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Old Guns #2
The Gauntlet: An Old Guns Prequel
Before they were Old Guns, they made first contact…
After humanity's deep space probe Squanto goes missing in the Gauntlet, Staff Sergeant Martin Kelvin and Sergeant Frank Cage are pulled from leave to search for the vessel. Three teams have already vanished in the quantum corridor where time fractures and physics breaks down. But Squanto didn't just find a path through; they found something waiting in the darkness.
The blood-marked wreckage holds humanity's first contact with a new alien race—one that phases through solid hull and can't be killed by conventional weapons. Martin, Frank, and their squad will pay the price for finding passage through the Gauntlet. Some doors were never meant to be opened.
Listen to the prequel novella to Old Guns, the new high-octane military sci-fi saga by USA Today-bestselling author J.N. Chaney and New York Times-bestselling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
After humanity's deep space probe Squanto goes missing in the Gauntlet, Staff Sergeant Martin Kelvin and Sergeant Frank Cage are pulled from leave to search for the vessel. Three teams have already vanished in the quantum corridor where time fractures and physics breaks down. But Squanto didn't just find a path through; they found something waiting in the darkness.
The blood-marked wreckage holds humanity's first contact with a new alien race—one that phases through solid hull and can't be killed by conventional weapons. Martin, Frank, and their squad will pay the price for finding passage through the Gauntlet. Some doors were never meant to be opened.
Listen to the prequel novella to Old Guns, the new high-octane military sci-fi saga by USA Today-bestselling author J.N. Chaney and New York Times-bestselling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
Audible Audio
Published April 23, 2026
32 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 25, 2026
Daunting prequel!
An enlightening and horrifying experience to go through. A perfect introduction to Old Guns series. Already read book-1, now waiting for book-2’s release
An enlightening and horrifying experience to go through. A perfect introduction to Old Guns series. Already read book-1, now waiting for book-2’s release
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Gauntlet is exactly the kind of prequel that makes you fall even harder for the world of Old Guns. It drops you straight into the chaos, camaraderie, and razor‑sharp banter of Frank Cage, Martin Kelvin, and the rest of Terminator Platoon — and it does it with that signature Nicholas Sansbury Smith energy: gritty, funny, and grounded in the bonds between soldiers who’ve seen too much and still keep going.
From the first chapter, you’re thrown into a mix of danger and dark humor that feels effortlessly real. The squad’s chemistry is instant — the kind of lived‑in, battle‑forged connection that makes every joke land and every tense moment hit harder. Even in the middle of alien nests, bioluminescent caves, and tactical disasters disguised as ‘creative decisions,’ the heart of the story is the people.
And R.C. Bray brings the whole thing to life with that unmistakable gravel‑warm delivery. He nails the humor, the tension, and the emotional beats in a way that makes the squad feel even more real — like you’re right there in the launch bay with them.
What I loved most was how this prequel deepened the characters we met in Old Guns. You see the scars forming, the loyalty building, and the history that shapes who they eventually become. It’s action‑packed, fast‑paced, and full of the kind of storytelling that makes you want to follow these Marines anywhere — even into the Gauntlet itself.
If you’re reading/listening to Old Guns, this prequel is a must. It’s sharp, it’s funny, it’s intense, and it adds so much richness to the universe. A fantastic companion piece that stands strong on its own.
From the first chapter, you’re thrown into a mix of danger and dark humor that feels effortlessly real. The squad’s chemistry is instant — the kind of lived‑in, battle‑forged connection that makes every joke land and every tense moment hit harder. Even in the middle of alien nests, bioluminescent caves, and tactical disasters disguised as ‘creative decisions,’ the heart of the story is the people.
And R.C. Bray brings the whole thing to life with that unmistakable gravel‑warm delivery. He nails the humor, the tension, and the emotional beats in a way that makes the squad feel even more real — like you’re right there in the launch bay with them.
What I loved most was how this prequel deepened the characters we met in Old Guns. You see the scars forming, the loyalty building, and the history that shapes who they eventually become. It’s action‑packed, fast‑paced, and full of the kind of storytelling that makes you want to follow these Marines anywhere — even into the Gauntlet itself.
If you’re reading/listening to Old Guns, this prequel is a must. It’s sharp, it’s funny, it’s intense, and it adds so much richness to the universe. A fantastic companion piece that stands strong on its own.
April 25, 2026
Marine Sergeants Frank Cage and Martin Kelvin explore the evidence of a fight
In the Gauntlet space behaves differently enabling rapid transit to a new habitable section of space decades from the Solar System under normal travel. The Gauntlet could make the trip in days, hours even, if they could find a safe path through. The last few attempts hadn't made it, never too be heard from again until a message made it through, saying that the last Scout through had found the path, but didn't survive to return. Sergeants Cage and Kelvin and team are assigned to explore what happened to the last Scout ship and its crew. They found the way through, but also found the aliens responsible for attacking the Scouts.
Introducing new characters can be challenging, but these sergeants mold themselves perfectly for their purpose. Rough and ready, battle scars showing and hidden reveal their readiness for the mission and beyond. A good storyline to bring the Old Guns into the light. This is a good read!
In the Gauntlet space behaves differently enabling rapid transit to a new habitable section of space decades from the Solar System under normal travel. The Gauntlet could make the trip in days, hours even, if they could find a safe path through. The last few attempts hadn't made it, never too be heard from again until a message made it through, saying that the last Scout through had found the path, but didn't survive to return. Sergeants Cage and Kelvin and team are assigned to explore what happened to the last Scout ship and its crew. They found the way through, but also found the aliens responsible for attacking the Scouts.
Introducing new characters can be challenging, but these sergeants mold themselves perfectly for their purpose. Rough and ready, battle scars showing and hidden reveal their readiness for the mission and beyond. A good storyline to bring the Old Guns into the light. This is a good read!
April 25, 2026
The Gauntlet - being an Old Gun comes with serious responsibility
The Gauntlet is an excellent follow-up, I mean prequel, to Old Guns, the premier book in the series by writer Nicholas Sansbury Smith. In this story we are treated (or exposed) to a realistic interaction of two crusty old space marines in their downtime. When called back to active duty, that all ends as things gets very serious. The banter in replaced by a life and death struggle as their team is sent to investgate the disappearance of one of the fleets ships. They soon encounter a previously unknown entity. The chilling meeting, no pun intended, has deadly consequences. This 'thing' is unlike anything they had ever seen and could wipe out the entire squad. The audible story is performed by one of the best narrator, RC Bray. I am very excited to read the next release in the Old Guns series. -Mr.Bill
The Gauntlet is an excellent follow-up, I mean prequel, to Old Guns, the premier book in the series by writer Nicholas Sansbury Smith. In this story we are treated (or exposed) to a realistic interaction of two crusty old space marines in their downtime. When called back to active duty, that all ends as things gets very serious. The banter in replaced by a life and death struggle as their team is sent to investgate the disappearance of one of the fleets ships. They soon encounter a previously unknown entity. The chilling meeting, no pun intended, has deadly consequences. This 'thing' is unlike anything they had ever seen and could wipe out the entire squad. The audible story is performed by one of the best narrator, RC Bray. I am very excited to read the next release in the Old Guns series. -Mr.Bill
April 24, 2026
Absolutely Captivating—A Must-Read Prequel!
"The Gauntlet" is an extraordinary stand-alone prequel to "Old Guns" that exceeded all my expectations as an old Vietnam veteran. This book brilliantly captures the bonds, challenges, and humor found in military life, particularly the Marines, bringing each character and scene to life with powerful authenticity. The story resonated with me long after I finished reading, thanks to its genuine portrayal of grit and camaraderie. If you’re a veteran, a military enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates compelling storytelling, this prequel is for you. I highly recommend "The Gauntlet” and am leaning forward in the foxhole in anticipation for "Old Guns."
"The Gauntlet" is an extraordinary stand-alone prequel to "Old Guns" that exceeded all my expectations as an old Vietnam veteran. This book brilliantly captures the bonds, challenges, and humor found in military life, particularly the Marines, bringing each character and scene to life with powerful authenticity. The story resonated with me long after I finished reading, thanks to its genuine portrayal of grit and camaraderie. If you’re a veteran, a military enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates compelling storytelling, this prequel is for you. I highly recommend "The Gauntlet” and am leaning forward in the foxhole in anticipation for "Old Guns."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kick ass little prequel to Old Guns. There is already a solid history established in Old Guns, and the Gauntlet incident is both vital to the story and constantly referenced, so getting the gritty details of the event really fleshes out how bad the incidents really was. Easy and quick read that really adds to the feeling of Old Guns.
April 23, 2026
I barely got into this.
My thinking was I would read this to see if it would be worth my while to read Old Guns. I am one of those folks turned off by beer swigging and cursing so I closed it down pretty quick and will also take Old Guns off my interest list. Sorry
My thinking was I would read this to see if it would be worth my while to read Old Guns. I am one of those folks turned off by beer swigging and cursing so I closed it down pretty quick and will also take Old Guns off my interest list. Sorry
May 9, 2026
I am really enjoyed the Old Guns series by NSS and Chaney. This prequel was a good rearview into how we got to Book 1, and I appreciated the backfill of information. It just really added to the enjoyment. Can't wait for book 2.
Contains language and violence.
Contains language and violence.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awesome prequel to book 1. Love old guys with guns banter is amazing and affordable in full effect. Never count an old warrior out.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was fun to listen to. The story is good, the characters are good and the narrator made the story come to life.
April 24, 2026
Loved the backstory to Old Guns. Good story and well written.
April 25, 2026
Nice short about the 2 old guns before they were old. Looking forward to the next story in this series.
May 5, 2026
Audiobook review. Good intro to series this is a prequel with info to start the series with.
Review of advance copy
The Gauntlet is a fast, gripping novella that packs a lot of punch into a short read. Nicholas Sandburg Smith introduces badass liquid alien antagonists that feel fresh and unsettling, adding a unique edge to the action. What really grounds the story, though, is the main character — a family man whose motivations feel real and relatable, giving the stakes emotional weight.
It also works perfectly as an exciting uopening to the upcoming novel Old Guns, leaving wanting see where this story goes next. A quick, memorable read that sticks with you.
Now it’s time to crack open OLD GUNS!!
It also works perfectly as an exciting uopening to the upcoming novel Old Guns, leaving wanting see where this story goes next. A quick, memorable read that sticks with you.
Now it’s time to crack open OLD GUNS!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews