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SSG Vanhorn #2
Infiltrators
Staff Sergeant Eli Vanhorn isn’t alone…
But the fate of the people closest to him is in his hands.
The exploration ship Rihla was hit with a powerful planetary defense weapon almost as soon as they made orbit around the planet. With almost no warning, the ship was damaged beyond the ability to save. Staff Sergeant Eli Vanhorn and Corporal Beatrix Finnegan escaped by initiating the armory’s emergency ejection capabilities. They have weapons and survival supplies, but it will take months for the Fleet to send help. In the meantime they have two objectives: find other survivors and stay alive.
After sending a message back to the Fleet, the little band of survivors on the planet Leonis B are being hunted by the savage Orrkasi aliens. It will take all their cunning, everything they know about strategy and tactics, and a fair amount of luck to stay one step ahead of their adversaries. The enemy is closing in on the hidden basecamp used by the survivors of the Rihla, and soon they will have to do the unthinkable… go on the offensive and strike back at the Orrkasi.
Infiltrators is the second book in the fast paced, military sci-fi adventure SSG Vanhorn series. From the imagination of master storyteller Toby Neighbors comes an incredible story of survival, strategy, and sacrifice. It’s a must read for fans of First Blood, Starship Troopers, Battle Los Angles, and Ender’s Game.
But the fate of the people closest to him is in his hands.
The exploration ship Rihla was hit with a powerful planetary defense weapon almost as soon as they made orbit around the planet. With almost no warning, the ship was damaged beyond the ability to save. Staff Sergeant Eli Vanhorn and Corporal Beatrix Finnegan escaped by initiating the armory’s emergency ejection capabilities. They have weapons and survival supplies, but it will take months for the Fleet to send help. In the meantime they have two objectives: find other survivors and stay alive.
After sending a message back to the Fleet, the little band of survivors on the planet Leonis B are being hunted by the savage Orrkasi aliens. It will take all their cunning, everything they know about strategy and tactics, and a fair amount of luck to stay one step ahead of their adversaries. The enemy is closing in on the hidden basecamp used by the survivors of the Rihla, and soon they will have to do the unthinkable… go on the offensive and strike back at the Orrkasi.
Infiltrators is the second book in the fast paced, military sci-fi adventure SSG Vanhorn series. From the imagination of master storyteller Toby Neighbors comes an incredible story of survival, strategy, and sacrifice. It’s a must read for fans of First Blood, Starship Troopers, Battle Los Angles, and Ender’s Game.
- GenresScience FictionAliens
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2021
186 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 30, 2021
The small group of Rhila survivors have found a mountain cavern on Leonis B where they established a basecamp. Here they got some rest and sleep and continue their harassment of the Orcs who were landing in the area searching for them. survival operations. The Orcs didn't know exactly where the survivors were located and that was fine with SSG Vanhorn. He planned to go out away from the mountain basecamp and strike at the Orcs so as to distract them from the mountains. He could do this since he was equipped with his laser rifle and his Gnahii sniper rifle, also laser capable. Both his weapons out-ranged anything the Orcs had by a considerable amount. So, if he kept his distance and prepped the battleground with IEDs, he could effectively herd the Orcs into his killing field and do a great deal of damage to them.
Of course, if they did find him and could get within range of their plasma weapons, he would be done for. Currently, he was apparently the only one willing to go into harms way even though Sgt. Baker was also a TAC-Marine, but one that had no combat experience. SSG Vanhorn believed Sgt Baker was a bully and a coward. He avoided every opportunity to go outside the basecamp and engage the enemy. Still, 2nd Lieutenant Jordan Holly and SSG Vanhorn knew they had to keep the Orcs away from their basecamp or all would be lost.
After numerous unsuccessful attacks by the Orcs, both Jordan and Vanhorn knew they had to do something drastic. They had to go to the Orc's camp and see if they could destroy their powerful laser cannon. It had brought down the Rhila and if the Fleet were to return, that cannon had to be taken out. So, they made a plan and SSG Vanhorn was going to execute it, only Lt. Holly stated she was going along. She was Navy and not a ground combatant, but someone needed to cover SSG Vanhorn's backside and all the other survivors were need to keep the basecamp secure.
Needless to say, this was going to be a very serious and dangerous mission. How it turns out could very well determine whether or not the Rhila survivors could be rescued even if the fleet did show up. And it still was going to be a pretty good while before the fleet reacted to their previously sent message even if it got through to Earth. So, there was a lot of unknowns going. The biggest problem was that the leadership of the small survivor group, Lt. Holly and SSG Vanhorn were both going to be gone and if they were killed or captured, the rest wouldn't last very long.
There was also the question of what happen and where were the other potential survivors of the Rhila's destruction. Surely there were more than the few at the mountain basecamp that made it down safely. Were they captured by the Orcs and if so, where were they being held. Could a rescue be made and even if that could be done, what was the risk?
A lot to find out in this book. SSG Vanhorn very definitely proves he's still got the skills needed for a warfighter. He certainly could us a lot of help, but he's not getting much from this small group. Maybe he'll find something or someone else who can provide some help! He just certainly needs to avoid getting captured. Orcs don't normally kept captives around very long.
The story isn't over. There's certainly more coming in the third book, "Resistance", which I've already started reading.
Of course, if they did find him and could get within range of their plasma weapons, he would be done for. Currently, he was apparently the only one willing to go into harms way even though Sgt. Baker was also a TAC-Marine, but one that had no combat experience. SSG Vanhorn believed Sgt Baker was a bully and a coward. He avoided every opportunity to go outside the basecamp and engage the enemy. Still, 2nd Lieutenant Jordan Holly and SSG Vanhorn knew they had to keep the Orcs away from their basecamp or all would be lost.
After numerous unsuccessful attacks by the Orcs, both Jordan and Vanhorn knew they had to do something drastic. They had to go to the Orc's camp and see if they could destroy their powerful laser cannon. It had brought down the Rhila and if the Fleet were to return, that cannon had to be taken out. So, they made a plan and SSG Vanhorn was going to execute it, only Lt. Holly stated she was going along. She was Navy and not a ground combatant, but someone needed to cover SSG Vanhorn's backside and all the other survivors were need to keep the basecamp secure.
Needless to say, this was going to be a very serious and dangerous mission. How it turns out could very well determine whether or not the Rhila survivors could be rescued even if the fleet did show up. And it still was going to be a pretty good while before the fleet reacted to their previously sent message even if it got through to Earth. So, there was a lot of unknowns going. The biggest problem was that the leadership of the small survivor group, Lt. Holly and SSG Vanhorn were both going to be gone and if they were killed or captured, the rest wouldn't last very long.
There was also the question of what happen and where were the other potential survivors of the Rhila's destruction. Surely there were more than the few at the mountain basecamp that made it down safely. Were they captured by the Orcs and if so, where were they being held. Could a rescue be made and even if that could be done, what was the risk?
A lot to find out in this book. SSG Vanhorn very definitely proves he's still got the skills needed for a warfighter. He certainly could us a lot of help, but he's not getting much from this small group. Maybe he'll find something or someone else who can provide some help! He just certainly needs to avoid getting captured. Orcs don't normally kept captives around very long.
The story isn't over. There's certainly more coming in the third book, "Resistance", which I've already started reading.
April 29, 2021
I liked book one, and book two only confirms what a good decision reading book one was!
Staff Sergeant Vanhorn along with the rest of the crew from the now wrecked Rihla are fighting an ongoing guerilla war against the Orcs, who have a fleet of small ships, an army at their disposal, and a wealth of weapons.
And they're losing, but the question that always is in the back of our head is for how long. The orcs aren't just dumb fodder. They are adapting to SSG Vanhorn's tactics and strategies, and they do manage to catch him once and torture him. They try to kill him multiple times, and despite his failing body, he still fights on.
Book 2 takes us into the Orkassi camp where the weapon that took out the Rihsa is located. They try to destroy but a key piece of tech is lost along the way, so the mission changes to rescuing as many captured people as they can and flying away with an orc ship.
I do have a small complaint with the foreshadowing. I don't know if it would have been more impactful to find out then and then that he'd left the piece of gear behind or not, but it just felt like the foreshadowing is emphasized too much. It's like someone shouting, "Look at this!" while we read.
Anyway, I enjoyed book 2 and the setup for book 3 is solid. If I had to guess, I would say this will be a three or four book series at most which is slightly disappointing. I know Vanhorn can't keep running forever, but I'd enjoy the ride if he tried.
Recommended. 5/5*
Staff Sergeant Vanhorn along with the rest of the crew from the now wrecked Rihla are fighting an ongoing guerilla war against the Orcs, who have a fleet of small ships, an army at their disposal, and a wealth of weapons.
And they're losing, but the question that always is in the back of our head is for how long. The orcs aren't just dumb fodder. They are adapting to SSG Vanhorn's tactics and strategies, and they do manage to catch him once and torture him. They try to kill him multiple times, and despite his failing body, he still fights on.
Book 2 takes us into the Orkassi camp where the weapon that took out the Rihsa is located. They try to destroy but a key piece of tech is lost along the way, so the mission changes to rescuing as many captured people as they can and flying away with an orc ship.
I do have a small complaint with the foreshadowing. I don't know if it would have been more impactful to find out then and then that he'd left the piece of gear behind or not, but it just felt like the foreshadowing is emphasized too much. It's like someone shouting, "Look at this!" while we read.
Anyway, I enjoyed book 2 and the setup for book 3 is solid. If I had to guess, I would say this will be a three or four book series at most which is slightly disappointing. I know Vanhorn can't keep running forever, but I'd enjoy the ride if he tried.
Recommended. 5/5*
February 21, 2024
Living to fight the Orcs!
Stuck on a beautiful dessert planet, overwhelming force of Orcs attending to the excavations for the mineral that was plentiful on this barren, unpopulated world. Around thirty survivors rescued from imprisonment trying to survive with food supplies running out, and their shelter quickly becoming insufficient for their needs. The Orcs were quickly narrowing their search and coming closer to finding them and their camp. SSG Vanhorn was the lone TAC Marine leading the survival efforts and defending the camp from capture. Still they fought with fervor and bloodied the Orcs' noses enough to make them leery of a straight on attack. From the survivors Van has organized a strong resistance. Their lone hope was on their message getting through to the fleet. All they could do was wait and see.
A short list of amazing characters bring the resistance to life, fighting for survival against a stronger overwhelming enemy. The storyline brings Van into action to advance the fight against the mysterious Orkkhasi foe. The master storyteller spins his web of intrigue and a brilliant tale is spun! This is a great read!
Stuck on a beautiful dessert planet, overwhelming force of Orcs attending to the excavations for the mineral that was plentiful on this barren, unpopulated world. Around thirty survivors rescued from imprisonment trying to survive with food supplies running out, and their shelter quickly becoming insufficient for their needs. The Orcs were quickly narrowing their search and coming closer to finding them and their camp. SSG Vanhorn was the lone TAC Marine leading the survival efforts and defending the camp from capture. Still they fought with fervor and bloodied the Orcs' noses enough to make them leery of a straight on attack. From the survivors Van has organized a strong resistance. Their lone hope was on their message getting through to the fleet. All they could do was wait and see.
A short list of amazing characters bring the resistance to life, fighting for survival against a stronger overwhelming enemy. The storyline brings Van into action to advance the fight against the mysterious Orkkhasi foe. The master storyteller spins his web of intrigue and a brilliant tale is spun! This is a great read!
July 4, 2021
What kind of Marines don’t have hand grenades, rocket launchers, or other device is used for expeditionary forces.
I’ve read two books in the series, the second book does not expand the story that much. This authors main protagonist Sergeant Vanhorn he’s not a bad soldier or should I say Marine. His predilection and sophomore attention towards a woman younger than him as well as an officer is a bit silly as far as I’m concerned. What kind of Marines don’t have the proper equipment to go into battle. No grenades, rocket launchers, etc. I will read the next book in the series to see if the story progresses. And this book there is an alien species that is new, but not much else. And we’re back to the main protagonist battling not only an alien horde but having dissension in the ranks as well. This aspect of the story brings up tension but it is used to often. Not a bad book will go on and read the next.
I’ve read two books in the series, the second book does not expand the story that much. This authors main protagonist Sergeant Vanhorn he’s not a bad soldier or should I say Marine. His predilection and sophomore attention towards a woman younger than him as well as an officer is a bit silly as far as I’m concerned. What kind of Marines don’t have the proper equipment to go into battle. No grenades, rocket launchers, etc. I will read the next book in the series to see if the story progresses. And this book there is an alien species that is new, but not much else. And we’re back to the main protagonist battling not only an alien horde but having dissension in the ranks as well. This aspect of the story brings up tension but it is used to often. Not a bad book will go on and read the next.
May 11, 2023
This was a decent read, but a had a few issues with the way the author constructed the story. For example the use of improbable incidents to keep a storyline going;
An extremely experienced marine is on a vitally important covert mission to blow-up a weapon and inexplicably drops the detonator and doesn’t notice.
Also after the loss of the Rihla I had a bet with myself that if one of TAC Marines was going to survive the wreck, the author wouldn’t be able to resist making it Sergeant Theo Barker.
Then there is the way the ‘Orcs’ keep attacking in numbers that Vanhorn can just about cope with, even though they keep getting slaughtered. The numbers seem endless, but for nearly the whole book they never attack in overwhelming numbers or with armoured heavy equipment.
Finally there is the cliff-hanger ending
An extremely experienced marine is on a vitally important covert mission to blow-up a weapon and inexplicably drops the detonator and doesn’t notice.
Also after the loss of the Rihla I had a bet with myself that if one of TAC Marines was going to survive the wreck, the author wouldn’t be able to resist making it Sergeant Theo Barker.
Then there is the way the ‘Orcs’ keep attacking in numbers that Vanhorn can just about cope with, even though they keep getting slaughtered. The numbers seem endless, but for nearly the whole book they never attack in overwhelming numbers or with armoured heavy equipment.
Finally there is the cliff-hanger ending
May 31, 2021
Hard To Kill
I wasn't A huge fan of how the first book unfolded but decided to take a chance and read the second book. It was much better, mainly because the protagonist was too busy fighting ,to worry so much about his previous wounds. One thing that does bug me is the lack of hand grenades and rocket launchers in the Armory. Who goes to war without that? Anyway, on to numero tres
I wasn't A huge fan of how the first book unfolded but decided to take a chance and read the second book. It was much better, mainly because the protagonist was too busy fighting ,to worry so much about his previous wounds. One thing that does bug me is the lack of hand grenades and rocket launchers in the Armory. Who goes to war without that? Anyway, on to numero tres
August 9, 2021
A good read
A good read I really enjoyed. It took me about 2-3 pages to remember the characters and the story line and where I had got to. I did find that sometimes I got I to trouble as was reading a fitbit to get on with even simple task like making a cuppa lol. Read and enjoy just don't forget to do other things lol
A good read I really enjoyed. It took me about 2-3 pages to remember the characters and the story line and where I had got to. I did find that sometimes I got I to trouble as was reading a fitbit to get on with even simple task like making a cuppa lol. Read and enjoy just don't forget to do other things lol
November 4, 2021
very hard to out down
This series is very well written. Toby writes in a very engaging manner. It’s been a long time since I have looked forward to reading usually I do it as a habit a form of relaxation. Reading SSG Vanhorn series is not relaxing it’s exciting. I stay up late and find myself coming home early to read. Highly recommend it.
This series is very well written. Toby writes in a very engaging manner. It’s been a long time since I have looked forward to reading usually I do it as a habit a form of relaxation. Reading SSG Vanhorn series is not relaxing it’s exciting. I stay up late and find myself coming home early to read. Highly recommend it.
April 21, 2021
A nice series
This series has great characters and an intriguing storyline. Follow the adventures of an injured marine that thinks his worth to humanity as a warrior is over as he adapts and overcomes the enemy proving you just can’t stop a marine
This series has great characters and an intriguing storyline. Follow the adventures of an injured marine that thinks his worth to humanity as a warrior is over as he adapts and overcomes the enemy proving you just can’t stop a marine
April 23, 2021
Great story, looking forward to the third book
It’s a bit of a cliffhanger this time! Enjoyable: I read it in a couple of days. The small band of survivors is growing, and wait until you see where they end up!
It’s a bit of a cliffhanger this time! Enjoyable: I read it in a couple of days. The small band of survivors is growing, and wait until you see where they end up!
May 16, 2021
Can't wait for the next 1
I'm having a lot of fun reading this series. It's well written characters are good, the actions pretty intense. I like to plotline, And how the story is unfolding.
I'm having a lot of fun reading this series. It's well written characters are good, the actions pretty intense. I like to plotline, And how the story is unfolding.
May 24, 2021
Just a good read
Yep. Van is the hero. Like the old western cowboy that always can come out on top. I just like the way this author spins a tale. Good battles and a little twist at the end. Must read number three
Yep. Van is the hero. Like the old western cowboy that always can come out on top. I just like the way this author spins a tale. Good battles and a little twist at the end. Must read number three
August 23, 2021
Great book!
And, along with the admirable talents and courage of the main character, we also have a delightful alien species to enjoy. And the good guys keep sticking it to the bad guys! I can’t wait for the next book! Cho!
And, along with the admirable talents and courage of the main character, we also have a delightful alien species to enjoy. And the good guys keep sticking it to the bad guys! I can’t wait for the next book! Cho!
September 10, 2021
Danger behind the lines
Van continues to use his training in E&E (escape and evasion) to foil the Orcs attempts to wipe out the few remaining crew that survived the destruction of their ship.
Van continues to use his training in E&E (escape and evasion) to foil the Orcs attempts to wipe out the few remaining crew that survived the destruction of their ship.
December 27, 2021
#2 Didn’t Disappoint
Book 2 didn’t disappoint a great follow up to book one. SSG Vanhorn keeps taking the fight to the Orks and gets captured along the way, escapes and does more damage. Just a good read from beginning to end.
Book 2 didn’t disappoint a great follow up to book one. SSG Vanhorn keeps taking the fight to the Orks and gets captured along the way, escapes and does more damage. Just a good read from beginning to end.
April 28, 2021
A great read, pure escapism. I stumbled on this series by pure accident and got hooked. they're great books to while away a rainy afternoon with. Can't wait for the next one!
May 5, 2021
Wow!
There are men like Vanhorn in military units around the world, a very few of them. Good story, enjoyed it
There are men like Vanhorn in military units around the world, a very few of them. Good story, enjoyed it
June 16, 2021
Joy to read
I'm enjoying this book and looking forward to the next book and where the author takes this universe. Would recommend.
I'm enjoying this book and looking forward to the next book and where the author takes this universe. Would recommend.
July 7, 2021
Citing
I could not put the book down until I finished it. I liked the characters and the rolls they played in the story.
Jerry
I could not put the book down until I finished it. I liked the characters and the rolls they played in the story.
Jerry
July 7, 2021
Good book
I've read a lot of Toby Neighbors books and find them all to be a five star in my humble opinion.
I've read a lot of Toby Neighbors books and find them all to be a five star in my humble opinion.
January 16, 2022
3.5 stars
January 21, 2022
enjoyable read
Well written. I’m enjoying the story line. Space Marine stranded on display ant planet. Struggling to survive against alien forces with limited resources.
Well written. I’m enjoying the story line. Space Marine stranded on display ant planet. Struggling to survive against alien forces with limited resources.
Read
April 11, 2022Excellent!
Well written and exciting! Filled with action. Not able to put it down! Sci-Fi fans will really enjoy this book!
Well written and exciting! Filled with action. Not able to put it down! Sci-Fi fans will really enjoy this book!
August 13, 2022
Engaging Sci-fi Series
I like all of the characters and the PG rating. This Universe is large, interesting, and engaging. All thumbs up. Bravo!
I like all of the characters and the PG rating. This Universe is large, interesting, and engaging. All thumbs up. Bravo!
May 7, 2024
The first book was a great story and #2 didn’t disappoint either! Really enjoying the series!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews