What do you think?
Rate this book
Valley of Fire #3
Lock & Load
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2026
41 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
John Van Stry
49 books363 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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 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.
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 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.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews