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Days of Future Past #2
Days of Future Past - Part 2: Present Tense
Coyote has a new task for Paul, one that involves him traveling north hundreds of miles over the post-apocalyptic landscape of California, the place that Paul once called home.
Thankfully, Sarah and Heather have both decided to go with him and between Heather's shooting skills and Sarah's magical ones; Paul thinks he might just live through whatever scheme Coyote has enlisted him in. If he can live through telling the girls just what Coyote's got him carrying in his pack now of course.
At least he's done with Riggs and hopefully won't have to deal with him ever again, nothing could be worse than that after all!
Thankfully, Sarah and Heather have both decided to go with him and between Heather's shooting skills and Sarah's magical ones; Paul thinks he might just live through whatever scheme Coyote has enlisted him in. If he can live through telling the girls just what Coyote's got him carrying in his pack now of course.
At least he's done with Riggs and hopefully won't have to deal with him ever again, nothing could be worse than that after all!
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2017
75 people are currently reading
41 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
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 3, 2023
Note: I read all three books in this series one after another so I'm giving them all the same review. (Note also that I actually listened to three audio books but an audio version isn't listed on Goodreads.com for book three so this review will appear under the Kindle edition there.)
The worst thing about this series is it would have made a good book. Unfortunately the author turned it into three books with books 1 and 2 ending in the middle of the story. That is extremely unprofessional story telling and the reason why I'll be giving each of these books 1 star even though they have some good qualities. What is really sad is that it was completely unnecessary- the books aren't that long: Book 1, 220 pages; book 2, 228 pages; book 3, 186 pages. With some editing this could have been a really good 500 page book instead of a crappy money grab in three installments.
So the MC is a pilot who has the misfortune of being in a training plane with the Navajo "chosen one" when that plane is taken 500 years into a post-apocalyptic future. So the MC isn't THE CHOSEN ONE, he is, however, a chosen one, having been chosen by the minor god Coyote who perceives some problems with the other gods' plans.
This brings me to the two major good points of this story: First, with a MC who is potentially secondary to the saving of the world there is at least some possibility that he could die. Second, Coyote doesn't like assholes so, when the MC starts acting like one he gets smacked. I have long been sick of authors who make their MC a chosen one and then turn that chosen one into an ass. Why would anyone tolerate, let alone follow, such a person?
The chosen one in this story turns out to be a huge ass, selling the MC into slavery at the first opportunity. This brings us to the one scene the author really screwed up: The MC and the chosen one hated each other and the MC was planning on going his own way and had been TOLD BY THE GODS THAT THEY DON'T CARE IF HE LIVES OR DIES. Why then did he stand still while a bunch of Navajo approached? It was completely obvious that the Navajo were on the chosen one's side. What good could come of standing still while your enemy gains reinforcements???? The author completely failed to explained the MC's behavior here. Which is how the chosen one was able to sell him to the Navajo as a slave.
STOP HERE TO AVOID SPOILERS.
Coyote rescues the MC and sends him to a high tech town where the MC, with Coyote's help, gambles to raise funds for the mission Coyote has picked out for him. It turns out that before the apocalypse the USA had developed AI and a large marine armory remains intact under the watchful eye of one such AI. The MC, having picked up a couple of wives along the way makes the dangerous trek through the wilds to the armory, losing a man to a dragon attack along the way. Coyote tells the MC to grab a nuke and head north. Turns out dragons are evil and aligned with the bad guy and there is a major dragon nesting ground to the north.
The MC and wives encounter a wizard and free his genie. Then they encounter elves who imprison them since they won't discuss their top secret mission to nuke the dragons. In the midst of their escape the MC & co. encounter a dwarf who hears enough (and knows a nuke when he sees it) to figure out MC & co.'s mission. The dwarf immediately signs on and helps MC & co. complete their escape and mission.
After that, and several other small adventures, the MC joins the main army for the taking of a city (Reno, I believe). More adventures until in book 3 the MC is set up by Coyote to be captured by the big baddie. The big baddie is a cyborg of the rebel leader who brought about the apocalypse. However, his human part died a long time ago but the rebel leader saw his death coming and programmed his robot self to pretend otherwise so his followers wouldn't find out. By this time the MC is well known enough that Coyote knows the rebel leader will keep him close, like in the command center where the rebel leader is. This means the robot's requirements to pretend to have some human limitations will kick in hampering its defense against the chosen one's attacking army, which is a large part of what lets the good guys win.
Afterwords Coyote tells the MC he must go to Area 51 and take a ship to the moon because otherwise automated systems on the moon will simply make another robot bad guy. So MC & co. go to the moon and the story is brought to a fairly satisfactory conclusion although I'll leave those details out here.
Bottom line: Would have been a good single book but it isn't worth the price of three books and authors shouldn't be rewarded for pulling that crap.
The worst thing about this series is it would have made a good book. Unfortunately the author turned it into three books with books 1 and 2 ending in the middle of the story. That is extremely unprofessional story telling and the reason why I'll be giving each of these books 1 star even though they have some good qualities. What is really sad is that it was completely unnecessary- the books aren't that long: Book 1, 220 pages; book 2, 228 pages; book 3, 186 pages. With some editing this could have been a really good 500 page book instead of a crappy money grab in three installments.
So the MC is a pilot who has the misfortune of being in a training plane with the Navajo "chosen one" when that plane is taken 500 years into a post-apocalyptic future. So the MC isn't THE CHOSEN ONE, he is, however, a chosen one, having been chosen by the minor god Coyote who perceives some problems with the other gods' plans.
This brings me to the two major good points of this story: First, with a MC who is potentially secondary to the saving of the world there is at least some possibility that he could die. Second, Coyote doesn't like assholes so, when the MC starts acting like one he gets smacked. I have long been sick of authors who make their MC a chosen one and then turn that chosen one into an ass. Why would anyone tolerate, let alone follow, such a person?
The chosen one in this story turns out to be a huge ass, selling the MC into slavery at the first opportunity. This brings us to the one scene the author really screwed up: The MC and the chosen one hated each other and the MC was planning on going his own way and had been TOLD BY THE GODS THAT THEY DON'T CARE IF HE LIVES OR DIES. Why then did he stand still while a bunch of Navajo approached? It was completely obvious that the Navajo were on the chosen one's side. What good could come of standing still while your enemy gains reinforcements???? The author completely failed to explained the MC's behavior here. Which is how the chosen one was able to sell him to the Navajo as a slave.
STOP HERE TO AVOID SPOILERS.
Coyote rescues the MC and sends him to a high tech town where the MC, with Coyote's help, gambles to raise funds for the mission Coyote has picked out for him. It turns out that before the apocalypse the USA had developed AI and a large marine armory remains intact under the watchful eye of one such AI. The MC, having picked up a couple of wives along the way makes the dangerous trek through the wilds to the armory, losing a man to a dragon attack along the way. Coyote tells the MC to grab a nuke and head north. Turns out dragons are evil and aligned with the bad guy and there is a major dragon nesting ground to the north.
The MC and wives encounter a wizard and free his genie. Then they encounter elves who imprison them since they won't discuss their top secret mission to nuke the dragons. In the midst of their escape the MC & co. encounter a dwarf who hears enough (and knows a nuke when he sees it) to figure out MC & co.'s mission. The dwarf immediately signs on and helps MC & co. complete their escape and mission.
After that, and several other small adventures, the MC joins the main army for the taking of a city (Reno, I believe). More adventures until in book 3 the MC is set up by Coyote to be captured by the big baddie. The big baddie is a cyborg of the rebel leader who brought about the apocalypse. However, his human part died a long time ago but the rebel leader saw his death coming and programmed his robot self to pretend otherwise so his followers wouldn't find out. By this time the MC is well known enough that Coyote knows the rebel leader will keep him close, like in the command center where the rebel leader is. This means the robot's requirements to pretend to have some human limitations will kick in hampering its defense against the chosen one's attacking army, which is a large part of what lets the good guys win.
Afterwords Coyote tells the MC he must go to Area 51 and take a ship to the moon because otherwise automated systems on the moon will simply make another robot bad guy. So MC & co. go to the moon and the story is brought to a fairly satisfactory conclusion although I'll leave those details out here.
Bottom line: Would have been a good single book but it isn't worth the price of three books and authors shouldn't be rewarded for pulling that crap.
December 2, 2017
I read this one because the first one was just too much of a cliffhanger for me not too.
It's a good book though not quite as good ad the first one.
The story is paying off on everything it built in the first book. Not all of it positive so it's not JUST a wish fulfillement book, Though see review of book one it is a bit of one.
It also spends quite a bit of time world building further from the first book and while I wouldn't want to live there I would love to read other stories taking place there.
It does conclude as a "To be continued..." but not as bad as the first book and I'm comfortable leaving the series for now. (It's good enough I'll go back eventually, but I'm going to read some less marty stu before I do.)
It's a good book though not quite as good ad the first one.
The story is paying off on everything it built in the first book. Not all of it positive so it's not JUST a wish fulfillement book, Though see review of book one it is a bit of one.
It also spends quite a bit of time world building further from the first book and while I wouldn't want to live there I would love to read other stories taking place there.
It does conclude as a "To be continued..." but not as bad as the first book and I'm comfortable leaving the series for now. (It's good enough I'll go back eventually, but I'm going to read some less marty stu before I do.)
September 8, 2018
Better and better
Really come to like this series. Once again need to thank the author he rejoined Kindle Unlimited. Would never had tried it, and would miss one of my favorite series of his. Amazon really messed up the LITRPG category with banning authors without warning. I know that for legal reason that could not say publicity, but given now warning or appeal scared many authors with good reason. Sure ban them from KU if they broke the rule, but to ban them selling books at all on Amazon is heavy handed.
Really come to like this series. Once again need to thank the author he rejoined Kindle Unlimited. Would never had tried it, and would miss one of my favorite series of his. Amazon really messed up the LITRPG category with banning authors without warning. I know that for legal reason that could not say publicity, but given now warning or appeal scared many authors with good reason. Sure ban them from KU if they broke the rule, but to ban them selling books at all on Amazon is heavy handed.
March 13, 2023
Good follow-up to Past Tense
Alternate universe, high tech, magic, dragons, harem fade-to-black
Paul, Sarah, and Heather are in the thick of things in the war against evil mages, dragons, giants, evil fey, and more. Riggs is still an asshole and Coyote has plans for the three. Sort of a cliffhanger, but fortunately the third book is out. If you read the first one, this one is non-stop adventure with some close scrapes. Fun, and recommended.
Alternate universe, high tech, magic, dragons, harem fade-to-black
Paul, Sarah, and Heather are in the thick of things in the war against evil mages, dragons, giants, evil fey, and more. Riggs is still an asshole and Coyote has plans for the three. Sort of a cliffhanger, but fortunately the third book is out. If you read the first one, this one is non-stop adventure with some close scrapes. Fun, and recommended.
July 11, 2023
An excellent story as I would expect from John Van Stry
Spoiler alert: Exciting, with unexpected twists and turns. Really, a djinn. The MC and his wives fight dragons, outwit elves, befriend dwarves and then take part in a war. Of course, they take some lumps along the way. That just makes it realistic. Looking forward to reading the last installment as I prepare for a vacation.
Spoiler alert: Exciting, with unexpected twists and turns. Really, a djinn. The MC and his wives fight dragons, outwit elves, befriend dwarves and then take part in a war. Of course, they take some lumps along the way. That just makes it realistic. Looking forward to reading the last installment as I prepare for a vacation.
November 17, 2021
boring first act saved by an Explosive end that had me cheering!
This book gets lost and wanders around bumping into trees and walls, And then it suddenly becomes The Hobbit. Well, the Hobbit with automatic weapons and rocket launchers.
If all is well that ends well, than this book ends very well indeed. Just stick through that directionless first third.
This book gets lost and wanders around bumping into trees and walls, And then it suddenly becomes The Hobbit. Well, the Hobbit with automatic weapons and rocket launchers.
If all is well that ends well, than this book ends very well indeed. Just stick through that directionless first third.
November 13, 2023
Continued Action!
Despite not being "the Chosen One" Paul struggles to complete the tasks that the Navaho god Coyote assigns to him, resulting in an entertaining story of a world where magic has returned.
This is the second book of a trilogy, but Van Stry doesn't take his foot off the pedal, the action continues fast and furious.
Despite not being "the Chosen One" Paul struggles to complete the tasks that the Navaho god Coyote assigns to him, resulting in an entertaining story of a world where magic has returned.
This is the second book of a trilogy, but Van Stry doesn't take his foot off the pedal, the action continues fast and furious.
January 16, 2019
having read the first book and been intersted i was perhaps more keen ot read this than i should have been its rather late right now so i'll grab book 3 when i get out of bed but so far i like what ive read for sure
September 4, 2020
A very packed adventure
The adventure in the book was epic. The races meet and allied with, the journey itself, the expansion of the love triangle, the the outright war. What a book. I am so ready for the third installment!!
The adventure in the book was epic. The races meet and allied with, the journey itself, the expansion of the love triangle, the the outright war. What a book. I am so ready for the third installment!!
December 9, 2022
looking forward to future reading
I’m really enjoying this series. The main character is likable and engaging. It combines fantasy and military sci-fi well. Looking forward to reading the third installment.
I’m really enjoying this series. The main character is likable and engaging. It combines fantasy and military sci-fi well. Looking forward to reading the third installment.
October 12, 2024
Wonderful writing
Excellent writing with characters who engage your emotions. An interesting plot with good twists. It has well thought out protagonist and a cast of characters who have a breadth which is delightful.
Looking forward to the next book!!
Excellent writing with characters who engage your emotions. An interesting plot with good twists. It has well thought out protagonist and a cast of characters who have a breadth which is delightful.
Looking forward to the next book!!
May 8, 2017
Loved the book and looking forward to the next one. John van stry is becoming one of my favourite author.
July 13, 2017
3.5 continuation of book 1, Days of Future Past. Still a good story, and I'm curious about the next book.
Narrated by Doug Tinsdale, Jr.
see comments from Days of Future Past as they all apply
Narrated by Doug Tinsdale, Jr.
see comments from Days of Future Past as they all apply
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2018
Good book! Good series!
Good book! Fast paced, lots of action. Good plot and twists. Like the characters, new and old! A Fun read!
Good book! Fast paced, lots of action. Good plot and twists. Like the characters, new and old! A Fun read!
March 10, 2018
This book is just a continuation of the first book in the series. If you liked that book, you'll like this book as it continues the story on.
April 5, 2018
Excellent second installment. Very reminiscent of American Gods at this point. Diving right into the last in the trilogy.
September 23, 2018
Fun story, well written
October 12, 2018
Harem sci-fi fantasy. Our perfect hero wins again.
April 8, 2020
3 stars, maybe 3.25, think it is getting better, I did enjoy it, If you like the first book you should like this one.
August 4, 2020
A very entertaining follow up to a very interesting series.
August 13, 2020
Mission First
Another fun entry in one of my new favorite series. Really enjoying how the MC can suck it up and make the mission the priority while dealing with Major A.H.
Another fun entry in one of my new favorite series. Really enjoying how the MC can suck it up and make the mission the priority while dealing with Major A.H.
January 21, 2022
In Part 2 we return right after Part 1 ended with Paul having just finished the first quest set out by Coyote and setting out for the next. As expected of a trickster deity, things are never easy and the god is not above using Paul to teach a few others a lesson on the way. Luckily, poor Paul does find a few allies along the way and even a backup is worth keeping alive at least for the time being. Not that it helps him being send of into what appears to be suicide missions. We also get to see the enemy, although it is still a bit of a mystery who is leading them, what their goals are and why outside help was required. As book 1, it does not end at a cliffhanger, but the story is obviously not finished.
If you like Part 1, you like Part 2 for the exact same reasons. Fairly straightforward action orientated story with a reluctant hero, but hero none the less, who does not spend time wallowing in self-pity nor is there any need to question the motives of all people involved. The world is the same, nice mix of Mad Max, SF and fantasy. Some times the victory feels a bit too cheap, especially on the grand scale of things (hence the earlier question on why outside help was needed), and there are the occasional spelling errors, but neither is too distracting for me.
All in all, entertaining second part of the series and looking forward to Part 3. John delivered a good entertaining read as expected.
If you like Part 1, you like Part 2 for the exact same reasons. Fairly straightforward action orientated story with a reluctant hero, but hero none the less, who does not spend time wallowing in self-pity nor is there any need to question the motives of all people involved. The world is the same, nice mix of Mad Max, SF and fantasy. Some times the victory feels a bit too cheap, especially on the grand scale of things (hence the earlier question on why outside help was needed), and there are the occasional spelling errors, but neither is too distracting for me.
All in all, entertaining second part of the series and looking forward to Part 3. John delivered a good entertaining read as expected.
March 26, 2017
Great book
Great book. Each book is better than the last. Cannot wait for the next. Like world is great and very interesting. Cannot wait for the next book
Great book. Each book is better than the last. Cannot wait for the next. Like world is great and very interesting. Cannot wait for the next book
March 27, 2017
Another Winner
Centuries in the future, magic has returned to a post-apocalyptic world, and gods with it. Paul, an Air Force Lieutenant accidentally got pulled along when the gods reached back to our time and picked up a more senior officer to save the world. Paul wasn't any part of that plan, but Coyote decided that he could be useful.
In this second installment, Paul and his wives find that elves and dwarves have also returned as he travels north through what is left of California on what may be a suicide mission. But that may not be the worst of it, as he once again crosses paths with the officer that the gods really wanted, who has another small task for the junior officer that he hates.
The characters are engaging, there's enough suspense to keep you reading way past bed time, with enough humorous moments to keep it from overwhelming the story. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next installment.
Centuries in the future, magic has returned to a post-apocalyptic world, and gods with it. Paul, an Air Force Lieutenant accidentally got pulled along when the gods reached back to our time and picked up a more senior officer to save the world. Paul wasn't any part of that plan, but Coyote decided that he could be useful.
In this second installment, Paul and his wives find that elves and dwarves have also returned as he travels north through what is left of California on what may be a suicide mission. But that may not be the worst of it, as he once again crosses paths with the officer that the gods really wanted, who has another small task for the junior officer that he hates.
The characters are engaging, there's enough suspense to keep you reading way past bed time, with enough humorous moments to keep it from overwhelming the story. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews