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Kingdom of Engines #2
War Car
Valerie Terravecchia has been invited to join the Knights of the Round Table, but before she can claim her rightful place, she’ll have to cross a dangerous frontier filled with outlaws, bandits, and assassins.
When a gang of lawless Avalonian natives hijacks her prized war car, Valerie is dragged into a conflict beyond anything she’s been trained for.
Her mentor, Damon, is in danger, and it’s up to Valerie to sort out enemies from friends before time runs out for them both.
Outnumbered and alone, Valerie must learn to survive the wild west, where the only law that matters is the way of the sword.
When a gang of lawless Avalonian natives hijacks her prized war car, Valerie is dragged into a conflict beyond anything she’s been trained for.
Her mentor, Damon, is in danger, and it’s up to Valerie to sort out enemies from friends before time runs out for them both.
Outnumbered and alone, Valerie must learn to survive the wild west, where the only law that matters is the way of the sword.
- GenresSpeculative Fiction
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
25 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Van Coops
28 books506 followersNathan Van Coops lives in St. Petersburg, Florida on a diet comprised mainly of tacos. When not tinkering on old airplanes, he writes heroic adventure stories that explore imaginative new worlds. He is the author of the time travel adventure series In Times Like These, the time travel detective series Paradox PI, and The Skylighter Adventures. His recent series, Kingdom of Engines explores a swashbuckling alternate history where the modern and medieval collide. He also writes aviation mystery thrillers under the name Nate Van Coops. Learn more at www.nathanvancoops.com or www.natevancoops.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 25, 2020
More swords, more fast cars, more danger!
Valerie, Damon and Rico are back, travelling to Glastonbury Castle where Valerie is expected to accept the King's offer and join the Knights of the Round Table. Trouble soon finds them in the form of Native Avalonian thieves and a whole new gang of adversaries. I enjoyed seeing a different perspective of the alternate-history world of New Avalon. Gone are the newly-familiar racing grounds where Valerie recently won the King's tournament; our favourite heroes are now up against new enemies in wildly unfamiliar territory.
One of the things that I appreciate about Nathan Van Coops' writing is that he doesn't waste time or words when something better could be happening. There is no slow beginning; the first page throws the reader right into the middle of one action-packed event or another. There are no slow moments as the story progresses, only fast-paced danger and unexpected plot twists. War Car is another brilliantly written piece of work. It is pure adrenaline with a hint of romance and a whole lot of excitement. This exhilarating, hilarious and heart-wrenching escapade is everything a reader could want in an adventure story.
Valerie, Damon and Rico are back, travelling to Glastonbury Castle where Valerie is expected to accept the King's offer and join the Knights of the Round Table. Trouble soon finds them in the form of Native Avalonian thieves and a whole new gang of adversaries. I enjoyed seeing a different perspective of the alternate-history world of New Avalon. Gone are the newly-familiar racing grounds where Valerie recently won the King's tournament; our favourite heroes are now up against new enemies in wildly unfamiliar territory.
One of the things that I appreciate about Nathan Van Coops' writing is that he doesn't waste time or words when something better could be happening. There is no slow beginning; the first page throws the reader right into the middle of one action-packed event or another. There are no slow moments as the story progresses, only fast-paced danger and unexpected plot twists. War Car is another brilliantly written piece of work. It is pure adrenaline with a hint of romance and a whole lot of excitement. This exhilarating, hilarious and heart-wrenching escapade is everything a reader could want in an adventure story.
June 19, 2022
A good continuation of a series that mixes genres. Sword duels and armored car races mix with frontier wild-west setting. (Although, in this world, there are no guns). I felt that the storyline was good, and complimented by some personal twists for the main protagonist. I listened to the audiobook version, and felt that Jess Nahikian's narration added great poise, well-understood, and emotional. I'd love to see a third story.
August 13, 2020
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The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Sword Fight: Kingdom of Engines, Book 1 was a Mad Max/King Arthur/[Insert teen drama TV series here] mashup I loved and didn’t even know I needed. It was a blast to read, so I had high expectations for book 2.
Consider my expectations met! War Car: Kingdom of Engines, Book 2 is a worthy successor. This time there is plenty of Mad-Max war car action mixed with King-Arthur sword fights, but instead of rich-kid teen drama, the war cars and swords are mashed up with the wild, wild west! Just like the first book, it works!
War Car is fast paced and a ton of fun. I loved that I could check out, sit back, and get lost in the absurdness of modern-day knights who fight with legendary swords and drive blazing-fast sports cars reinforced with James Bond style gadgets! There's an interesting story that pulled me along, friendships that gave me things to root for, creepy bag guys who deserved what they got, and a ton of car racing, crashing, sword fighting, and stabbing!
PG language, sexual content, and violence.
Fun for 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Sword Fight: Kingdom of Engines, Book 1 was a Mad Max/King Arthur/[Insert teen drama TV series here] mashup I loved and didn’t even know I needed. It was a blast to read, so I had high expectations for book 2.
Consider my expectations met! War Car: Kingdom of Engines, Book 2 is a worthy successor. This time there is plenty of Mad-Max war car action mixed with King-Arthur sword fights, but instead of rich-kid teen drama, the war cars and swords are mashed up with the wild, wild west! Just like the first book, it works!
War Car is fast paced and a ton of fun. I loved that I could check out, sit back, and get lost in the absurdness of modern-day knights who fight with legendary swords and drive blazing-fast sports cars reinforced with James Bond style gadgets! There's an interesting story that pulled me along, friendships that gave me things to root for, creepy bag guys who deserved what they got, and a ton of car racing, crashing, sword fighting, and stabbing!
PG language, sexual content, and violence.
Fun for 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
March 5, 2021
I found this harder to get into than the first book and, though I still love the premise of the series and think it’s well written, I had an experience similar to reading book one, in that I found some things irked me enough to hamper my enjoyment of the story. For example, the descriptions of some of the female character's bodies felt gratuitous to me, particularly as regards Sheriff Trammel’s obesity (which we are reminded of throughout the book), and especially as none of the male character's bodies are focused on to the same extent. I also still didn't really feel onboard with the romance. I couldn't forget that Val was only 17 up until a month ago, and Kai’s never-explained assertion that Damon (in his 20s) has "a thing for the pure ones” didn't help warm me to the situation. Having said all that, the characters are likable and the book is entertaining, so if these types of things don’t bother you and/or you loved the first book, I think you’ll enjoy this one too.
July 1, 2020
This book starts out like a shot and just never really slows down! Fast paced and so full of adventure and feeling!
This book had a much different feel than the first book but, was no less excellent for it. Bravo to the author for making this such a roller coaster ride of emotions. Of bringing our friends so low only to raise them right back up again! For showing us how strong relationships work together, even in the unknown...and for bringing us new family to love!
Surprising, heartfelt, excellent relationships and characters that are so very relatable. This author's ability to create wonderful friendships and strong bonds never fails to impress me. This is a super visual reading experience that will keep you glued to the pages. You will get the full range of emotions from this book...humor to heartbreak to victory!
Can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
This book had a much different feel than the first book but, was no less excellent for it. Bravo to the author for making this such a roller coaster ride of emotions. Of bringing our friends so low only to raise them right back up again! For showing us how strong relationships work together, even in the unknown...and for bringing us new family to love!
Surprising, heartfelt, excellent relationships and characters that are so very relatable. This author's ability to create wonderful friendships and strong bonds never fails to impress me. This is a super visual reading experience that will keep you glued to the pages. You will get the full range of emotions from this book...humor to heartbreak to victory!
Can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
July 4, 2020
As I loved the first book of Kingdom of Engines series, I was eagerly waiting for the sequel. It was definitely worth the wait, filled with gripping action, well developed characters and emotional challenges that forced them to grow and become stronger. What I like about this series is that though the world the author has created might seem quite grim at times, there is still underlying humour and hope in the better future, and also a strong sense of personal responsibility - even if the world and people around us cannot be trusted and everything seems to be headed toward an inglorious end, there is still honor in fighting for the truth and holding on to our dignity.
I've fallen in love with the protagonists of this story, and I will be looking forward to the next adventure of the series.
I've fallen in love with the protagonists of this story, and I will be looking forward to the next adventure of the series.
July 3, 2020
Once again Nathan releases another edge of seat book, following on from the exploits of Valerie in Kingdom of Engines, we see her make her way to join the Knights of the round table with anything but a straight road ahead. You are quickly drawn into a world of lawlessness on the one hand and chivalric code on the other which leaves you wondering what's coming next. Nathan never fails to surprise me with the twists and turns, making it really difficult to put the book down and get some sleep. My only frustration is coming to the end, like a great holiday where you wish the adventure could simply go on for ever.
August 9, 2023
A fine addition to the legacy of Dame Valerie
I enjoyed this second entry in the “Kingdom of Engines” series. The cross country trip was the perfect adventure setting to advance Valerie’s personal and political development. It is difficult to say much of the story without giving away too much of the excitement, which in my opinion is a hallmark of a book worth reading. My only quibble, I’d really like to mount a steam or compressed air driven Gatling gun on the trunk of that Guardian 777. That would kick some major gas… (see what I did there? *heh*).
I enjoyed this second entry in the “Kingdom of Engines” series. The cross country trip was the perfect adventure setting to advance Valerie’s personal and political development. It is difficult to say much of the story without giving away too much of the excitement, which in my opinion is a hallmark of a book worth reading. My only quibble, I’d really like to mount a steam or compressed air driven Gatling gun on the trunk of that Guardian 777. That would kick some major gas… (see what I did there? *heh*).
July 3, 2020
Great Read ~ Very Exciting!
I loved this second installment from the Kingdom of Engines series. I was immediately drawn in and found myself reading with eager anticipation to see what would happen next. Van Coops’ description of the people and places are so vivid, I was able to see it all clearly in my mind’s eye and it made for a believable alternate world where ”modern and medieval collide”.
I loved this second installment from the Kingdom of Engines series. I was immediately drawn in and found myself reading with eager anticipation to see what would happen next. Van Coops’ description of the people and places are so vivid, I was able to see it all clearly in my mind’s eye and it made for a believable alternate world where ”modern and medieval collide”.
July 7, 2020
What a great sequel! It took a few chapters for me to get into it, but then I wished it would have been longer! I would have loved to see more of what King Logan asked Valerie to look into at the end of Sword Fight, but it seemed like that was not the focus of this book. With that being said, I hope Van Coops plans to write more in this world!
July 12, 2020
Review of War Car II
I liked everything about this book. I was hooked from the start. Let’s just say it didn’t take long to read. Great story line, great characters, and lots of surprises. It didn’t hurt that I read book I. I love it when I find myself grinning when the good guys come riding errr driving to the rescue. Great book. Highly recommend it
I liked everything about this book. I was hooked from the start. Let’s just say it didn’t take long to read. Great story line, great characters, and lots of surprises. It didn’t hurt that I read book I. I love it when I find myself grinning when the good guys come riding errr driving to the rescue. Great book. Highly recommend it
August 16, 2020
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read!!!! The storyline is fabulous the character development is fabulous the romantic and non romantic relationships are fabulous and the fight scenes are fabulous I would rate it at least a 7/5 stars if I could!
December 28, 2020
Another really good story in the series and I really hope there will be more. This is a fun story with plenty of action, war cars, sword fights, a motorcycle gang and native Americans. What more could you ask for
July 4, 2020
3.5 stars
July 8, 2020
Fun read
This was a good, quick read. I like the characters, and the world building. I will definitely read more from this author.
This was a good, quick read. I like the characters, and the world building. I will definitely read more from this author.
July 12, 2020
War Car
Richly original. Heart thumping action. Indian tribal lands, buried oil. Swords, villains, medieval nobles riding tricked out war cars instead of war horses. I loved it!
Richly original. Heart thumping action. Indian tribal lands, buried oil. Swords, villains, medieval nobles riding tricked out war cars instead of war horses. I loved it!
August 9, 2020
Another non stop action read.
A wait well worth it. Riveting and action packed. I love there’s books and hope there is another one. There is so much for our heroine to do.
A wait well worth it. Riveting and action packed. I love there’s books and hope there is another one. There is so much for our heroine to do.
August 12, 2020
A worthy sequel
Easily as good as the first one. A dynamic and well-muscled yarn, and a satisfying heroic adventure. Hurry up and write a third one, man!
Easily as good as the first one. A dynamic and well-muscled yarn, and a satisfying heroic adventure. Hurry up and write a third one, man!
May 9, 2021
Enjoyed the continuing saga of Valerie and her War Car. hope to see more books in this series.
October 20, 2022
4.0
I really enjoyed this story. It was so action packed that it was a wonder the reader survived, let alone the main character. I was having the feeling that there should be a limit to how many near death experiences a character is entitled to. Some main threads left hanging, but in all a good read.
I really enjoyed this story. It was so action packed that it was a wonder the reader survived, let alone the main character. I was having the feeling that there should be a limit to how many near death experiences a character is entitled to. Some main threads left hanging, but in all a good read.
May 3, 2022
I love Nathan Van Coops, hes such an imaginatively brilluant author, i recommend all of his books
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews