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Old Guns #3
Young Guns: A Military Sci-Fi Adventure
Old Guns meet Young Guns. Try not to shoot each other.
Frank Cage and Martin Kelvin thought they'd get medals and a lifetime of beer for coming out of retirement to fight the Hollow. Instead, they became fugitives from their own military when they discovered the the Hollow are just scouts for the Halcerite Empire, a brutal alien species that worships warfare and exterminating other races. And humanity is next in their crosshairs.
When Martin gets infected and kidnapped by the enemy, Frank will do whatever it takes to get his old friend back—even if it means teaming up with their greatest Halcerite defectors who've rejected genocide. As the first human colonies vanish in emerald fire, Frank assembles the galaxy's most dysfunctional Young Guns who've never fought a real war and two eccentric aliens who believe Frank's a prophesied warrior destined for victory.
The universe just got a hell of a lot more complicated, and these Old Guns are getting too old for this shit, but they're too stubborn to die without a fight.
Frank Cage and Martin Kelvin thought they'd get medals and a lifetime of beer for coming out of retirement to fight the Hollow. Instead, they became fugitives from their own military when they discovered the the Hollow are just scouts for the Halcerite Empire, a brutal alien species that worships warfare and exterminating other races. And humanity is next in their crosshairs.
When Martin gets infected and kidnapped by the enemy, Frank will do whatever it takes to get his old friend back—even if it means teaming up with their greatest Halcerite defectors who've rejected genocide. As the first human colonies vanish in emerald fire, Frank assembles the galaxy's most dysfunctional Young Guns who've never fought a real war and two eccentric aliens who believe Frank's a prophesied warrior destined for victory.
The universe just got a hell of a lot more complicated, and these Old Guns are getting too old for this shit, but they're too stubborn to die without a fight.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2026
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 5, 2026
I was so happy to be back with Frank and Martin in Young Guns.
This book picks up immediately after Old Guns with Martin infected by the very deadly Hollow, an ancient alien race.
The two old curmudgeons end up being separated as Martin is captured by the military to try to turn him into a weapon against the alien race of the Halcerites, much worse than the Hollow, who, come to find out have the Hollow enslaved.
Frank manages to escape with Martin’s son and partners up with two new favorite characters, Nen and Ren. I can’t go into more detail because… spoilers.
Martin connects with a few others whom I also adored, especially Professor, and the two separated groups do whatever they have to do to save the universe, and each other.
This story was brilliant and full of heavy space military action. I could not get enough. I need Book 3 so I can continue this crazy journey with Frank and Martin!
*Thanks so much to the author for the gifted eARC!*
This book picks up immediately after Old Guns with Martin infected by the very deadly Hollow, an ancient alien race.
The two old curmudgeons end up being separated as Martin is captured by the military to try to turn him into a weapon against the alien race of the Halcerites, much worse than the Hollow, who, come to find out have the Hollow enslaved.
Frank manages to escape with Martin’s son and partners up with two new favorite characters, Nen and Ren. I can’t go into more detail because… spoilers.
Martin connects with a few others whom I also adored, especially Professor, and the two separated groups do whatever they have to do to save the universe, and each other.
This story was brilliant and full of heavy space military action. I could not get enough. I need Book 3 so I can continue this crazy journey with Frank and Martin!
*Thanks so much to the author for the gifted eARC!*
June 2, 2026
The Old Guns meet the Young Guns and the galaxy trembles!
Our Old Guns - Master Gunnery Sergeants Frank Cage and Martin Kelvin - have met the enemy, the Hollow and their masters, the four legged demons called Halcerites. Through wits and a bit of luck, they survived! Martin is infected by the Hollow, but hasn't turned yet. The DSIA black ops have Martin captive and are experimenting on him to study the infection. Frank and their two dogs, Rex and Cosmo, joined by Martin's son Thomas and his mercenary company of Colonial Marines (the Young Guns) are reequiped with updated armor and weapons and trained on stealth ships. They're ready to rescue Martin and take the fight to the Halcerites and their slave troops, the Hollow, before more planets could be transformed into unliveable rocks ready for the World Eaters (Masters of the Halcerites).
Great characters in an amazing storyline engaging in conflicts (up-all-night action, nail biting escapes, constant pew-pews) to rescue Martin and save humanity from the World Eaters. This is an amazing read!
