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Wolfhounds #5
Manifest Destiny
The Tomb has acknowledged Chase's lineage, and declared him Emperor to the universe. But what good is being an Emperor if you don't have an Empire? While the Wolfhounds have conquered, or perhaps liberated, a fair number of planets, the core worlds have not yet been touched. Furthermore, the crown jewel of them all, Cor Imperii, still stands under the control of Speaker Phillip K. Neill, and the rest of the members of the coup that seized control of the empire over a decade ago.
But Neill's days are numbered, whether he fully realizes it or not, as his dictatorship is slowly dismantled, one piece at a time and he clings to whatever hopes he has left. While the road before Chase is still long, and still fraught with peril and a good many dangers. However, for Chase and the Wolfhounds, the end is finally within view - now it's only a matter of time.
The challenges may be different, but they are by no means less than the ones he's faced previously. In fact some of them he may find to be harder, now that he is no longer 'pretending' to be the prince, having proven to all his right to reign and having finally accepted the responsibilities that have now become his.
But Neill's days are numbered, whether he fully realizes it or not, as his dictatorship is slowly dismantled, one piece at a time and he clings to whatever hopes he has left. While the road before Chase is still long, and still fraught with peril and a good many dangers. However, for Chase and the Wolfhounds, the end is finally within view - now it's only a matter of time.
The challenges may be different, but they are by no means less than the ones he's faced previously. In fact some of them he may find to be harder, now that he is no longer 'pretending' to be the prince, having proven to all his right to reign and having finally accepted the responsibilities that have now become his.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2025
226 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
John Van Stry
49 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 60 reviews
March 9, 2025
pointless harem garbage added to a perfectly good book otherwise
I have to wonder about what the author is compensating for by the continual addition of harems to his books.
It’s bad enough women have the verb ‘giggled’ used for dialog all the time, but the objectification, stereotyping and diminution of female characters is glaring.
Any way good enough plot, but not worth more than a 3 stars.
Enough typos to make me confident the editor needs an editor.
I have to wonder about what the author is compensating for by the continual addition of harems to his books.
It’s bad enough women have the verb ‘giggled’ used for dialog all the time, but the objectification, stereotyping and diminution of female characters is glaring.
Any way good enough plot, but not worth more than a 3 stars.
Enough typos to make me confident the editor needs an editor.
July 14, 2025
A little less Mech combat but still fun
We're getting near the end here, but there is a lot left to happen and a lot of ground to cover.
This was supposed to have been the last book, but I'm glad it didn't all fit because now there will be a book 6.
We're getting near the end here, but there is a lot left to happen and a lot of ground to cover.
This was supposed to have been the last book, but I'm glad it didn't all fit because now there will be a book 6.
July 18, 2025
I’m trying so hard
I am trying so hard to keep reading this series. The overall story is interesting, but the devil is certainly in the details. The author spends WAY too much time going on and on about the sexual depravity going on. I am genuinely starting to think the author is trying to secretly promote the degradation and objectification of women because both sides seem to be ok with parts of it.
Most of the women in this series boil down to either a bimbo who is only good to be used sexually or a “strong” woman who has skills but is overly hyper sexual and still the town bike….
I am trying so hard to keep reading this series. The overall story is interesting, but the devil is certainly in the details. The author spends WAY too much time going on and on about the sexual depravity going on. I am genuinely starting to think the author is trying to secretly promote the degradation and objectification of women because both sides seem to be ok with parts of it.
Most of the women in this series boil down to either a bimbo who is only good to be used sexually or a “strong” woman who has skills but is overly hyper sexual and still the town bike….
January 11, 2025
it’s fun
There are a few issues with things that are more about ‘taste’ than anything else. For instance, competent women *always* fall in love with a capable man. It’s kind of misogynist, but there *are* some in-universe rules that support it. I also take a bit of issue with just how stunningly incompetent the ‘bad guys’ are.
That being said, I fully plan to pre-order the next book. There is a lot that is just…right. Running an intelligence operation from within a criminal organization is excellent. The side focus on logistics and how it impacts not just the current war but also future economic recovery.
There are a few issues with things that are more about ‘taste’ than anything else. For instance, competent women *always* fall in love with a capable man. It’s kind of misogynist, but there *are* some in-universe rules that support it. I also take a bit of issue with just how stunningly incompetent the ‘bad guys’ are.
That being said, I fully plan to pre-order the next book. There is a lot that is just…right. Running an intelligence operation from within a criminal organization is excellent. The side focus on logistics and how it impacts not just the current war but also future economic recovery.
January 16, 2025
This is less-than-gripping stuff. It’s mostly everyone congratulating themselves on how clever they are, and promising to get round to the action in the very near future. There’s a weird Benny Hill sub-plot about a sexy nurse who bends over a lot. There’s the governor’s daughter bit which feels very much like padding. Not terrible, but not very exciting. If book one was like this I don’t think I’d have reached book five.
February 9, 2025
Another excellent book by John Van Stry
The MC, emperor Chase continues to kick butt and take names. The Wolfhounds retake additional planets ravaged by the coup.
I really enjoyed the back and forth between the different plot lines, especially the subterfuge and infiltrators. Andy and Cecila on Atlas, Karyn, Lucy and Clive on Cor Imperii. Special mention for Admiral Castle and Linda’s work in hamstring the DPRS navy promoting incompetent officers into positions of authority.
Neil is so going to get bent over the barrel. What’s especially delightful is how the coup leaders believe that they are the smartest guys in the room, but are destined to be educated.
I look forward to the last one or two books in the series. Can hardly wait.
The MC, emperor Chase continues to kick butt and take names. The Wolfhounds retake additional planets ravaged by the coup.
I really enjoyed the back and forth between the different plot lines, especially the subterfuge and infiltrators. Andy and Cecila on Atlas, Karyn, Lucy and Clive on Cor Imperii. Special mention for Admiral Castle and Linda’s work in hamstring the DPRS navy promoting incompetent officers into positions of authority.
Neil is so going to get bent over the barrel. What’s especially delightful is how the coup leaders believe that they are the smartest guys in the room, but are destined to be educated.
I look forward to the last one or two books in the series. Can hardly wait.
January 16, 2025
DANG IT!!! Now back to waiting.
I've always loved good military fiction, especially when it's something that is written with enough reality and human nature to be really believable, yet fictional enough to know it wasn't likely to be based on much of anything where real people got hurt or worse, at least in living memory. This is an excellent continuation of the story thus far and now I'm conflicted about whether I would prefer that the next book wrap up the major plot points or if it would be better to extend it out another book or three!
I've always loved good military fiction, especially when it's something that is written with enough reality and human nature to be really believable, yet fictional enough to know it wasn't likely to be based on much of anything where real people got hurt or worse, at least in living memory. This is an excellent continuation of the story thus far and now I'm conflicted about whether I would prefer that the next book wrap up the major plot points or if it would be better to extend it out another book or three!
January 13, 2025
Spycraft at its sexiest
Nothing made me ready for this has you just did a suspense release with no warning. Only saw it ‘s release because kindle notification of series to continue.
We get new chacthers like a grand admiral( who’s like a James bound chacther fused with an Star Wars imperial captain), new weapons, and new shadowy enemies all to create the finale battle of Endo… I mean Imperial Com.
Nothing made me ready for this has you just did a suspense release with no warning. Only saw it ‘s release because kindle notification of series to continue.
We get new chacthers like a grand admiral( who’s like a James bound chacther fused with an Star Wars imperial captain), new weapons, and new shadowy enemies all to create the finale battle of Endo… I mean Imperial Com.
January 16, 2025
Sticking with my action movie metaphor from previous books, this one is what you are left with when you remove much of the action. The villains are still insipid, stupid and villainous, the heroes are manly, the women are swoony, the plot is holey, and everyone is extra horny. What's lacking is the wall-to-wall action that makes me forget to focus on any of the typical action movie deficiencies.
Still, I enjoyed it and am interested to see how this all wraps up.
Still, I enjoyed it and am interested to see how this all wraps up.
January 11, 2025
Building towards a Big Finish!
This book has less action than it's predecessor, but does more to build towards the final battle for Cor Imperi.
The POV shifts regularly, but at no point are the jumps confusing, and it let's you see how things are building from several directions.
The absolute best news is in the Afterward, though...
This book has less action than it's predecessor, but does more to build towards the final battle for Cor Imperi.
The POV shifts regularly, but at no point are the jumps confusing, and it let's you see how things are building from several directions.
The absolute best news is in the Afterward, though...
January 11, 2025
Wolf hounds - Book 5
This series just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoy this genre and the Wolf hounds series is one of the best ones out there. It has epic battles and world-building on a multi planet scale. Plus the MC is pretty awesome. Read all of them! They are worth the ride.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoy this genre and the Wolf hounds series is one of the best ones out there. It has epic battles and world-building on a multi planet scale. Plus the MC is pretty awesome. Read all of them! They are worth the ride.
January 15, 2025
Very good
Solid work once again, no real major issues, and looking forward to the next one.
Honestly not much more to be said than that.
Feels like the next one will be the finale possibly and I’m very keen to see how all these little different subplots intertwine and work out.
Great work with those tbh.
Solid work once again, no real major issues, and looking forward to the next one.
Honestly not much more to be said than that.
Feels like the next one will be the finale possibly and I’m very keen to see how all these little different subplots intertwine and work out.
Great work with those tbh.
January 19, 2025
Excellent story!!
Another wonderful tale from Van Story. His delightful plot twists, characters who grow are all wonderful. His world building is amazing. He does the combat scenes well, and it flows. I look forward to his next book!!
If you haven't read his Ghost Warrior series, it is awesome!!
Another wonderful tale from Van Story. His delightful plot twists, characters who grow are all wonderful. His world building is amazing. He does the combat scenes well, and it flows. I look forward to his next book!!
If you haven't read his Ghost Warrior series, it is awesome!!
January 19, 2025
By halfway my main thought was the author was just ‘marking time’, it even felt like he didn’t know where he was going with the story. Actually it was more like he was ‘scratching around’ looking for extra minor storylines to add more pages.
There were still sections I quite enjoyed, which is why I have still given three stars when my inclination was to give two.
There were still sections I quite enjoyed, which is why I have still given three stars when my inclination was to give two.
January 25, 2025
Another great book his series
Really enjoying his series of books from John/Jan. Seems to be heading towards a conclusion in the next book or so. Lots of action, spy craft, intrigue and other machinations to keep the story interesting. Hard to put down this book. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next book.
Really enjoying his series of books from John/Jan. Seems to be heading towards a conclusion in the next book or so. Lots of action, spy craft, intrigue and other machinations to keep the story interesting. Hard to put down this book. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next book.
Read
January 27, 2025Excellent
This book has kept up the very high standard of this series. Once again, I find myself wondering what is coming next, and while the objective may be clear, there are many unexpected twists along the path. This is again a book that has kept my attention, apart from 1 meal, from start to finish. If you have not got the series, I highly recommend it!
This book has kept up the very high standard of this series. Once again, I find myself wondering what is coming next, and while the objective may be clear, there are many unexpected twists along the path. This is again a book that has kept my attention, apart from 1 meal, from start to finish. If you have not got the series, I highly recommend it!
February 24, 2025
starts out with a fizzle ends with a bang
So much going on here. In all the best of ways! The chickens are coming home to roost. Or in this case our favorite scrappy emperor is making a push for the capital. He’s kicking butt, taking name and watching the mental destruction of his enemies.
So much going on here. In all the best of ways! The chickens are coming home to roost. Or in this case our favorite scrappy emperor is making a push for the capital. He’s kicking butt, taking name and watching the mental destruction of his enemies.
April 2, 2025
While I like following Chase as he grows into his role as emperor, it was Andy's story that held my attention. What can I say? I am a sucker for the bodyguard-falling-for-the-protectee trope and this was a particularly action-packed and twisty rendition. I particularly liked Andy's ruminations of just how badly he was failing his tradecraft - ooops?
April 19, 2025
Enjoyable Story
Love the story, characters are pretty good, though I think they should have a bit of development, some losses to go with all the wins so they can improve as people and in mindset. World development is phenomenal, the world makes sense, which is really important to me. The romance is a bit of a distraction.
Love the story, characters are pretty good, though I think they should have a bit of development, some losses to go with all the wins so they can improve as people and in mindset. World development is phenomenal, the world makes sense, which is really important to me. The romance is a bit of a distraction.
January 10, 2025
Woot Great book five.
Great book .
Good story. I highly enjoyed reading this series.
It's nice to vist this universe again.
I look forward to reading the next four books in the series.
Great book .
Good story. I highly enjoyed reading this series.
It's nice to vist this universe again.
I look forward to reading the next four books in the series.
January 11, 2025
excellent continuation of series
I hope and pray that next book in series is made available soon.
This has been one of my favorite storylines. I has action, drama and humor all rolled into one entertaining experience.
I hope and pray that next book in series is made available soon.
This has been one of my favorite storylines. I has action, drama and humor all rolled into one entertaining experience.
January 11, 2025
Wolfhounds!
I don't even remember why I started reading but I'm so glad that I did. I anxiously await the release which one of the books as they come out- I love the story and I love the characters, and it has just the right amount intrigue versus action.
I don't even remember why I started reading but I'm so glad that I did. I anxiously await the release which one of the books as they come out- I love the story and I love the characters, and it has just the right amount intrigue versus action.
January 15, 2025
Another great installment in the Chase Morgan saga
I liked the plot as a series of campaigns to reassemble the Empire. But the constant randy behavior is just getting in the way. It seem more like filler.
I liked the plot as a series of campaigns to reassemble the Empire. But the constant randy behavior is just getting in the way. It seem more like filler.
January 15, 2025
Outstanding storytelling!
What an awesome continuation of an awesome plot! The foreshadowing is unbelievable, and you KNOW some of those hints are going to pop up as trouble later on!
What an awesome continuation of an awesome plot! The foreshadowing is unbelievable, and you KNOW some of those hints are going to pop up as trouble later on!
January 16, 2025
Long wait but worth it
I love every book in this series. The pacing is perfect. All the characters are engaging. The one thing I don't like is how I have to write twenty words for a review.
I love every book in this series. The pacing is perfect. All the characters are engaging. The one thing I don't like is how I have to write twenty words for a review.
January 19, 2025
Keeps getting better
No spoilers here. This series is fantastic military sci-fi. If you haven't read the previous books, do so, otherwise you will miss some much backstory. Solid story line, although some of the science seems weak.
No spoilers here. This series is fantastic military sci-fi. If you haven't read the previous books, do so, otherwise you will miss some much backstory. Solid story line, although some of the science seems weak.
January 19, 2025
good continuing story
A good continuing story. Enjoyed this one moving the series along.
Looking forward to the follow on. Good plot line with enough action to keep it interesting.
A good continuing story. Enjoyed this one moving the series along.
Looking forward to the follow on. Good plot line with enough action to keep it interesting.
January 21, 2025
great series
I completely enjoy reading the he wolfhound series . The books are well written, fast paced, and addictive. The only issue I have is that I want the next one in the series Right Now!! It is danged hard having to wait until the next installment is out.
I completely enjoy reading the he wolfhound series . The books are well written, fast paced, and addictive. The only issue I have is that I want the next one in the series Right Now!! It is danged hard having to wait until the next installment is out.
January 22, 2025
everyone loves a great space opera
Only complaint I have is the wait between books, man this is getting better and better. The characters all really grow on you , even the bad guys!
Only complaint I have is the wait between books, man this is getting better and better. The characters all really grow on you , even the bad guys!
January 24, 2025
Chase and company making moves
This is turning into a very wild space opera. While way different than the urban fantasies I usually read, this series is crazy enough that the next installment can't be released soon enough. Even the sides characters have fun in this romp.
This is turning into a very wild space opera. While way different than the urban fantasies I usually read, this series is crazy enough that the next installment can't be released soon enough. Even the sides characters have fun in this romp.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews