First off a big thank you to the publishers Second Sky an Bookouture as well as to the author Jarom Stong , and Netgalley, for the invite to read Vanguard Strike , I'm so glad I've finally got to it even though it's a bit late ,it was no stop actin from the start and I loved how I got really creepy out when ever the bioengineered creatures known as rippers came into play because ever time they showed up there was this little vice in the back of my head saying just because their in a story doesn't mean someday they can't be real because everyday science advances. I also loved how even though this was the author's debut novel it didn't give off that feel at all , in fact the way he told the story give the feel like he had been written for a long time .

Fast-paced action with unexpected plot twists and likeable characters. This book kept me awake far too long 😅
It’s an excellent treat for everyone who loves military sci-fi and heist stories.

Vanguard Strike by Jarom Strong is an upcoming military science fiction novel set to release on June 13, 2025. The story follows Lax, a former elite soldier of the Paragon military, who now operates as a salvage operator, or "vulture," scavenging abandoned ships for valuable technology. When an old comrade and a formidable new leader recruit him for a high-stakes mission, Lax finds himself aboard a derelict Paragon battlecruiser teeming with deadly bioengineered creatures known as rippers. The mission promises immense rewards but poses even greater risks, as the crew navigates a labyrinth of dangers in pursuit of a secret that could alter the galaxy's fate.

As a debut novel, Vanguard Strike showcases Jarom Strong's imaginative world-building and a compelling central premise. The concept of "vultures"—scavengers who risk their lives to loot abandoned spacecraft—is intriguing, though the narrative offers limited insight into their operations, tools, and societal structures, leaving a desire for deeper exploration.

The characters, while numerous, often come across as one-dimensional, each defined by a couple of traits without significant development. This lack of depth makes it challenging to form strong connections with them. Additionally, the dialogue tends to feel unnatural and overly pompous, which can disrupt immersion and make conversations seem less authentic.

Despite these shortcomings, the novel's action sequences and the overarching conflict with the oppressive Paragon entity provide entertainment. However, the execution sometimes falters, making it difficult to maintain engagement throughout. While the book has its merits, particularly in its world-building and central conflict, it may not fully satisfy readers seeking nuanced characters and polished prose.

Vanguard Strike is a sci-fi military space drama. I am not a big military or sci-fi person, but was sent a widget for this book. I read the synopsis and said what the heck, I need a genre mix up. I’m so glad I did too. This book was so good. The action, the characters everything was well done.

What I liked:

The action. This book was almost non stop action. It didn’t drag at all.

The world building: the world was well built and easily understood.

Easy to read: One of the big things that turn me off of sci-fi is how wordy and technical the authors can get. This book did not do that. I understood everything easily and without having to go back and try to decipher what I was reading.

The characters: I loved these characters! Lax was well wrote and multi faceted. The side characters had personality and you cared for them.

There were only a few things that I found fault with. One was the almost romance. It felt forced and I didn’t really like the woman who was the love interest. We were supposed to relate with her, but I just didn’t feel her. I also may have missed it but I don’t understand how the two ships connected. It may be more explained in the next book. The chapter present or past labels. This may be more of an editor thing but sometimes the chapters whipped forward or backwards without telling us where we were in time. Hopefully in the final draft that will be fixed.

Lax is, was a Vanguard, a mutated military soldier made to destroy. Once Paragon won the war, Lax was released from service and became a vulture (a scavenger) for space ship parts that brought in money. After a disastrous run, Lax ends up in prison. While in prison he’s contacted by an old friend for a new job. He agrees and starts a new journey filled with violence, politics, and lots of shooting. Will LAX and his new crew survive this one final job?

A delightful action packed novel that is a must read for any sci-fi fan.


Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the arc.

Vanguard Strike by Jarom Strong delivers a high-octane military sci-fi adventure. The premise is compelling: a salvage crew ventures onto a derelict warship teeming with dangerous creatures.

Strong excels at crafting a vivid, action-packed narrative with elements of tension and intrigue. Fans of authors like James S.A. Corey and Marko Kloos will likely appreciate the fast-paced plot, super-soldiers, and monstrous enemies.

However, while the book offers a thrilling ride, some readers might find the non-stop action overshadows deeper character development or thematic exploration. If you prefer your sci-fi with a strong emphasis on intense action and world-building, Vanguard Strike is worth checking out.

I thoroughly enjoyed Jarom Strong's book and look forward to the next in the series. It was a good space opera. The story was well presented and I quickly turned the pages.

There is a plethora of military sci-fi books at the minute, nothing wrong with that as long as the story is engaging and takes the reader along for the journey, sadly a lot of books are being churned out with bar minimum content
This book is not one of those!
It’s a bloody (literally at times) good read
I will be ordering the audiobook as soon as it’s released