Our Old Guns - Master Gunnery Sergeants Frank Cage and Martin Kelvin - have met the enemy, the Hollow and their masters, the four legged demons called Halcerites. Through wits and a bit of luck, they survived! Martin is infected by the Hollow, but hasn't turned yet. The DSIA black ops have Martin captive and are experimenting on him to study the infection. Frank and their two dogs, Rex and Cosmo, joined by Martin's son Thomas and his mercenary company of Colonial Marines (the Young Guns) are reequiped with updated armor and weapons and trained on stealth ships. They're ready to rescue Martin and take the fight to the Halcerites and their slave troops, the Hollow, before more planets could be transformed into unliveable rocks ready for the World Eaters (Masters of the Halcerites).
Great characters in an amazing storyline engaging in conflicts (up-all-night action, nail biting escapes, constant pew-pews) to rescue Martin and save humanity from the World Eaters. This is an amazing read!
May 25, 2026
A Story Built on Tension, Truth, and the Space Between
Young Guns doesn’t just continue the story begun in Old Guns — it deepens it. This sequel pulls back the curtain on the relationships, rivalries, and cross‑species dynamics that were only hinted at before, revealing a universe where nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems.
What stands out most is how the authors expand the emotional and political terrain without losing the grit and heart of the first book. Every interaction — carries layers of history, mistrust, loyalty, and unspoken truth. Motives shift, alliances bend, and even familiar characters reveal unexpected depths.
This is also a series where suspension of disbelief isn’t just helpful — it’s part of the experience. The authors aren’t trying to make alien logic behave like human logic. So before deciding this world “isn’t your cup of tea,” try looking at it through a lens that accepts its strangeness. The reward is a universe that feels bigger, sharper, and more alive because it refuses to flatten itself for convenience.
The returning characters feel more textured, their relationships more volatile and honest. The cross‑species dynamics aren’t just flavor — they shape every emotional beat and every conflict. The most powerful moments aren’t the firefights, but the conversations, the silences, and the contradictions that define this world.
If *Old Guns* showed us the scars, *Young Guns* shows us the fault lines beneath them. It’s a sequel that sharpens the stakes, deepens the lore, and reminds us that in a universe this complex, nothing and no one is ever just what they appear to be.
Young Guns doesn’t just continue the story begun in Old Guns — it deepens it. This sequel pulls back the curtain on the relationships, rivalries, and cross‑species dynamics that were only hinted at before, revealing a universe where nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems.
What stands out most is how the authors expand the emotional and political terrain without losing the grit and heart of the first book. Every interaction — carries layers of history, mistrust, loyalty, and unspoken truth. Motives shift, alliances bend, and even familiar characters reveal unexpected depths.
This is also a series where suspension of disbelief isn’t just helpful — it’s part of the experience. The authors aren’t trying to make alien logic behave like human logic. So before deciding this world “isn’t your cup of tea,” try looking at it through a lens that accepts its strangeness. The reward is a universe that feels bigger, sharper, and more alive because it refuses to flatten itself for convenience.
The returning characters feel more textured, their relationships more volatile and honest. The cross‑species dynamics aren’t just flavor — they shape every emotional beat and every conflict. The most powerful moments aren’t the firefights, but the conversations, the silences, and the contradictions that define this world.
If *Old Guns* showed us the scars, *Young Guns* shows us the fault lines beneath them. It’s a sequel that sharpens the stakes, deepens the lore, and reminds us that in a universe this complex, nothing and no one is ever just what they appear to be.
July 31, 2026
That was awesome! NSS and Chaney have teamed up to create an incredible space adventure! Book two expands on the powers, potential and inherent resources ale of the Hollow. The enemy is great so they have to be greater. I loved the pulse pounding charge to create strength and then smash it on the enemy’s head. That’s how it feels to have read this. Fantastic job. Loved the visuals of the space battles! I have some highlighted they were so good. I love what you guys created here. Frank and Martin are for keeps.
August 12, 2026
old guys rule OK
Yes another great story about battles beyond the stats and how experience and training matters not about age. It would be nice if humans started to treat each other better and stop creating situations where we kill each other for gain
If a spaceship and aliens showed themselves ALL of humanity would have to bond together to survive so why can’t we do it before this event happens
As someone once said “ live long and prosper “
Yes another great story about battles beyond the stats and how experience and training matters not about age. It would be nice if humans started to treat each other better and stop creating situations where we kill each other for gain
If a spaceship and aliens showed themselves ALL of humanity would have to bond together to survive so why can’t we do it before this event happens
As someone once said “ live long and prosper “
June 20, 2026
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I started reading this second book in the ongoing series. What I did get was well... unexpected.
Frank and Martin have had their differences. That happens sometimes when relationships are like family without the bloodlines. However, when push came to shove, their loyalty to one another endured.
Martin's inner monologues became a lot more interesting when he encountered beings from other worlds. I think what the authors did helped the readers understand the complexity of the ongoing situation.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Frank and Martin have had their differences. That happens sometimes when relationships are like family without the bloodlines. However, when push came to shove, their loyalty to one another endured.
Martin's inner monologues became a lot more interesting when he encountered beings from other worlds. I think what the authors did helped the readers understand the complexity of the ongoing situation.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 12, 2026
Separated but not alone.....
The story continues as the Old Guys meet the Young Guns, in their battle against elimination of the human race. captivating action along with strong characters.
The story continues as the Old Guys meet the Young Guns, in their battle against elimination of the human race. captivating action along with strong characters.
June 14, 2026
Really enjoyed it
I was laughing out loud when the bar fight with Ren and Sen started. They really made it humorous with there constant bickering. Looking forward to the continuation of the fight.
I was laughing out loud when the bar fight with Ren and Sen started. They really made it humorous with there constant bickering. Looking forward to the continuation of the fight.
June 24, 2026
Pretty good old book
I recommend giving it away it's good military sci-fi which is what I usually like and Has a pretty good plot a good vein of humor running through it and I have to recommend it.
I recommend giving it away it's good military sci-fi which is what I usually like and Has a pretty good plot a good vein of humor running through it and I have to recommend it.
July 24, 2026
Wrapped with loose ends
As usual Humans are their own worst enemy. The choices are perverse and rapid fire even with learned council. No hope but hand to hand fighting for interstellar social ills.
As usual Humans are their own worst enemy. The choices are perverse and rapid fire even with learned council. No hope but hand to hand fighting for interstellar social ills.
August 13, 2026
Fun expansion and alien!
Liked the additional characters including the aliens. Action was fun. Will be interesting to see what happens now that the government has essentially fled.
Liked the additional characters including the aliens. Action was fun. Will be interesting to see what happens now that the government has essentially fled.
May 25, 2026
Really enjoyed reading Young Guns! Characters are great and the storyline is gripping. Highly recommended!
May 31, 2026
Superb!
Extraordinary.
Amazing.
Brilliant.
Dynamic.
This series has been astounding, and given how this book has set things up, the next book will be incredible.
Extraordinary.
Amazing.
Brilliant.
Dynamic.
This series has been astounding, and given how this book has set things up, the next book will be incredible.
June 5, 2026
Great story, thoroughly enjoyed it, 2 old guys kicking butts and working with aliens. cool and honest, and forthright. Honorable buddies too the end.
June 17, 2026
Loved the continuation of the story from the Old Guns book. Introduces more great characters and develops the story line more with plenty of action. Now just have to wait for the next installment.
June 20, 2026
Fun reading
I found it intriguing Good character development lots of intrigue and things going on and aliens Yeah I recommend this book
I found it intriguing Good character development lots of intrigue and things going on and aliens Yeah I recommend this book
July 12, 2026
Bit slow to start but more twists and pace as book progressed. Enjoyable read in the hot weather
June 21, 2026
Old Guns, but not defeated; a great sequel
'Old Guns Book2' is a solid sequel to the first book and a excellent addition to the Young Guns Series. These 'military sci-fi adventures' are a wonderful collection to any reader that enjoys this genre as much as I do. Kudos to writers J.N Chaney and Nicholas Sansbury Smith, both have significant libraries worth reading. - Mr.Bill
'Old Guns Book2' is a solid sequel to the first book and a excellent addition to the Young Guns Series. These 'military sci-fi adventures' are a wonderful collection to any reader that enjoys this genre as much as I do. Kudos to writers J.N Chaney and Nicholas Sansbury Smith, both have significant libraries worth reading. - Mr.Bill
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews