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Valley of Fire #3
Lock & Load
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2026
45 people are currently reading
4 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 2, 2026
Oh yeah, Wolf is definitely a Morgan, right down to the desire for a strong woman to keep him in line. This is a fun spinoff to the Wolfhounds series. I wonder if there will be others. Here's hoping so!
March 13, 2026
Rousing conclusion
Alternate universe, advanced technology, military SF, interstellar war, adult situations
Most of focus is on Wolf and Mari, especially in the second half, and like its predecessor series, there's a lot of training and combat. Generally satisfying. There were many illustrations as well showing people in uniform, in body armor, in mecha, and more; still, at the end, there was one with a right arm patch with the stars and stripes? Editing slipped, and seemed to accumulate in the second half, with a few continuity errors creeping in. Above average editing. Enjoyed the series.
Alternate universe, advanced technology, military SF, interstellar war, adult situations
Most of focus is on Wolf and Mari, especially in the second half, and like its predecessor series, there's a lot of training and combat. Generally satisfying. There were many illustrations as well showing people in uniform, in body armor, in mecha, and more; still, at the end, there was one with a right arm patch with the stars and stripes? Editing slipped, and seemed to accumulate in the second half, with a few continuity errors creeping in. Above average editing. Enjoyed the series.
February 18, 2026
Another superb series
Valley of fire has had me waiting for each story to drop. It dovetails so nicely with the Wolfhounds books that it could almost be a straight continuation although we do not get any character crossover until near the end of the second book. This has led to excellent universe building and expansion. It has also left me hoping that John has plans for further stories in this universe. Please......
Valley of fire has had me waiting for each story to drop. It dovetails so nicely with the Wolfhounds books that it could almost be a straight continuation although we do not get any character crossover until near the end of the second book. This has led to excellent universe building and expansion. It has also left me hoping that John has plans for further stories in this universe. Please......
February 20, 2026
Great trilogy!
I really like the universe this shares with the Wolf bound series. I found it very interesting to see it from a different perspective, that is similar enough to be familiar, but new enough as to still be exciting. The mechanics of the combat seemed a less detailed that the other series, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this set. I hope there are more in this universe.
I really like the universe this shares with the Wolf bound series. I found it very interesting to see it from a different perspective, that is similar enough to be familiar, but new enough as to still be exciting. The mechanics of the combat seemed a less detailed that the other series, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this set. I hope there are more in this universe.
February 22, 2026
Yes, Virginia, he does write space opera . . .
And it's darn fun Space Opera, too! This is in the grand tradition of the best old time practitioners. There's a sense of adventure that is missing from a lot of the current ilk. Fun read, fun characters. Absolutely worth reading the author's other works as well as those under his pen names. Different flavors but all enjoyable and worthwhile. Looking forward to the next project, whatever that might be.
And it's darn fun Space Opera, too! This is in the grand tradition of the best old time practitioners. There's a sense of adventure that is missing from a lot of the current ilk. Fun read, fun characters. Absolutely worth reading the author's other works as well as those under his pen names. Different flavors but all enjoyable and worthwhile. Looking forward to the next project, whatever that might be.
February 23, 2026
Overall the book is a nice piece of escapism. Love the authors style of storytelling and his characters. His unique view of AI and royalty class is very interesting. Not really a stand alone but the series itself can be read without reading any of his other books and series but that would be your lose. This series and his wolfhound series are a shared universe. Both are extremely entertaining and a excellent universe to visit.
February 19, 2026
The trilogy ends
Another great book from this author. I have read nearly all of his books and I enjoyed them immensely. This sci-fi book was another enjoyable book packed with emotions, epic space battles, mech fighting and more. I liked that is was in the same universe as the Wolfhound series which is also a favourite of mine.
Another great book from this author. I have read nearly all of his books and I enjoyed them immensely. This sci-fi book was another enjoyable book packed with emotions, epic space battles, mech fighting and more. I liked that is was in the same universe as the Wolfhound series which is also a favourite of mine.
March 24, 2026
It's locked and it's loaded!
Well that was the last one, unfortunately. I'm ready to have another book in the series and I'm also going to read the Wolf Hounds again. I would still like to find out where I can see more of this your artist work because it's wonderful. Thank you, I'll leave my email address again. bellsmokey @yahoo.com
Well that was the last one, unfortunately. I'm ready to have another book in the series and I'm also going to read the Wolf Hounds again. I would still like to find out where I can see more of this your artist work because it's wonderful. Thank you, I'll leave my email address again. bellsmokey @yahoo.com
February 19, 2026
Great third entry
Super good book worth the wait, can't wait to see what the Arthur continues in this universe. All the characters are interesting and I like revisiting of past characters
Super good book worth the wait, can't wait to see what the Arthur continues in this universe. All the characters are interesting and I like revisiting of past characters
February 19, 2026
Outstanding Story!
Wonderful story with daring do and characters who grow and develop. It's a good mix of action, plots, and people. I have loved this series. I would encourage everyone to read it.
Wonderful story with daring do and characters who grow and develop. It's a good mix of action, plots, and people. I have loved this series. I would encourage everyone to read it.
February 19, 2026
MORE
Great story filled with 2 people who had to grow up and take responsibility for a destiny that they didn’t know existed for them. They became two remarkable young people who gathered a group of other remarkable young people who are becoming legend. And I want more. ENJOY!
Great story filled with 2 people who had to grow up and take responsibility for a destiny that they didn’t know existed for them. They became two remarkable young people who gathered a group of other remarkable young people who are becoming legend. And I want more. ENJOY!
February 20, 2026
Last of an excellent trilogy
A very satisfying end to the trilogy. Expands on the wolf bounds universe. Hopefully, the author will continue to add additional stories to this universe.
A very satisfying end to the trilogy. Expands on the wolf bounds universe. Hopefully, the author will continue to add additional stories to this universe.
February 20, 2026
Good series
Another great series by John. No matter which alias he goes by he writes a good yarn. Best of all he finishes them without writing a half of a dozen side stories just to get cash. Thanks, John keep them coming
Another great series by John. No matter which alias he goes by he writes a good yarn. Best of all he finishes them without writing a half of a dozen side stories just to get cash. Thanks, John keep them coming
February 23, 2026
Another Winner
Sad to see the end of another series in the Solarian Empire arc. Wolf and Mari grew into a power couple through the series and have family ties to the Solarian Emperor...what more could you want? I want to see what happens further in the Empire...
Sad to see the end of another series in the Solarian Empire arc. Wolf and Mari grew into a power couple through the series and have family ties to the Solarian Emperor...what more could you want? I want to see what happens further in the Empire...
March 1, 2026
Great series
JVS is a very talented writer that I have been following and reading for years. I thoroughly have enjoyed this series as well as the original Wolf bounds saga and look forward to perhaps a third series in this universe.
JVS is a very talented writer that I have been following and reading for years. I thoroughly have enjoyed this series as well as the original Wolf bounds saga and look forward to perhaps a third series in this universe.
March 2, 2026
Great conclusion
Ending a series is always a challenge but things resolved solidly with the possibility (fingers crossed) of more. I thoroughly enjoyed this spin off as well as the wolf hounds.
Ending a series is always a challenge but things resolved solidly with the possibility (fingers crossed) of more. I thoroughly enjoyed this spin off as well as the wolf hounds.
March 4, 2026
one of my favorite series
I love that the Morgan family has moved out into the galaxy. A good premise for more heroic stories to come ( let’s hope for a continuing of this family saga)
I love that the Morgan family has moved out into the galaxy. A good premise for more heroic stories to come ( let’s hope for a continuing of this family saga)
March 15, 2026
excellent ending for this series
As always, Mr Van Stry kicks it out of the ballpark. Great narrative style, lucid dialogue, and well fleshed out characters make for a wonderful story.
As always, Mr Van Stry kicks it out of the ballpark. Great narrative style, lucid dialogue, and well fleshed out characters make for a wonderful story.
February 20, 2026
Great conclusion of the series
This one wraps up the Valley of Fire series nicely while still leaving room for more stories both here and in the main Wolfhounds arcs.
This one wraps up the Valley of Fire series nicely while still leaving room for more stories both here and in the main Wolfhounds arcs.
February 20, 2026
Good Series
Thoroughly enjoyed this series and I hope this won’t be the end we will find out what the future holds for the Morgan family.
Thoroughly enjoyed this series and I hope this won’t be the end we will find out what the future holds for the Morgan family.
February 23, 2026
Fast Read
This is one of the few times I read a book in a single sitting. Good characters an engaging story,and a fast paced story.
This is one of the few times I read a book in a single sitting. Good characters an engaging story,and a fast paced story.
February 23, 2026
A good book
I have enjoyed this author and found hid catalog of books to be amazing, I love the details and I find the story well developed, please keep up with your great work.
I have enjoyed this author and found hid catalog of books to be amazing, I love the details and I find the story well developed, please keep up with your great work.
February 23, 2026
Well done!!
It is a well written series in the Space Wolves universe!! I enjoyed it very much. Keep writing smazing stories, Sir!!
It is a well written series in the Space Wolves universe!! I enjoyed it very much. Keep writing smazing stories, Sir!!
February 24, 2026
good series
I loved this series as well as the wolfhounds series, both in the same universe. I would highly recommend both
I loved this series as well as the wolfhounds series, both in the same universe. I would highly recommend both
February 28, 2026
good read
A good fast read in a very good series. Enjoyed the series looking forward to more from this universe since this offshoot is apparently ended.
A good fast read in a very good series. Enjoyed the series looking forward to more from this universe since this offshoot is apparently ended.
March 3, 2026
A fitting conclusion, though several books early.
Great story, could have used a better editor. Castor and Pollux was an interesting pull. Can't wait for the next series!!!
Great story, could have used a better editor. Castor and Pollux was an interesting pull. Can't wait for the next series!!!
March 4, 2026
You will stay up late to finish this book
Lock &Load is a great story of the battle to save a Kingdom when a fanatical ruler decides to take the surrounding planets.
Lock &Load is a great story of the battle to save a Kingdom when a fanatical ruler decides to take the surrounding planets.
March 4, 2026
Great read in an established universe
Thoroughly enjoyed the spin off of the solarian universe. Great characters, I hope there is much more in the future.
Thoroughly enjoyed the spin off of the solarian universe. Great characters, I hope there is much more in the future.
March 7, 2026
Well done space opera
Final book in the trilogy. They take the fight to their advesaries home system and give them a beat down.
Final book in the trilogy. They take the fight to their advesaries home system and give them a beat down.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews