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The Lyons' Pride
No other Human is more enigmatic than the Lyon
On the African savanna, the male lion is the lord who watches over his family, while the females of the clan do the real work.
Joel, “The Lyon” Lyons thought that owning a mercenary company would be similar—he could sit back and allow the Lyoness to run the Pride. Everything would go well, money from successfully completed contracts would flow like water into his bank accounts, and everything would be as easy as it had been for him when he’d owned a chain of highly-successful restaurants.
It’s easy to be full of pride when everything is going your way.
But when he runs afoul of Peepo, the Veetanho who is arguably the most successful mercenary general in galactic history, he finally meets his match—someone who is every bit the master of logistics he is—and he is brought low.
The true measure of a man isn’t in never being knocked down, though—it’s in what you do when you are. When Peepo leaves him for dead on the battlefield, will the Lyon slink away from the galactic spotlight, or will he get back up again and let the galaxy hear him roar?
On the African savanna, the male lion is the lord who watches over his family, while the females of the clan do the real work.
Joel, “The Lyon” Lyons thought that owning a mercenary company would be similar—he could sit back and allow the Lyoness to run the Pride. Everything would go well, money from successfully completed contracts would flow like water into his bank accounts, and everything would be as easy as it had been for him when he’d owned a chain of highly-successful restaurants.
It’s easy to be full of pride when everything is going your way.
But when he runs afoul of Peepo, the Veetanho who is arguably the most successful mercenary general in galactic history, he finally meets his match—someone who is every bit the master of logistics he is—and he is brought low.
The true measure of a man isn’t in never being knocked down, though—it’s in what you do when you are. When Peepo leaves him for dead on the battlefield, will the Lyon slink away from the galactic spotlight, or will he get back up again and let the galaxy hear him roar?
- GenresScience Fiction
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2022
127 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Chris Kennedy
138 books163 followersA Webster Award winner and three-time Dragon Award finalist, Chris Kennedy is a Science Fiction/Fantasy author, speaker, and small-press publisher who has written over 50 books and published more than 400 others. Get his free book, “Shattered Crucible,” at his website, https://chriskennedypublishing.com.
Called “fantastic” and “a great speaker,” he has coached hundreds of beginning authors and budding novelists on how to self-publish their stories at a variety of conferences, conventions, and writing guild presentations. He is the author of the award-winning #1 bestseller, “Self-Publishing for Profit: How to Get Your Book Out of Your Head and Into the Stores.”
Chris lives in Coinjock, North Carolina, with his wife. Follow Chris on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ckpublishing/.
Called “fantastic” and “a great speaker,” he has coached hundreds of beginning authors and budding novelists on how to self-publish their stories at a variety of conferences, conventions, and writing guild presentations. He is the author of the award-winning #1 bestseller, “Self-Publishing for Profit: How to Get Your Book Out of Your Head and Into the Stores.”
Chris lives in Coinjock, North Carolina, with his wife. Follow Chris on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ckpublishing/.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 30, 2025
When “Lyon's Pride” begins Joel 'The Lyon' Lyons is a globally successful restaurateur.
He's also blessed with the type of luck that mere mortals can only dream about.
So, it makes absolutely no sense that he would sell up and decide to form a Mercenary group ('Lyons' Pride) to fight among the stars.
It's not his brightest idea.
The book stumbles along for a good while before finally settling down into an interesting plot.
Even then there are problems - it spans over 50 years but only covers the start and end, seemingly invincible enemies become all too vulnerable, and the ending (in which one enemy is suddenly replaced by another) is baffling.
It is described as the first book in 'The Phoenix Initiative' but seems to be part of a larger collection of novels - what exactly, for example, are the Four Horsemen?
That said there's enough going for it to keep the reader interested (cats and debts is a good example).
3 Stars.
He's also blessed with the type of luck that mere mortals can only dream about.
So, it makes absolutely no sense that he would sell up and decide to form a Mercenary group ('Lyons' Pride) to fight among the stars.
It's not his brightest idea.
The book stumbles along for a good while before finally settling down into an interesting plot.
Even then there are problems - it spans over 50 years but only covers the start and end, seemingly invincible enemies become all too vulnerable, and the ending (in which one enemy is suddenly replaced by another) is baffling.
It is described as the first book in 'The Phoenix Initiative' but seems to be part of a larger collection of novels - what exactly, for example, are the Four Horsemen?
That said there's enough going for it to keep the reader interested (cats and debts is a good example).
3 Stars.
August 15, 2022
A masterpiece of world advancement
I've read every book in this universe and this one might be the most masterful bit of storytelling of them all.
You see, this book manages to take a favorite secondary character and place him under the spotlight as the main protagonist. Then Kennedy and Wolf deftly bring this character across the time span from nearly the very first books in the universe all the way to opening the door to what's next for the universe. And they did it in (mostly) a way that feels completely natural. They tied up some universe tangents, left some nuggets certainly to be fun stories on their own, and did it all within a rollicking fun of a book.
A masterpiece of writing in this universe.
I've read every book in this universe and this one might be the most masterful bit of storytelling of them all.
You see, this book manages to take a favorite secondary character and place him under the spotlight as the main protagonist. Then Kennedy and Wolf deftly bring this character across the time span from nearly the very first books in the universe all the way to opening the door to what's next for the universe. And they did it in (mostly) a way that feels completely natural. They tied up some universe tangents, left some nuggets certainly to be fun stories on their own, and did it all within a rollicking fun of a book.
A masterpiece of writing in this universe.
September 24, 2022
Return to form
This is a much loved series that I have been losing interest in due to the last few entries not being up to scratch. This time , however, things have returned to the expected levels. A new arc is beginning and this story starts off delving into the past of the enigmatic Lyon, covering his start as a wannabe merc ,his numerous failings, hatred for the rats , and what he was up to during the other arcs. It's a great tale that shows some deep human emotions , hubris and failings. Ultimately culminating in his somewhat redemption. The story reaches all the way up to the current timeline of events and introduces the titular ,Phoenix Initiative . Greatly looking forward to the next books.
This is a much loved series that I have been losing interest in due to the last few entries not being up to scratch. This time , however, things have returned to the expected levels. A new arc is beginning and this story starts off delving into the past of the enigmatic Lyon, covering his start as a wannabe merc ,his numerous failings, hatred for the rats , and what he was up to during the other arcs. It's a great tale that shows some deep human emotions , hubris and failings. Ultimately culminating in his somewhat redemption. The story reaches all the way up to the current timeline of events and introduces the titular ,Phoenix Initiative . Greatly looking forward to the next books.
September 12, 2022
Story spans a century
While a generational story, this covers about a century of one mercenary family. Touches on major events and characters in the four horsemen universe. Even has a look at everyone's favorite homicidal kittens, and insight into the four armed maybe not canon fodder.
While a generational story, this covers about a century of one mercenary family. Touches on major events and characters in the four horsemen universe. Even has a look at everyone's favorite homicidal kittens, and insight into the four armed maybe not canon fodder.
September 14, 2022
Very Fun Read
I’m not a reader, because I’m more visual (I like pictures). But the authors brought the story to life and made you love the “Lyon’s”, feel their pains and still laugh with them.
For me and for anyone looking SiFi book that is simple and very fun to read. This is the book and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Chris and Marisa
I will be buying more of your books.
I’m not a reader, because I’m more visual (I like pictures). But the authors brought the story to life and made you love the “Lyon’s”, feel their pains and still laugh with them.
For me and for anyone looking SiFi book that is simple and very fun to read. This is the book and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Chris and Marisa
I will be buying more of your books.
October 20, 2022
The start of a fabulous series
Taking place in the Four Horsemen universe, this is a story of impulsiveness, tenacity, and love. It has battles, villains, heroes, and Depik. If you’re familiar with the universe, Depik are feline assassins..and that’s an understatement.
I really enjoyed it can’t wait to read the next one.
Taking place in the Four Horsemen universe, this is a story of impulsiveness, tenacity, and love. It has battles, villains, heroes, and Depik. If you’re familiar with the universe, Depik are feline assassins..and that’s an understatement.
I really enjoyed it can’t wait to read the next one.
November 23, 2022
A good read.
I wasn't impressed with the MC at first because he was such an impulsive Idiot with more money than brains, and ended up getting people killed due to his know-it-all cluelessness.
But that was just part of the 'formula' trope to set him up for the rest of the book, which turned into a solid four-plus star read with him redeeming himself.
I wasn't impressed with the MC at first because he was such an impulsive Idiot with more money than brains, and ended up getting people killed due to his know-it-all cluelessness.
But that was just part of the 'formula' trope to set him up for the rest of the book, which turned into a solid four-plus star read with him redeeming himself.
August 16, 2022
Excellent!
Did you wonder about the Lyon, owner of the infamous Lyon’s Den joint?
Did you wonder why he had Lumar as security?
Did you wonder why Cartwright’s cavaliers helped him?
Did you ….
Ok, here I shall stop.
Just read the book to have answers to all those questions.
Did you wonder about the Lyon, owner of the infamous Lyon’s Den joint?
Did you wonder why he had Lumar as security?
Did you wonder why Cartwright’s cavaliers helped him?
Did you ….
Ok, here I shall stop.
Just read the book to have answers to all those questions.
February 8, 2023
4HU Mil SciFi at its Best!!
Could not put this down!! Both old and new 4HU fans will love this story. It's got it all - action, adventure, and best of all, heart. The Lyon roars into the 4HU universe in style, and I can't wait to see where the Phoenix Initiative takes us next!!
Could not put this down!! Both old and new 4HU fans will love this story. It's got it all - action, adventure, and best of all, heart. The Lyon roars into the 4HU universe in style, and I can't wait to see where the Phoenix Initiative takes us next!!
February 18, 2023
I've always been a fan of military scifi, and this book is no exception. Great stuff here. I've read a few books in this universe, but none on this branch of the storyline. Found this one really good though, and plan to seek out more if there are any.
March 17, 2024
Restaurateur to Mercenary Leader
Well paced tale, fully developed characters, with lots of action, intrigue, backstabbing, courage and resilience. Took several evenings to read, but not one second was wasted.
Well paced tale, fully developed characters, with lots of action, intrigue, backstabbing, courage and resilience. Took several evenings to read, but not one second was wasted.
October 10, 2022
good book
Good read. Check it out. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Amazon is a pain.
Good read. Check it out. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Amazon is a pain.
October 21, 2022
Sci-Fi adventure. Take a galaxy with quite the mix of species, including humans, some good, some bad and some (most likely) ugly. Throw in a bit of humor for good measure and you have a great read.
November 20, 2022
A fun read from start to finish
Entertaining and full of surprises. Cringe worthy mistakes and breath taking action. Thoroughly enjoyable and well worth buying or borrowing.
Entertaining and full of surprises. Cringe worthy mistakes and breath taking action. Thoroughly enjoyable and well worth buying or borrowing.
December 18, 2022
Okay
Very slow start, uneven writing styles. Other than that it fills in some background. Just didn't reach out and suck me in like most 4 Horseman novels do.
Very slow start, uneven writing styles. Other than that it fills in some background. Just didn't reach out and suck me in like most 4 Horseman novels do.
May 24, 2023
Pride and family
I found this first story to be a great read. Family is everything to most of us. I look forward to seeing the second book. Make it happen soon
I found this first story to be a great read. Family is everything to most of us. I look forward to seeing the second book. Make it happen soon
December 27, 2023
Great read!
Well written, lots of battles, tons of merchandise action, aliens, did I mention aliens? Yup, lots of aliens! Well done!
Well written, lots of battles, tons of merchandise action, aliens, did I mention aliens? Yup, lots of aliens! Well done!
January 3, 2024
Wow
This was a fun read. Good story ,plot, and characters . I really enjoyed this book. It is worth your time. I hope he continues the story.
This was a fun read. Good story ,plot, and characters . I really enjoyed this book. It is worth your time. I hope he continues the story.
February 16, 2024
Fast paced. Plot driven. Action tale of perseverance
Story follows the trials of a mercenary turned barkeeper to free his wife and daughter taken hostage by a powerful alien.
Story follows the trials of a mercenary turned barkeeper to free his wife and daughter taken hostage by a powerful alien.
March 18, 2024
Wow
What a fun read! Very well written, great story can't wait to read the 2nd book! 4 more words needed...
What a fun read! Very well written, great story can't wait to read the 2nd book! 4 more words needed...
July 23, 2025
I enjoyed it very much, great story look forward to the next one.
February 25, 2025
RECOMMENDED
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews