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Order of the Centurion #3
Stryker's War
Stryker Company always brings the fight, but when they relieve embittered and embattled Republic marines, they find an enemy unwilling to stand up and face them. Tasked with protecting the Republic's interests on a mining world, the legionnaires face roadside ambushes, double-dealing locals, and constant sabotage. And the mission isn't as straightforward as they thought it would be. As skirmishes escalate into coordinated ambushes and assaults, two squad leaders, Talon and Lankin, are forced to chase after the sparks threatening to ignite the entire populace into a full-blown insurgency. Denied the legionnaires and resources they need to contain the situation, a single platoon fights to complete a mission requiring all of Stryker Company. The outnumbered platoon must work their way from glittering coastal ports, through steamy jungles and dust-covered mines, to find an enemy hidden seamlessly among the indigenous populace. The cost is high; the sacrifice great...but nothing short of death itself will stop the legionnaires of Stryker Company from completing its objective. In this stand-alone tale of combat, brotherhood, and sacrifice, these legionnaires will learn what it truly means to make the ultimate sacrifices for their friends. Experience this thrilling story of combat, brotherhood and sacrifice set in the Galaxy's Edge universe as USAF veteran and retired police officer Josh Hayes teams up with Anspach & Cole. If you're a fan of Legionnaire you'll love this military sci-fi thriller.
290 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2019
210 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 4, 2019
Omg what have you done
I love Galaxies Edge. Every book has been 5 stars. I would get the book and read sometimes in a day, lol sit up late and be bleary eyed at work. But it was always worth it, always a fantastic read,. And now this, I think I have spent 5 days trying to read this, and at 76% I have given up. Completely dis-jointed, characters are flat, there is no story, at about 60% he tried to go all Black Hawk Down, and that was so bad (read previous books, it's been done, but brilliantly). I really could go on and on but this book is seriously not worth the effort. My biggest complaint before about the series was I hated waiting for the next book. I notice there is another author involved here, sorry, it doesn't work, he doesn't understand Galaxies Edge of KTF, and how Jason and Nick allowed this I will never know. And I have read the other book by a different author, The Best Of Us, 5 stars, brilliant. Honestly this should be pulled, sorry guys,
I love Galaxies Edge. Every book has been 5 stars. I would get the book and read sometimes in a day, lol sit up late and be bleary eyed at work. But it was always worth it, always a fantastic read,. And now this, I think I have spent 5 days trying to read this, and at 76% I have given up. Completely dis-jointed, characters are flat, there is no story, at about 60% he tried to go all Black Hawk Down, and that was so bad (read previous books, it's been done, but brilliantly). I really could go on and on but this book is seriously not worth the effort. My biggest complaint before about the series was I hated waiting for the next book. I notice there is another author involved here, sorry, it doesn't work, he doesn't understand Galaxies Edge of KTF, and how Jason and Nick allowed this I will never know. And I have read the other book by a different author, The Best Of Us, 5 stars, brilliant. Honestly this should be pulled, sorry guys,
June 28, 2021
This book is upsetting. It's war. No matter how well done by Ray Porter, it's heartbreaking and sad. It's infuriating. The story lacks the humor and character development of a team, but gives you a true picture of what war is like and how governments manipulate their militaries at the expense of its soldiers. It's on an alien planet and fiction - but I have to wonder at just how true to real life that it is.
April 8, 2023
It's quite amazing how coherent this series is considering each book is developed by a different author. When reading or listening it's very close to having a single voice from book to book. Yet each novel has its story to tell in the GE universe. Stryker's War stars out a bit slow but quickly develops a head of steam. By the end I was wishing I could be there with them...
July 20, 2021
Corporal Garo Lankin is a member of Stryker Company, 71st Legionnaires and he's also a crack shot! He just proved how good he is by almost singlehandedly saving the life of a Republic Senator. Now his dream of going to sniper school will finally come true. Capt Kato has seen to it that he has a slot, now it's up to Corporal Lankin to finish the training.
He does with flying colors and has now returned to the 71st and Styker Company. He's in 1st Platoon who has a new Lt by the name of Duval. He's also a "Point" or an appointed Officer in the Legion. That probably means he has very little training and no experience whatsoever with the Legion. Fortunately, Sergeant Talon, Lankin's best friend, was also his Squad Leader and tried to keep Lankin out of trouble.
They were going the planet Gestor and specifically to Gangeers to cover a mining operation that was experiencing some terrorist activity. The mining op was something that the House of Reason wanted to keep going since it brought in a lot wealth to the Republic, much of which was used to prop up the members of that House. The Republic Senate also probably had some hand in this operation although that wasn't entirely known. The 71st was dropped on Gangeers and were going to take over from the Republic Marines. The Marines had been experiencing some attacks from what they thought were local rebels, but not so many as to make the Marines as sharp as they should be. So when the Legion showed up, they found a lot of work that had to be done to get the FOB operating as it should and to make sure the mining op was well protected. It wasn't right now and they were going to find out just how badly things were real quickly.
Now the author also introduces a Major Wyeire and identifies him as the Commander of Bravo Platoon, 71st Legion. That doesn't make sense given that Capt Kato is the 71st Legion, Stryker Company Commander which would have contained Bravo Platoon unless there's some other kind of TO&E in effect. I don't understand this part, but to make thing worse, Major Wyeire is also a "Point" and he has no intention of going down to the planet with the Legion Company. Yet, he will maintain control of the company while in orbit. He's supposed to be providing requested support when the Company needs it, but Major Wyeire who has no combat experience doesn't think the Company should need any outside help. He's not even willing to send the support he has since he thinks the Legionnaires should be able to just easily defeat any rag-tag resistance they might meet on planet.
So all this means is that the Legionnaires at Gangeers are stuck with what they brought with them and it ain't enough! It turns out that there is a very large and strong terrorist group, well armed and ready for the Legion. They attack everywhere and soon have the Legion thinned out to where they need additional support, but aren't getting any from Major Wyeire. This story shows how badly the House of Reasons interference with the Legion has gotten by their appointment of Legion Officers who are not qualified for any kind of leadership and have very little courage to go with the little brains they do have!
It takes a very heroic effort on the part of Stryker Company, 71st Legionnaires to survive the enemy while fighting against their own leadership!
He does with flying colors and has now returned to the 71st and Styker Company. He's in 1st Platoon who has a new Lt by the name of Duval. He's also a "Point" or an appointed Officer in the Legion. That probably means he has very little training and no experience whatsoever with the Legion. Fortunately, Sergeant Talon, Lankin's best friend, was also his Squad Leader and tried to keep Lankin out of trouble.
They were going the planet Gestor and specifically to Gangeers to cover a mining operation that was experiencing some terrorist activity. The mining op was something that the House of Reason wanted to keep going since it brought in a lot wealth to the Republic, much of which was used to prop up the members of that House. The Republic Senate also probably had some hand in this operation although that wasn't entirely known. The 71st was dropped on Gangeers and were going to take over from the Republic Marines. The Marines had been experiencing some attacks from what they thought were local rebels, but not so many as to make the Marines as sharp as they should be. So when the Legion showed up, they found a lot of work that had to be done to get the FOB operating as it should and to make sure the mining op was well protected. It wasn't right now and they were going to find out just how badly things were real quickly.
Now the author also introduces a Major Wyeire and identifies him as the Commander of Bravo Platoon, 71st Legion. That doesn't make sense given that Capt Kato is the 71st Legion, Stryker Company Commander which would have contained Bravo Platoon unless there's some other kind of TO&E in effect. I don't understand this part, but to make thing worse, Major Wyeire is also a "Point" and he has no intention of going down to the planet with the Legion Company. Yet, he will maintain control of the company while in orbit. He's supposed to be providing requested support when the Company needs it, but Major Wyeire who has no combat experience doesn't think the Company should need any outside help. He's not even willing to send the support he has since he thinks the Legionnaires should be able to just easily defeat any rag-tag resistance they might meet on planet.
So all this means is that the Legionnaires at Gangeers are stuck with what they brought with them and it ain't enough! It turns out that there is a very large and strong terrorist group, well armed and ready for the Legion. They attack everywhere and soon have the Legion thinned out to where they need additional support, but aren't getting any from Major Wyeire. This story shows how badly the House of Reasons interference with the Legion has gotten by their appointment of Legion Officers who are not qualified for any kind of leadership and have very little courage to go with the little brains they do have!
It takes a very heroic effort on the part of Stryker Company, 71st Legionnaires to survive the enemy while fighting against their own leadership!
October 9, 2022
It seems the original two authors keep teaming up with different authors to write these Order of the Centurion series, and it's not an improvement I have to say. So far they've chosen different writers for each of this subseries' titles. Pity. I found it hard to identify with any of the main characters, and therefore hard to remember even who was who. I couldn't really care for them, nor were the enemy combatants clearly fleshed out. It was all pretty two-dimensional, and to get away with that you'd have to have an absolute masterpiece for a plot, so the story could then be plot-driven instead of character-driven. But that fell quite flat.
It was only a very mildly entertaining listen for me, and it took me several weeks to even finish this title (normally it takes me 2-3 days to finish a GE novel).
I did like the way the chapter titles worked to form an entire letter, although it also spoiled the ending a bit from chapter 1 onward.
I have to say that Ray Porter as a GE narrator is growing on me, it seems he's been improving his narration over the several GE titles he's done by now.
It was only a very mildly entertaining listen for me, and it took me several weeks to even finish this title (normally it takes me 2-3 days to finish a GE novel).
I did like the way the chapter titles worked to form an entire letter, although it also spoiled the ending a bit from chapter 1 onward.
I have to say that Ray Porter as a GE narrator is growing on me, it seems he's been improving his narration over the several GE titles he's done by now.
January 8, 2021
Great action, and never bored reading it . The Gestori were not the enemy, but the marines had no choice, with the politicians and brass being the problem. still true today in most but not all cases t
Great action, and never bored reading it . The Gestori were not the enemy, but the marines had no choice, with the politicians and brass being the problem. still true today in most but not all cases t
Great action, and never bored reading it . The Gestori were not the enemy, but the marines had no choice, with the politicians and brass being the problem. still true today in most but not all cases t
October 6, 2021
Another great Legion tale
This reads like the story of Vietnam in some ways, but really could be the Congo too. These things are a standard tale of Colonial exploitation and guerrilla warfare. A very good book with a sad ending that's worth reading because it proves a point a lot of people don't get about the military. It's about the guy fighting next you, your brother, and what you'll do for that guy.
This reads like the story of Vietnam in some ways, but really could be the Congo too. These things are a standard tale of Colonial exploitation and guerrilla warfare. A very good book with a sad ending that's worth reading because it proves a point a lot of people don't get about the military. It's about the guy fighting next you, your brother, and what you'll do for that guy.
July 19, 2023
This is the five-star rating system I use:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
August 29, 2021
3.5/5 - audiobook
Some of the characters had potential, but none came to fruition. The authors returned to some of their frustration with 'points', which was strongest in Legionnaire. While that's an effective, albeit frustrating, feeling, it lost its potency in this book.
My preferred books in Order of the Centurion are the original order.
Some of the characters had potential, but none came to fruition. The authors returned to some of their frustration with 'points', which was strongest in Legionnaire. While that's an effective, albeit frustrating, feeling, it lost its potency in this book.
My preferred books in Order of the Centurion are the original order.
January 30, 2020
Leejes rule.
The House of Reason has a lot to answer for.
The pointless waste of life, all for political gain...sound familiar?
Get the tissues ready for the dust you'll get in your eyes.
Brilliantly written, heart breaking story.
The House of Reason has a lot to answer for.
The pointless waste of life, all for political gain...sound familiar?
Get the tissues ready for the dust you'll get in your eyes.
Brilliantly written, heart breaking story.
December 9, 2020
Well done
Another good solid entry in the Galaxy Edge universe. Well written characters and plot. Could of been a little better with the banter between the Troops, but overall that is a minor issue.
Another good solid entry in the Galaxy Edge universe. Well written characters and plot. Could of been a little better with the banter between the Troops, but overall that is a minor issue.
November 4, 2022
Good action thriller
Action, warrior spirit, bloodshed, contemplation and more are contained in this series. As an Air Force veteran, it’s great for me to see the points of view the hard core disciplined types endure. Kudos.
Action, warrior spirit, bloodshed, contemplation and more are contained in this series. As an Air Force veteran, it’s great for me to see the points of view the hard core disciplined types endure. Kudos.
February 1, 2023
Thank all for another great story!
I've been a fan since the first"Legionnaire" story of the Galaxy's Edge. Also many other stories by these authors. Y'all know how to tell the story from troops point of view. Thank you again!
I've been a fan since the first"Legionnaire" story of the Galaxy's Edge. Also many other stories by these authors. Y'all know how to tell the story from troops point of view. Thank you again!
May 26, 2025
ALL the feelings
Gaaaaa, this book was so good and a huge gut punch at the end. I absolutely loved it. The characters feel so real, and the action is consistent and awesome! I want to punch the Points in the face!!!
Gaaaaa, this book was so good and a huge gut punch at the end. I absolutely loved it. The characters feel so real, and the action is consistent and awesome! I want to punch the Points in the face!!!
February 6, 2020
A solid read.
Anyone who has served or is thinking about serving in the military will get something good out of this book.
Anyone who has served or is thinking about serving in the military will get something good out of this book.
February 14, 2020
A good series
This series has lots of action and also interesting characters. The storyline will have you wanting to binge read the whole series.
This series has lots of action and also interesting characters. The storyline will have you wanting to binge read the whole series.
April 25, 2020
Fast and furious.
April 26, 2020
Very good book ! Excellent characters, excellent use of actual military terminology. Fast paced and very enjoyable! The authors did an outstanding job without question.
May 3, 2020
Love
I really loved stryckers war it was really fun please do not ever stop making this book series😁👍🏻 like I said really good book
I really loved stryckers war it was really fun please do not ever stop making this book series😁👍🏻 like I said really good book
August 12, 2020
Another staple read
Seems to be a general trait, that while these stories are not exceptional unto themselves, they would make great RPG scenarios to be played out.
Seems to be a general trait, that while these stories are not exceptional unto themselves, they would make great RPG scenarios to be played out.
August 18, 2020
Great side story to take a break from the main series of Galaxy's Edge with well developed characters and conflicts with a shocking plot twist.
November 2, 2020
Very good. Great performance. More of the same but worth a listen.
September 29, 2021
Another instalment of the written military space opera series with lots of conscious tangents and intersecting points to America’s experience in Iraq & Afghanistan.
October 10, 2021
a great action story
Characters are people to follow in a story that you grow to like and want to know more about. This is one of the stories I’ve found like that
Characters are people to follow in a story that you grow to like and want to know more about. This is one of the stories I’ve found like that
August 24, 2023
meh.
Lots of combat. Little plot. This is the same battle fought over and over. Not a good book for entertainment unless one likes killing.
Lots of combat. Little plot. This is the same battle fought over and over. Not a good book for entertainment unless one likes killing.
January 14, 2025
Once Again a Home Run
I can’t get enough of these stories about the legion! I’m so glad the writers came up with these stand alone series books.
I can’t get enough of these stories about the legion! I’m so glad the writers came up with these stand alone series books.
January 19, 2020
KTF, Strykers, K. T. F.
January 17, 2020
Good read but the books in the series are getting g repetive !
November 21, 2019
At last I have got used to Ray Porters narrating style and I could settle down and really enjoy the story and it is excellent, I look forward to the next book in the Order of the Centurion series
September 12, 2019
What use is the valor of brave men in the service of evil goals? Stryker’s War is the most gut-wrenching book in the Order of Centurion series so far because it takes a good hard look at the reality that not everything that can get a soldier killed is worth dying for.
The opening lines of each chapter of Stryker’s War are the words of a dead man. A man who clearly believed in the view of war in St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, which files war under love of neighbor. The letter writer saw his service in the Legion as a noble pursuit, ordered to the common good, the tranquillitas ordinis, the well-ordered peace. It is not enough that there is an absence of conflict. You must also see that justice be done.
Unfortunately, the Galactic Republic isn’t really in the business of dispensing justice any more.
They are still in the business of delivering a smack down to anyone who dares to defy them, which the Legion is willing and capable of supplying. Curiously, the House of Reason, and its appointed officers, do not take the Roman model of solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant. With increasing political control of the Legion, it would be easy to crush their enemies and see them driven before them, but this isn’t what we see.
I would guess the reason is two-fold: a numerous and well-equipped Legion is a more dangerous Legion, including to the House of Reason. Maybe worse, in their eyes, is that a visibly successful Legion would have greater political legitimacy. This is likely a simple matter of not enabling a likely enemy. But also, it seems that the House of Reason feels that war must be a little wicked, because it costs money.
With this two-fold reason to never really give the Legion what it wants, even as the House of Reason needs it to take care of its problems, we come to the world of Gestor. Unwilling to commit more than a platoon to fix a security problem at a valuable mining operation, everything quickly spirals out of control into one of the most epic charlie foxtrots I have ever seen.
Every Legionnaire that died felt like I lost a friend. I wanted to scream at the stupid point who wouldn’t call in close air support even to save himself. Rage boiled up against the fools who sent so many men to die because they didn’t want to show up in force. My heart broke for the insurgents too, who just wanted their fair share of the profits of their own mine, and who were getting cheated not just by the Republic, but by their underworld contacts as well.
Now I can see why so many were willing to join up with Goth Sullus, and how even the loyal remnant was willing to invoke Article 19 and go to war against the Republic. This is intolerable. Yet, this much, and worse, was tolerated nonetheless.
Until the day finally came when good men could stand it no longer.
I was provided a copy of this ebook by the publisher for free.
Dear Mom and Dad,
If you are reading this, I’m not coming home.
The opening lines of each chapter of Stryker’s War are the words of a dead man. A man who clearly believed in the view of war in St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, which files war under love of neighbor. The letter writer saw his service in the Legion as a noble pursuit, ordered to the common good, the tranquillitas ordinis, the well-ordered peace. It is not enough that there is an absence of conflict. You must also see that justice be done.
Unfortunately, the Galactic Republic isn’t really in the business of dispensing justice any more.
They are still in the business of delivering a smack down to anyone who dares to defy them, which the Legion is willing and capable of supplying. Curiously, the House of Reason, and its appointed officers, do not take the Roman model of solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant. With increasing political control of the Legion, it would be easy to crush their enemies and see them driven before them, but this isn’t what we see.
The Legion is a calling and the day I signed up, I gave my life to that calling.
I would guess the reason is two-fold: a numerous and well-equipped Legion is a more dangerous Legion, including to the House of Reason. Maybe worse, in their eyes, is that a visibly successful Legion would have greater political legitimacy. This is likely a simple matter of not enabling a likely enemy. But also, it seems that the House of Reason feels that war must be a little wicked, because it costs money.
With this two-fold reason to never really give the Legion what it wants, even as the House of Reason needs it to take care of its problems, we come to the world of Gestor. Unwilling to commit more than a platoon to fix a security problem at a valuable mining operation, everything quickly spirals out of control into one of the most epic charlie foxtrots I have ever seen.
Every Legionnaire that died felt like I lost a friend. I wanted to scream at the stupid point who wouldn’t call in close air support even to save himself. Rage boiled up against the fools who sent so many men to die because they didn’t want to show up in force. My heart broke for the insurgents too, who just wanted their fair share of the profits of their own mine, and who were getting cheated not just by the Republic, but by their underworld contacts as well.
Now I can see why so many were willing to join up with Goth Sullus, and how even the loyal remnant was willing to invoke Article 19 and go to war against the Republic. This is intolerable. Yet, this much, and worse, was tolerated nonetheless.
There are some bad people in the galaxy, and sometimes they need to be taught a lesson. The Legion teaches that lesson well.
I might have finally met my match, but don’t want you to be sad. I stood with my brothers against evil and fought for those who couldn’t.
I only hope I made you proud.
Until the day finally came when good men could stand it no longer.
I was provided a copy of this ebook by the publisher for free.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews