ii am really enjoying this series, especially as it states to flesh out the universe it is and all the twists and turns it can have.
This reminds me very much of the Honor Harrington series, which is about the best praise I can give.
Kudos and I can’t wait for September and the next book. Hurry!
Ii am really enjoying this series, especially as it states to flesh out the universe it is and all the twists and turns it can have.
This reminds me very much of the Honor Harrington series, which is about the best praise I can give.
Kudos and I can’t wait for September and the next book. Hurry!
September 21, 2025
did not like the twist with a character and too slow
Did not like the twist with a character ruins the epilogue for another character. Also the plot is too slow.
Book 1 is the best
Book 2 is slow
Book 3 even slower not enough is happening takes way to long to get back to her planet.
You could skip this book completely and don’t like the twist
Did not like the twist with a character ruins the epilogue for another character. Also the plot is too slow.
Book 1 is the best
Book 2 is slow
Book 3 even slower not enough is happening takes way to long to get back to her planet.
You could skip this book completely and don’t like the twist
September 24, 2025
Wow
It is hard to maintain the momentum during a long series. Glenn Stewart is a master craftsman as an author and does it very well indeed. I always read his new books.
The world building, character development and storyline in The Valkyrie Stratagem is masterful and I've had a hard time putting it down long enough to walk the dogs.
It is hard to maintain the momentum during a long series. Glenn Stewart is a master craftsman as an author and does it very well indeed. I always read his new books.
The world building, character development and storyline in The Valkyrie Stratagem is masterful and I've had a hard time putting it down long enough to walk the dogs.
March 31, 2025
great read
Loved the story, the characters are all relatable, the story had some interesting twists and did bring us to the beginning of some interesting future conflicts. Looking forward to more.
Loved the story, the characters are all relatable, the story had some interesting twists and did bring us to the beginning of some interesting future conflicts. Looking forward to more.
April 2, 2025
Good Space Opera
Book 3 does not disappoint as Adamant and crew head home in their sentient battleships stolen out from underneath Earth’s noses. But intrigues and political games are not far behind. Betrayal is clearly in the wind.
Book 3 does not disappoint as Adamant and crew head home in their sentient battleships stolen out from underneath Earth’s noses. But intrigues and political games are not far behind. Betrayal is clearly in the wind.
April 7, 2025
The Story Continues and You Will Be Hooked
Part three of the story kept me hooked and wanting to keep listening. I didn't know how things were going to work out for everyone, but I enjoyed every moment of the story. It is well written. I now want part 4!
Part three of the story kept me hooked and wanting to keep listening. I didn't know how things were going to work out for everyone, but I enjoyed every moment of the story. It is well written. I now want part 4!
April 27, 2025
An excellent author
He doesn’t ever give us a bad novel. I especially like the obvious plot twist being eroded to the point you think something else is going to happen instead. Then it’s sprung.
He doesn’t ever give us a bad novel. I especially like the obvious plot twist being eroded to the point you think something else is going to happen instead. Then it’s sprung.
May 2, 2025
The book starts and ends fine, but a lot is just filler. I don't know why but I'd guess to have "enough" story for book 4.
July 7, 2025
Very enjoyable
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I look forward to the next one, although I do have to say at times some sections seemed to move a little slower, but once I got through them, the story moved quickly along and enjoyably along.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I look forward to the next one, although I do have to say at times some sections seemed to move a little slower, but once I got through them, the story moved quickly along and enjoyably along.
September 17, 2025
great series and the next book is almost here
A beautiful bad day for a young woman force to embrace her command for her people and her sector of space
great series and the next book is almost here
A beautiful bad day for a young woman force to embrace her command for her people and her sector of space
great series and the next book is almost here
March 12, 2025
I love the way the plot developed in this book - no spoilers, so I am only going to say that I am really enjoying this series
March 28, 2025
This is definitely a series to be read in order.
Lots of plots and subplots on top of action and twists!
Characters continue to grow as does the universe in which they live.
Can't wait for #4!
Lots of plots and subplots on top of action and twists!
Characters continue to grow as does the universe in which they live.
Can't wait for #4!
March 29, 2025
3.5 stars
April 3, 2025
🚀
Fine opera, waiting for the next chapter uh oh uh oh uh oh uh oh uh oh uh oh uh
Fine opera, waiting for the next chapter uh oh uh oh uh oh uh oh uh oh uh oh uh
April 7, 2025
good book
Good book. I believe that it deserves the 5 stars that I gave it . I look forward to the final chapter.
Good book. I believe that it deserves the 5 stars that I gave it . I look forward to the final chapter.
Read
April 10, 2025Waiting for the next
May 16, 2025
The best book in the series so far
This was a great book in the series. The main character grew as a person and a leader. The plot was well thought out. The action was intense.
This was a great book in the series. The main character grew as a person and a leader. The plot was well thought out. The action was intense.
April 1, 2025
Binned at 80%. That's me done with this series. Shame as I liked the first two books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews