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Hayden War Cycle #2
Valkyrie Rising
Two years after the initial invasion of Hayden's World, the newly reinforced Hayden Militia is in a state of stalemate with the remaining enemy forces but neither side is content to leave things at that.
The alien alliance has dispatched their varsity to clean up the resistance on Hayden while the USF has officially activated Task Force V, the latest and most advanced combat ships built by humans.
In the end there are some things you decide in the skies, but some can only be settled in the mud.
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Valkyrie Rising is the sequel to On Silver Wings
The alien alliance has dispatched their varsity to clean up the resistance on Hayden while the USF has officially activated Task Force V, the latest and most advanced combat ships built by humans.
In the end there are some things you decide in the skies, but some can only be settled in the mud.
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Valkyrie Rising is the sequel to On Silver Wings
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First published December 29, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 13, 2019
Charles van Buren
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty good military sci-fi
March 13, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Book 2 continues the interesting military sci-fi story which includes both ground action and space battles. The ground action in this book is largely Earth special operations forces vs. similar alien units.
There are some editing problems including the occasional strange sentence structure. It is not bad enough to keep me from enjoying the novel. Nor is it as bad as the "quality issues reported" notification at the Amazon listing would indicate. The overuse and sometime misuse of smirk is a different and irritating matter.
I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty good military sci-fi
March 13, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Book 2 continues the interesting military sci-fi story which includes both ground action and space battles. The ground action in this book is largely Earth special operations forces vs. similar alien units.
There are some editing problems including the occasional strange sentence structure. It is not bad enough to keep me from enjoying the novel. Nor is it as bad as the "quality issues reported" notification at the Amazon listing would indicate. The overuse and sometime misuse of smirk is a different and irritating matter.
I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
September 14, 2019
Pretty good.
December 9, 2025
Good, but a step down from the first book. This one felt more like it was moving necessary pieces into place. Understandably so but still. The action is mostly in the last act but woah boy, it really gets going. 8 more books to go!
April 5, 2016
An Excellent Adventure
A very enjoyable space epic, humans against aliens, and the further adventures of Sergeant Sorrilla Aida.
This is the second book of the series. When an unknown alien force of immense power invades the planet Hayden, the colonists are overrun. The ships sent to defend the planet are overpowered. Only after Sergeant Aida obtains intel on the aliens and their technology (in book one) do humans have any chance of putting up any kind of resistance.
It will take every bit of human ingenuity to put up any kind of fight against aliens that can control gravity itself.
So why only three stars? Because of the mistakes and the dire lack of proofreading.
Results: a fun book to read. Sergeant Aida is a great character, and the story is very interesting. If a little more time had been taken on polishing and proofing this story I would have given it 4-5 stars.
A very enjoyable space epic, humans against aliens, and the further adventures of Sergeant Sorrilla Aida.
This is the second book of the series. When an unknown alien force of immense power invades the planet Hayden, the colonists are overrun. The ships sent to defend the planet are overpowered. Only after Sergeant Aida obtains intel on the aliens and their technology (in book one) do humans have any chance of putting up any kind of resistance.
It will take every bit of human ingenuity to put up any kind of fight against aliens that can control gravity itself.
So why only three stars? Because of the mistakes and the dire lack of proofreading.
Results: a fun book to read. Sergeant Aida is a great character, and the story is very interesting. If a little more time had been taken on polishing and proofing this story I would have given it 4-5 stars.
December 9, 2019
While I am sure you could pick up this one without having had the pleasure of reading On Silver Wings, my firm advice would be to read it first as I think you could slightly flounder at the start of the second book, otherwise. I was pleased that this book opened with my favourite character, the scary super-soldier Sorilla, who featured so memorably in the previous book. But this time, we see her gritting her teeth at the prospect of a series of invasive surgical procedures as her military wetware is being upgraded. I was pleased to see this, as authors often airily allude to these additions, but it is relatively rare to see our protagonists having to pay the price for all those awesome fighting skills.
However, while she is recuperating, all is not well. Those pesky aliens are still causing havoc, which causes the infighting amongst the human spacefaring nations to abruptly stop their feuding and frantically begin arming against this technically superior threat. Since the disastrous first encounters that have wiped out so many captains, many posts are now being filled by suitably experienced women, giving rise to the derisive nickname by some of the more chauvinist elements of the Valkyrie Force… Disappointing to see that sexism is still alive and well in Currie’s future universe – but all too realistic, I feel.
Military sci fi often requires a number of viewpoint characters in order to give the reader a ringside seat in a variety of settings as the action swings around. This time around, we find ourselves in the head of an alien fighting on jungle planet, Hayden, along with Sorilla, Admiral Nadine Brookes amongst others. Sorilla is still a solid favourite, but Nadine runs a close second.
While the first book is characterised by some cracking action scenes on the colony planet fighting a rearguard action after having been initially overrun, this book contains some excellent space battles. Currie writes the techie stuff well – sufficient detail so that I could follow what was going on without silting up the forward action by too much description. He is also good at keeping the viewpoint character and her reactions to the fore in the middle of all the high-stakes fighting.
This book took a bit longer to get going than the first book – but then, we needed to find out what was happening in order to understand what is at stake, but once the full situation is laid out, I was whisked up in the tension of an incipient alien invasion. This is a strong second book, taking the action on yet leaving some major questions open – particularly around the aliens and their motivations. Recommended for fans of engrossing military science fiction, I will be continuing this series.
8/10
However, while she is recuperating, all is not well. Those pesky aliens are still causing havoc, which causes the infighting amongst the human spacefaring nations to abruptly stop their feuding and frantically begin arming against this technically superior threat. Since the disastrous first encounters that have wiped out so many captains, many posts are now being filled by suitably experienced women, giving rise to the derisive nickname by some of the more chauvinist elements of the Valkyrie Force… Disappointing to see that sexism is still alive and well in Currie’s future universe – but all too realistic, I feel.
Military sci fi often requires a number of viewpoint characters in order to give the reader a ringside seat in a variety of settings as the action swings around. This time around, we find ourselves in the head of an alien fighting on jungle planet, Hayden, along with Sorilla, Admiral Nadine Brookes amongst others. Sorilla is still a solid favourite, but Nadine runs a close second.
While the first book is characterised by some cracking action scenes on the colony planet fighting a rearguard action after having been initially overrun, this book contains some excellent space battles. Currie writes the techie stuff well – sufficient detail so that I could follow what was going on without silting up the forward action by too much description. He is also good at keeping the viewpoint character and her reactions to the fore in the middle of all the high-stakes fighting.
This book took a bit longer to get going than the first book – but then, we needed to find out what was happening in order to understand what is at stake, but once the full situation is laid out, I was whisked up in the tension of an incipient alien invasion. This is a strong second book, taking the action on yet leaving some major questions open – particularly around the aliens and their motivations. Recommended for fans of engrossing military science fiction, I will be continuing this series.
8/10
December 1, 2022
This story took a very slight step back in the action, but it used that extra time to provide some exposition. There were also some neat POV switches which provided some context to the overall situation that humanity faces in these books as well as highlighting just how deadly our hero and her team is.
As enjoyable as it was, I was ready to give this one a 2* rating by the end of the book because this 2nd book takes the title "Valkyrie Rising" very literally. Now, I say this as someone who was originally attracted to this series because of the strong female lead, which I will say that Aida does not disappoint. However, Valkyrie Rising makes a point to have multiple characters throughout the ~260 page story comment on the number of women who find themselves in military leadership positions. Now, the ladies who were filling these positions were each awesome in their own right, but being constantly reminded of it, often snidely, felt out of place, and it was distracting.
As enjoyable as it was, I was ready to give this one a 2* rating by the end of the book because this 2nd book takes the title "Valkyrie Rising" very literally. Now, I say this as someone who was originally attracted to this series because of the strong female lead, which I will say that Aida does not disappoint. However, Valkyrie Rising makes a point to have multiple characters throughout the ~260 page story comment on the number of women who find themselves in military leadership positions. Now, the ladies who were filling these positions were each awesome in their own right, but being constantly reminded of it, often snidely, felt out of place, and it was distracting.
May 22, 2020
Better than the first of the series, with the same fast paced action but a little bit more personality and fleshing out of the characters. Giving the alien's POV was an interesting choice, as they didn't feel particularly "alien," but it didn't really hurt the enjoyment of the book since it was evened out by giving the reader a little extra information when the characters were flying blind for so long. As with the first book, the time setting feels a bit ambiguous, with far future tech but very current attitudes and speech. Plenty of epic battles and ultra competent protagonists, largely female. A summer blockbuster action movie of a book.
March 29, 2025
This a new author for me. After reading syfi for a good 66yrs, I find his awesome.
The frist story was a great opener to introduce some well defined characters and story line. Got me thinking maybe this is not just another space story. He is crafting the caricatures well. This second book cares on the story line. With more in-depth action. Looking forward to more books. Wife say it's time for bed. But ill b back tomorrow ☺
The frist story was a great opener to introduce some well defined characters and story line. Got me thinking maybe this is not just another space story. He is crafting the caricatures well. This second book cares on the story line. With more in-depth action. Looking forward to more books. Wife say it's time for bed. But ill b back tomorrow ☺
November 12, 2017
Great Alien Invasion Military Space Opera
This is a really good alien invasion military space opera, as unknown aliens attack an Earth colony. Humanity had never before even encountered a sentient alien race, but now the Hayden colony was attacked by at least three different races...with unknown tech and weapons.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
This is a really good alien invasion military space opera, as unknown aliens attack an Earth colony. Humanity had never before even encountered a sentient alien race, but now the Hayden colony was attacked by at least three different races...with unknown tech and weapons.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
December 30, 2018
A good follow on. Slow to start and set the scene and then onto the main flow of the book. My only issue is lots of techno babble and waffle. Both detracted from the glow of the story though some may feel these added to the overall picture I found them tedious particularly when the story got moving. They came more like an advert break so risked losing the flow.
July 19, 2021
Pretty shallow but fun.
It was fun to get the alien point of view. As well as getting the kick butt girl back in the game. Problem is I was a little to far ahead of the plot most of the time. But I was not there for a huge twist or meaningful story…. Just a little fun. And never tell the reader that it only took 4 weeks to write.
It was fun to get the alien point of view. As well as getting the kick butt girl back in the game. Problem is I was a little to far ahead of the plot most of the time. But I was not there for a huge twist or meaningful story…. Just a little fun. And never tell the reader that it only took 4 weeks to write.
August 13, 2018
This book takes place several years after the invasion of the planet Hayden's World. Earth finally sends assistance to the colony, but the alien also sends in a team to clean up the Earth's presence on the Hayden Colony world. Good storyline and continue of the first book.
October 8, 2018
My reading history firmly suggests I enjoy Military SF and I definitely liked this episode. Guerrilla planetary combat, SF guns n ammo, starship battles, albeit with somewhat overly familiar alien forces and a heavy dose of "Uh-rah". It's actually a bit Predator in this tale!
October 29, 2020
The story isn't bad but a few longwinded sections makes it drag a bit. Worse of all though, and I noticed this in book 1, is the continuous use of the words ‘smirk’ or ‘smirked’ 🤯 Almost every page has someone ‘smirking’ ..wtf 😆
April 24, 2021
Never underestimate a woman
With 2 taskforces destroyed, the newest is made up largely of women. Meanwhile, Sgt. Sorilla is back on planet with the toughest commandos Earth can field. But the enemy has commandos, too...
With 2 taskforces destroyed, the newest is made up largely of women. Meanwhile, Sgt. Sorilla is back on planet with the toughest commandos Earth can field. But the enemy has commandos, too...
June 30, 2021
Nice read
The book is a nice read and is easy to follow. The pace of the book keeps moving forward and doesn’t take a lot of room up re-explaining a topic over and over again or having unneeded back stories.
The book is a nice read and is easy to follow. The pace of the book keeps moving forward and doesn’t take a lot of room up re-explaining a topic over and over again or having unneeded back stories.
February 7, 2022
I love the way the conflict builds up to an explosion of action. The addition of povs from Kriss and the Sentinals added a new depth to the book. It humanized the aliens and provided a more robust understanding of the conflict. Sorilla and the operatives were exhilierating to follow in the end.
December 10, 2022
A rousing answer to invasion.
Seems there's a lot more to learn on both sides of this war. The enemy is smart with a technological advantage. But don't count Earth out. We don't quit.
Seems there's a lot more to learn on both sides of this war. The enemy is smart with a technological advantage. But don't count Earth out. We don't quit.
September 17, 2017
Good read
Finding this series interesting next one please. if its as good as the rest then I will be reading them all ,, Wolf1949@hotmail.co.uk.
Finding this series interesting next one please. if its as good as the rest then I will be reading them all ,, Wolf1949@hotmail.co.uk.
March 10, 2018
Good sequel
March 17, 2018
It's a fun popcorn book in a fun popcorn series.
March 19, 2018
Another excellent entry to the series
March 20, 2018
Heads up
Wow! What a ride,, more of that definitely, plot brilliant, characters excellent. High speed and damn the torpedoes. Buy it. Nothing else to say.
Wow! What a ride,, more of that definitely, plot brilliant, characters excellent. High speed and damn the torpedoes. Buy it. Nothing else to say.
April 9, 2018
Descent war story
A descent war story. With some very strong female lead characters. Each book could be longer. But over all a good read.
A descent war story. With some very strong female lead characters. Each book could be longer. But over all a good read.
July 8, 2018
Enjoying this series. The second book was just as good as the first.
July 27, 2018
Great read
Want sure about this series when I started it, however I am now totally hooked. I am now in speed reading mode
Want sure about this series when I started it, however I am now totally hooked. I am now in speed reading mode
October 4, 2018
Love all Evan’s books
This is an outstanding series. He hooked me from the first page. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book.
This is an outstanding series. He hooked me from the first page. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book.
September 8, 2019
Awesome book
One kickass ride as the bad guys get their teeth kicked in. Good read, good storyline and a lot left for a good sequel
One kickass ride as the bad guys get their teeth kicked in. Good read, good storyline and a lot left for a good sequel
October 23, 2019
Perfect adventure read.
Second, and possibly even better read than the first. Couldn’t put it down. Great story and great characters. Well done!!
Second, and possibly even better read than the first. Couldn’t put it down. Great story and great characters. Well done!!
October 27, 2019
griping
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews