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Wolfhounds #4
War Child: Wolfhounds - Book Four
Speaker Phillip T Neill has finally gotten his hands on Chase, and he's definitely got plans. First there will be a little lesson taught. Then there will be a show trial! A big fancy show trial with all of the media there as it's broadcast live across the entirety of the Democratic People's Republic of Solaria!
While the outcome may be predetermined, it doesn't matter to Speaker Neill, he knows that Chase is a fraud and the idea of destroying the little gutter snipe before the entire Republic makes him smile. Then, after he's done and the fake prince has been sentenced to death, Speaker Neill has a show planned for the Morgan pretender that the people will remember for a long time.
Of course Chase has other plans about how this trail is going to proceed, even if the ending is predetermined. One of those is to go down swinging, while exposing Phillip for the stupid and vicious man that he really is.
And maybe, just maybe, there are other people out there who have plans of their own as well...
While the outcome may be predetermined, it doesn't matter to Speaker Neill, he knows that Chase is a fraud and the idea of destroying the little gutter snipe before the entire Republic makes him smile. Then, after he's done and the fake prince has been sentenced to death, Speaker Neill has a show planned for the Morgan pretender that the people will remember for a long time.
Of course Chase has other plans about how this trail is going to proceed, even if the ending is predetermined. One of those is to go down swinging, while exposing Phillip for the stupid and vicious man that he really is.
And maybe, just maybe, there are other people out there who have plans of their own as well...
- GenresScience Fiction
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2024
246 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
John Van Stry
51Ìýbooks359ÌýfollowersI'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 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 6, 2024
Absolutely loved it.... and unless I am very very much mistaken... so will YOU.
But... John Van Stry's books should come with a health warning: Do NOT start them when other tasks await... you will not want to put em down. It is seldom that I just want to race thru these books so I can start on the next one. Am nearly 80 years old and trust me, to keep me spellbound takes a lot of doing, but John has managed it.
The main Character in the book series is so well portrait... you cannot help applauding him from his climb from gutter rat to emperor.
Look... enough said.. get those books... escape into the future and be freed from reality while you are reading. John has linked the books so to make it easy to go from one to the other.
just cannot wait to get my hands on the last ? one in the series... John.. hurry up.. I wanna get my hands on it before I become a "Silent Key" as we ham radio operators say.
THANK YOU JOHN for giving me so much enjoyment.
Albert
But... John Van Stry's books should come with a health warning: Do NOT start them when other tasks await... you will not want to put em down. It is seldom that I just want to race thru these books so I can start on the next one. Am nearly 80 years old and trust me, to keep me spellbound takes a lot of doing, but John has managed it.
The main Character in the book series is so well portrait... you cannot help applauding him from his climb from gutter rat to emperor.
Look... enough said.. get those books... escape into the future and be freed from reality while you are reading. John has linked the books so to make it easy to go from one to the other.
just cannot wait to get my hands on the last ? one in the series... John.. hurry up.. I wanna get my hands on it before I become a "Silent Key" as we ham radio operators say.
THANK YOU JOHN for giving me so much enjoyment.
Albert
July 23, 2024
Great story but we do not have to see the MC and his girlfriend acting like rabbits every few pages. PS all the characters are likable and very well flushed out. Enjoy this book tremendously.
If you like a fast pace, military sci-fi book with Mechspaceships and a great cast of characters, you will enjoy this book and series. My only problem is the MC and his girlfriend soon to be wife can’t keep their hands off each other during the book. They act like hormonal 17-year-olds, which is a little disconcerting for the types of characters. They’re supposed to portray. Besides that that’s my only issue with the book and story. Little less grabbing on each other and a little bit more action.
If you like a fast pace, military sci-fi book with Mechspaceships and a great cast of characters, you will enjoy this book and series. My only problem is the MC and his girlfriend soon to be wife can’t keep their hands off each other during the book. They act like hormonal 17-year-olds, which is a little disconcerting for the types of characters. They’re supposed to portray. Besides that that’s my only issue with the book and story. Little less grabbing on each other and a little bit more action.
August 17, 2024
I enjoyed the basic story, but some of the details don’t always bear close examination. I like a good space opera where there are interesting tactics and a battle of minds and after the earlier books I hoped that this is how this series would develop, but the treatment of the battles was quite perfunctory with very little imagination.
Also the main villain was always a psychopath, but has now become just a caricature and the battle of intellect and wills between Chase and Speaker Neill has disappeared, maybe Ryan will turnout to be an interesting adversary.
Finally I’m not sure about the author’s portrayal of most of his female character as sex objects.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
Also the main villain was always a psychopath, but has now become just a caricature and the battle of intellect and wills between Chase and Speaker Neill has disappeared, maybe Ryan will turnout to be an interesting adversary.
Finally I’m not sure about the author’s portrayal of most of his female character as sex objects.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
August 2, 2024
up all night
Well I got comfy and started to read. The characters, the humor and the action were everything I hoped for. Now it’s early the next day, my eyes are itchy I haven’t slept. I read it straight through, every time I was about to put it down it would build. I wanted to just finish the chapter, again and again. Now I have to wait for the next book. That was awesome, I need sleep but all I can think is I should have reread the series before this, guess I’ll do that after I get some sleep. Great book
Just a solid action packed book with a serious prick, In the best possible way, as the main character.
I tired, but worth it.
Well I got comfy and started to read. The characters, the humor and the action were everything I hoped for. Now it’s early the next day, my eyes are itchy I haven’t slept. I read it straight through, every time I was about to put it down it would build. I wanted to just finish the chapter, again and again. Now I have to wait for the next book. That was awesome, I need sleep but all I can think is I should have reread the series before this, guess I’ll do that after I get some sleep. Great book
Just a solid action packed book with a serious prick, In the best possible way, as the main character.
I tired, but worth it.
July 21, 2024
Great read, building to a conclusion next book
I really enjoy these space opera type of stories, especially with a bit of romance thrown in. Some ground and space MechWarrior style battles are included in the ship to ship space battles as Chase fights his way in a rigged court. Can’t go into details without spoilers, so I will end saying this is a favourite book series for me, and I will wait patiently for the concluding book/story arc. Author has mentioned a possible follow up book/stories in this universe after this arc finishes.
I really enjoy these space opera type of stories, especially with a bit of romance thrown in. Some ground and space MechWarrior style battles are included in the ship to ship space battles as Chase fights his way in a rigged court. Can’t go into details without spoilers, so I will end saying this is a favourite book series for me, and I will wait patiently for the concluding book/story arc. Author has mentioned a possible follow up book/stories in this universe after this arc finishes.
July 25, 2024
Book 4... still great space opera with excellent political intrigue
The MC arrives at the tomb before the usurper's heir. The little turd recieves a warm welcome before the wolfhounds continue to prosecute the war. The finale is an exciting scorched earth space battle as the strategy to move into the end game draws closer. However, the Damocles project has not yet reared its head. Still, intelligence assets - aka spys on the DPRS prime world Cor Imperii are maneuvering to make sure that Neill and his cronies feel the pain.
A very intruiging and exciting series.
The MC arrives at the tomb before the usurper's heir. The little turd recieves a warm welcome before the wolfhounds continue to prosecute the war. The finale is an exciting scorched earth space battle as the strategy to move into the end game draws closer. However, the Damocles project has not yet reared its head. Still, intelligence assets - aka spys on the DPRS prime world Cor Imperii are maneuvering to make sure that Neill and his cronies feel the pain.
A very intruiging and exciting series.
July 29, 2024
Now I'm waiting..again
These books are honestly fantastic in my eyes. The main character is actually competent, unafraid without being a completely overbearing b -hole, works hard and knows his shortcomings and the author doesn't pull a deus ex machina to get him out of his struggles.
Things are actually logical but not all-knowing either. This is one of the better series of books I've ever read and is now firmly in my favorites.
Again I think the series as well as this book in particular are amazing.
These books are honestly fantastic in my eyes. The main character is actually competent, unafraid without being a completely overbearing b -hole, works hard and knows his shortcomings and the author doesn't pull a deus ex machina to get him out of his struggles.
Things are actually logical but not all-knowing either. This is one of the better series of books I've ever read and is now firmly in my favorites.
Again I think the series as well as this book in particular are amazing.
August 11, 2024
I have read all four books and I enjoyed them very much. Good character development across-the-board. Also, the action scenes are well written. I did however, take off one star for the author’s fixation on sexual intercourse. I’m no prude and I don’t mind reading romantic and even sexual content. The sexual references in the book are not raunchy by any stretch of the imagination. But many of the characters can’t seemingly go five minutes without trying to get one another in bed. It almost eclipses the entire storyline. It is so pervasive in fact that I find myself wondering if there are actually people in this world who throw themselves at one another at seemingly every single opportunity. Trust me, I’ve never been that lucky.
October 5, 2024
A strong, sensible and compelling read. Well worth the time!
I really enjoyed this 4th book of the Wolfhounds. The "Empire" characters are strong and resemble the best of our own military leadership; the nasty "coup group" exemplifies the worst in machiavelian tendencies keeping its citizens in fear. I also enjoyed and appreciated the story and flow of this book. My only criticism is the editing. Resolving the few wrong word choices and occasional grammatical issues could have improved my rating to a solid "5". As it is, I'd give this book a 4.6.
I really enjoyed this 4th book of the Wolfhounds. The "Empire" characters are strong and resemble the best of our own military leadership; the nasty "coup group" exemplifies the worst in machiavelian tendencies keeping its citizens in fear. I also enjoyed and appreciated the story and flow of this book. My only criticism is the editing. Resolving the few wrong word choices and occasional grammatical issues could have improved my rating to a solid "5". As it is, I'd give this book a 4.6.
July 22, 2024
The Empower is back!
Chase has escaped the clutches of the DPRS and has gone to the
Tomb where his lineage has been confirmed and he is named the rightful Emperor of the Solarian Empire. Now, before revenge comes trying to repair some of the damage and to reclaim the people back into the empire. But Neill and his DPRS aren't going to make it easy...
This is a fun series if you like space battles, mechs and a bit of snark and romance.
Chase has escaped the clutches of the DPRS and has gone to the
Tomb where his lineage has been confirmed and he is named the rightful Emperor of the Solarian Empire. Now, before revenge comes trying to repair some of the damage and to reclaim the people back into the empire. But Neill and his DPRS aren't going to make it easy...
This is a fun series if you like space battles, mechs and a bit of snark and romance.
July 21, 2024
Another excellent entry in the Wolfhounds series!
Picking up immediately where the previous book ended means Prince Chase is in a world of hurt, until some of his Loyal Subjects step up help him escape.
From there, things get even more dire, as he and the Wolfhounds take a critical step towards Cor Empeeii
Picking up immediately where the previous book ended means Prince Chase is in a world of hurt, until some of his Loyal Subjects step up help him escape.
From there, things get even more dire, as he and the Wolfhounds take a critical step towards Cor Empeeii
July 22, 2024
Good military sci fi adventure
If an author makes me care enough about supporting characters that I cry when they die, I guess the book deserves 5 stars. Although I'm not happy about the body count, I like Chase and his people enough to continue reading Wolfhounds. But fair warning, characters die, destruction occurs, and the bad guys do bad things.
If an author makes me care enough about supporting characters that I cry when they die, I guess the book deserves 5 stars. Although I'm not happy about the body count, I like Chase and his people enough to continue reading Wolfhounds. But fair warning, characters die, destruction occurs, and the bad guys do bad things.
July 23, 2024
Amazing as always
Amazing as always brutal about the war and what it truly takes to win a war brutal about the fact that sometimes the easy decisions are not always the right ones
I can't wait for the final book I'm sure it will be just as amazing and well written as the rest of the series and your other books of course
Amazing as always brutal about the war and what it truly takes to win a war brutal about the fact that sometimes the easy decisions are not always the right ones
I can't wait for the final book I'm sure it will be just as amazing and well written as the rest of the series and your other books of course
July 26, 2024
So yeah great book!
I gotta say This 1 is 1 of the better ones in the series. Only problem I have with this series is it takes a long for the next 1 to come out. The writer definitely has me hooked on his books Main villain Good and evil To the writer please keep them coming , But just a little faster please.
I gotta say This 1 is 1 of the better ones in the series. Only problem I have with this series is it takes a long for the next 1 to come out. The writer definitely has me hooked on his books Main villain Good and evil To the writer please keep them coming , But just a little faster please.
July 27, 2024
good, but
The main plot point in the early part of the book is excellent. The trial, the planning, everything. Jericho’s fall was outstanding writing.
After the visit to the Tomb, things were…less. More completing a checklist than a real narrative. Still somewhat interesting, but it suffered greatly by comparison.
The main plot point in the early part of the book is excellent. The trial, the planning, everything. Jericho’s fall was outstanding writing.
After the visit to the Tomb, things were…less. More completing a checklist than a real narrative. Still somewhat interesting, but it suffered greatly by comparison.
August 4, 2024
Dang, another great quill pusher…ok, ok a key pusher
Great main characters with an ever developing supporting cast. May the muses look over the wise and ancient AI’s. Really do enjoy a supposed gutter snipe with an un wavering moral compass to collect and protect “his gang�. The science is interesting as well as understnada
Great main characters with an ever developing supporting cast. May the muses look over the wise and ancient AI’s. Really do enjoy a supposed gutter snipe with an un wavering moral compass to collect and protect “his gang�. The science is interesting as well as understnada
August 15, 2024
Awesome story with characters to love!
John is now one of my favorite authors! Great story with just enough descriptive background to get to know the characters personally, plenty of action to keep you hooked, and enough romance to get you invested! And the villains are despicable!
John is now one of my favorite authors! Great story with just enough descriptive background to get to know the characters personally, plenty of action to keep you hooked, and enough romance to get you invested! And the villains are despicable!
August 18, 2024
Another Excellent Book!!
I can't say enough good things about this book!
Characters who grow, plots that are compelling, emotional rollercoaster and yes, good battles. Basically all you want in a Military Science Fiction book. I am glad to have found such a great author as John Van Stry!!
I look forward to the next book in the series.
I can't say enough good things about this book!
Characters who grow, plots that are compelling, emotional rollercoaster and yes, good battles. Basically all you want in a Military Science Fiction book. I am glad to have found such a great author as John Van Stry!!
I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 20, 2024
Quick Read
Finally!
Chase makes it to The Tomb! Cool stuff happens! Wolfhounds never disappoint. Can't wait for Book Five. This series is quickly becoming one I really look forward to.
Finally!
Chase makes it to The Tomb! Cool stuff happens! Wolfhounds never disappoint. Can't wait for Book Five. This series is quickly becoming one I really look forward to.
July 22, 2024
Great book!
This story is a fast moving attention keeping one. Chance stands trial and enters into testimony his claim to the Morgan Empire. He is then rescued and heads to The Tomb to stake his claim on the Empire.
This story is a fast moving attention keeping one. Chance stands trial and enters into testimony his claim to the Morgan Empire. He is then rescued and heads to The Tomb to stake his claim on the Empire.
July 22, 2024
excellent addition to the series
Nice wrap up of the capture, and subsequent events. Good read on the rest of the unfolding events, and the renewed purpose to take charge. Set the stage for the next book and completion.
Nice wrap up of the capture, and subsequent events. Good read on the rest of the unfolding events, and the renewed purpose to take charge. Set the stage for the next book and completion.
July 22, 2024
Fantastic
Loved this book, love this saga. Still so glad I judged a book by it's cover and read it. I've read the first three books cover to cover multiple times waiting on this one to drop. Now it's time to do it again until book 5 drops. Keep up the good work!
Loved this book, love this saga. Still so glad I judged a book by it's cover and read it. I've read the first three books cover to cover multiple times waiting on this one to drop. Now it's time to do it again until book 5 drops. Keep up the good work!
July 22, 2024
Paitently..... somewhat waiting for Book 5
With the ending of book 3 I knew we were in for a good ride. Aside from never being let down by Mr. Van Stry before.
This is an excellent addition to the series. I can't wait for more books to come.
And hopefully Audio as well.
With the ending of book 3 I knew we were in for a good ride. Aside from never being let down by Mr. Van Stry before.
This is an excellent addition to the series. I can't wait for more books to come.
And hopefully Audio as well.
July 23, 2024
Another cannot put down beginning to end
A great read start to finish. I hope the wait for the next in the series is short. One of the writers that I cannot get enough of. Everything he puts out leaves you wanting more. Thank you.
A great read start to finish. I hope the wait for the next in the series is short. One of the writers that I cannot get enough of. Everything he puts out leaves you wanting more. Thank you.
July 25, 2024
Book Four in a series that continues to deliver�
I liked book four in this series: it has the solid events of the rest of the series in terms of good military sci-fi, good combat and good space battles�.looking forward to book five�
I liked book four in this series: it has the solid events of the rest of the series in terms of good military sci-fi, good combat and good space battles�.looking forward to book five�
July 28, 2024
Long live the gangster emperor
Compared to previous books the sexual content is less has the combat is increased in most of the story that brings an end too several plot lines an the setting for finale battle in the next book
Compared to previous books the sexual content is less has the combat is increased in most of the story that brings an end too several plot lines an the setting for finale battle in the next book
July 28, 2024
War Child
Once again John doesn’t disappoint with the fourth installment of his Wolfhounds series. An excellent read just wish the series would continue past the fifth and final book of the series here’s hoping that we’ll see more of Emperor Chase and crew in a future series
Once again John doesn’t disappoint with the fourth installment of his Wolfhounds series. An excellent read just wish the series would continue past the fifth and final book of the series here’s hoping that we’ll see more of Emperor Chase and crew in a future series
August 3, 2024
A great fast moving series
This series is a lot of fun. Politics, space battles, all it needs is a nice deep dive into the technology but that would slow it down.
Highly recommend!
This series is a lot of fun. Politics, space battles, all it needs is a nice deep dive into the technology but that would slow it down.
Highly recommend!
August 5, 2024
Chase Morgan for the win.
Just finished it, excellent read that may have brought a tear to my eye. Story reminds me somewhat of March Upcountry, and I have read that series numerous times. Keep up the good work.
Just finished it, excellent read that may have brought a tear to my eye. Story reminds me somewhat of March Upcountry, and I have read that series numerous times. Keep up the good work.
August 24, 2024
Great story with a fast-paced plot
Unlike many sci-fi novels, the author doesn't waste our time with wordy attempts at explaining the (currently impossible) tech. The characters just get with the action. Lots of good believable characters on both sides
Unlike many sci-fi novels, the author doesn't waste our time with wordy attempts at explaining the (currently impossible) tech. The characters just get with the action. Lots of good believable characters on both sides
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