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Empire's Corps #4
Semper Fi
Two years after the Empire abandoned them on Avalon, Colonel Edward Stalker and his Marines have established the Commonwealth, a union of worlds intended to take the place of the vanished Empire. But now contact has been made with a remnant of the Empire, a successor state controlled by a ruthless dictator bent on crushing the Commonwealth and expanding her rule over the entire galaxy.
While the Commonwealth frantically prepares for war, a small team of Marines is dispatched to the enemy homeworld with orders to bring down the dictator – by any means necessary ...
While the Commonwealth frantically prepares for war, a small team of Marines is dispatched to the enemy homeworld with orders to bring down the dictator – by any means necessary ...
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 24, 2015
This is book four in the Empire’s Corps series. You really need to read the books in order to fully enjoy the series.
The Empire has collapsed. On Avalon, Captain Stalker and his Marines have tried to establish a Democratic Republic. Avalon is arming as fast as possible, building modern starships for defense, and the Marines are training a local militia. We even find there is romance budding between Stalker and President Gaby Cracker. We get to renew the relationships with the regular characters in the series such as Jasmine but this book provides us with some new characters chief among them is a villain.
Commodore Rani Singh had been passed over for promotion. When the Empire collapsed, Singh was in charge of a Fleet Base and had under her control several capitol ships as well as support vessels and a Logistics Base. She sets out to create her own Empire until she tries to conquer Avalon. Stalker’s Marines must stop her. Lt. Jasmine goes into a covert operation to dismantle Singh’s Empire. There is lots of action and suspense in the story.
The book is well written and fairly fast paced. In many ways it is a typical military sci-fi story. Overall the story makes a good fun relaxing read. Jeffrey Kafer has narrated the series.
The Empire has collapsed. On Avalon, Captain Stalker and his Marines have tried to establish a Democratic Republic. Avalon is arming as fast as possible, building modern starships for defense, and the Marines are training a local militia. We even find there is romance budding between Stalker and President Gaby Cracker. We get to renew the relationships with the regular characters in the series such as Jasmine but this book provides us with some new characters chief among them is a villain.
Commodore Rani Singh had been passed over for promotion. When the Empire collapsed, Singh was in charge of a Fleet Base and had under her control several capitol ships as well as support vessels and a Logistics Base. She sets out to create her own Empire until she tries to conquer Avalon. Stalker’s Marines must stop her. Lt. Jasmine goes into a covert operation to dismantle Singh’s Empire. There is lots of action and suspense in the story.
The book is well written and fairly fast paced. In many ways it is a typical military sci-fi story. Overall the story makes a good fun relaxing read. Jeffrey Kafer has narrated the series.
July 23, 2014
Back to the mainstream Avalon books; now some 2 years later Avalon is arming as fast as possible, building modern starships for the defense of its Commonwealth, while president Gaby Cracker and the supreme commander Edward Stalker finally consumed their romance.
A training space exercise ends with the capture of a modern starship chasing a freighter, starship that is really bad news as per the blurb
Not one to let events overwhelm him and his people, Edward Stalker has a plan, but it will fall on the shoulders of Jasmine, Mandy, Joe Buckley and the rest of our favorite marines to execute it; and it's risky as hell to boot
More great stuff continuing the successful mixing of familiar ingredients and narrative energy from earlier volumes
A training space exercise ends with the capture of a modern starship chasing a freighter, starship that is really bad news as per the blurb
Not one to let events overwhelm him and his people, Edward Stalker has a plan, but it will fall on the shoulders of Jasmine, Mandy, Joe Buckley and the rest of our favorite marines to execute it; and it's risky as hell to boot
More great stuff continuing the successful mixing of familiar ingredients and narrative energy from earlier volumes
December 14, 2014
Another enjoyable read in a very good series!
November 3, 2020
This is definitely one of the weaker stories that he's written. It gets bogged down in setting up the political problems and implications of various actions with large chunks of time spent not actually doing anything. There's also A LOT of repetition. I'd say a good third of the book could have been left out and it wouldn't have impacted the story.
The other problem I have with this book is the authors propensity for throwing young girls/women into situations outside of their experience and having them pull off miracles. There are several things that I just couldn't suspend my disbelief to accept. The most egregious of these is Mandy. This girl is only 18 and is put in command of a ship to help accomplish the overall mission. She not particularly smart or well-educated and her biggest accomplishment is surviving a pirate ship 2 years prior. That experience doesn't in any way translate to being a captain and leading a crew, especially when that crew is more experienced. On a planet full of millions of people, there's NOBODY other than an 18 year old gear to captain a ship? No. Not believing it.
That's just one example, but the book is full of female characters being strong, dominate, and capable and male characters are submissive, evil, or incompetent. It's something that has been prevalent in books over the last 5 or so years and it's getting more than tiresome.
The other problem I have with this book is the authors propensity for throwing young girls/women into situations outside of their experience and having them pull off miracles. There are several things that I just couldn't suspend my disbelief to accept. The most egregious of these is Mandy. This girl is only 18 and is put in command of a ship to help accomplish the overall mission. She not particularly smart or well-educated and her biggest accomplishment is surviving a pirate ship 2 years prior. That experience doesn't in any way translate to being a captain and leading a crew, especially when that crew is more experienced. On a planet full of millions of people, there's NOBODY other than an 18 year old gear to captain a ship? No. Not believing it.
That's just one example, but the book is full of female characters being strong, dominate, and capable and male characters are submissive, evil, or incompetent. It's something that has been prevalent in books over the last 5 or so years and it's getting more than tiresome.
April 21, 2023
in reality probably 3.5 stars but not quite up there for the full 4 stars. The basic premise was OK, overlook Imperial officer (Rani Sing) takes advantage of the Empire's fall to make a grab at power by taking over control of Conrithian and a few other planets using the power of the empire fleet that she had at her disposal on Trafalgar station. Avalon and the Commonwealth learn of her existence following an altercation between a Commonwealth ship of Rani's fleet. Knowing that it's only a matter of time before she finds out about the Commonwealth and comes to wipe them out they set in motion a covert plan to land a few marines on Corinthian whose aim is to increase the level of rebellion against Singh and at worse distract her domestically to buy time for the Commonwealth to strengthen or to see an end to her reign entirely.
September 14, 2017
This has been (so far) one of my favorite Space Opera series that I have read in a long time. I am a voracious reader, especially in my favorite genres, so it is nice to find a large series that I enjoy reading.
I have also read almost all of the author's works and am eagerly awaiting the next Kat Falcone book, especially after the unexpected ending of the last book.
I like how the author has been alternating writing one book set in the main timeline featuring the Marines on Avalon, and the next book set somewhere else in the same world. I hope that in one of the later books we learn what happened to Belinda and Roland - I hope we have not seen the last of them (although they are not in this book either!).
I have also read almost all of the author's works and am eagerly awaiting the next Kat Falcone book, especially after the unexpected ending of the last book.
I like how the author has been alternating writing one book set in the main timeline featuring the Marines on Avalon, and the next book set somewhere else in the same world. I hope that in one of the later books we learn what happened to Belinda and Roland - I hope we have not seen the last of them (although they are not in this book either!).
August 8, 2023
Superb installment
Well written. Again emphasizing that an insurgency is different and the rules must be adapted, as long as you do not adopt the values (or lack of values) of who you are trying to replace. There is still a line not to cross and Jasmine does cross it and is constantly questioning herself, she was not amoral.
Well written. Again emphasizing that an insurgency is different and the rules must be adapted, as long as you do not adopt the values (or lack of values) of who you are trying to replace. There is still a line not to cross and Jasmine does cross it and is constantly questioning herself, she was not amoral.
August 6, 2020
Captivating suspense
Although the actions of a small group setting up a complete takeover is unrealistic, toppling a strong arm dictator happens quickly. The action is fast and constant. The people are realistic, faults and all.
Although the actions of a small group setting up a complete takeover is unrealistic, toppling a strong arm dictator happens quickly. The action is fast and constant. The people are realistic, faults and all.
February 19, 2019
Really cool book. I like it when the author focuses on other persons
November 3, 2019
I love the series.
This isn't Heinlien or Pournelle or even Weber, but it is still very good. Six more required words entered in.
This isn't Heinlien or Pournelle or even Weber, but it is still very good. Six more required words entered in.
November 28, 2019
A rogue naval commander's empire threatens the nascent Commonwealth, which is heavily outgunned. A covert mission of subversion before the Admiral discovers the Commonwealth is their only hope.
May 5, 2021
Excellent light adventure story. My favorite so far of this series.
December 19, 2024
The story was great, however, the racist political views made this a difficult read.
November 14, 2023
Not a bad book, A better progression than the first few. A simple easy listen.
August 7, 2014
This book puts the series back on track as far as I am concerned. By back on track I primarily refer to the fact that this book, unlike the previous one, is revolving around Avalon, the marines that got exiled there and the Commonwealth that they have now established. I know that he author intended to make a detour with that book but I have never really liked those kind of books that stray away from the main thread and characters.
This book however is right back to where it should be for me. The familiar characters are back to fight off the latest threat to the Commonwealth and the safety of Avalon. I have to say that, when reading the book blurb, I was hoping that there would be a wee bit more fleet action than there actually are. Something like the Commonwealth surprising the bad guys with a new ship design free from the technological stagnation imposed by the Empire and proceeding to perform a bit of arse-whooping. Instead the book is almost entirely centered on the team of marines that are inserted to bring down the dictators regime from within. There is of course plenty of action going on but more or less all of it is down on the planet that the dictator have made into her primary planet.
As usual it is solid writing, good characters (including those on the side of the “bad guys”) and a well done plot which makes for an enjoyable reading experience. Also as usual, the author goes into quite a bit of detail when it comes to the mechanics of society, politics and how to run, not to run, and manipulate people and nations. Normally not my favorite topic but Mr. Nuttall makes a good job of it and he manages to keep my interest going throughout the book…again.
Needless to say the next one in the series have gone onto my to-read shelf already.
This book however is right back to where it should be for me. The familiar characters are back to fight off the latest threat to the Commonwealth and the safety of Avalon. I have to say that, when reading the book blurb, I was hoping that there would be a wee bit more fleet action than there actually are. Something like the Commonwealth surprising the bad guys with a new ship design free from the technological stagnation imposed by the Empire and proceeding to perform a bit of arse-whooping. Instead the book is almost entirely centered on the team of marines that are inserted to bring down the dictators regime from within. There is of course plenty of action going on but more or less all of it is down on the planet that the dictator have made into her primary planet.
As usual it is solid writing, good characters (including those on the side of the “bad guys”) and a well done plot which makes for an enjoyable reading experience. Also as usual, the author goes into quite a bit of detail when it comes to the mechanics of society, politics and how to run, not to run, and manipulate people and nations. Normally not my favorite topic but Mr. Nuttall makes a good job of it and he manages to keep my interest going throughout the book…again.
Needless to say the next one in the series have gone onto my to-read shelf already.
January 28, 2015
So far the best book of the series and simply good military sci-fi.
For the first time all of the characters work as characters instead of being cardboard cutouts and do actually develop (even if this sometimes goes wrong). Both heroes and villains have believable motivations and ambitions and for once they reflect on those. The story does move the focus more to the Marines and drops one of the supporting characters of the previous books, but that only serves to make the cast more manageable.
The plot goes along briskly with plenty of action thrown in. The story is one of infiltration and guerrilla and both plot and action fit together nicely. The ending is something I feel torn about:
On the one hand I liked the finale itself very much. It was brisk and both the action itself and the aftermath were a satisfying conclusion to the story. On the other hand, it felt rushed which is my main problem with this book and the series itself.
But overall I liked it. In fact I liked it so much I read the afterword. I won't do this again, but that has no relation to the story.
For the first time all of the characters work as characters instead of being cardboard cutouts and do actually develop (even if this sometimes goes wrong). Both heroes and villains have believable motivations and ambitions and for once they reflect on those. The story does move the focus more to the Marines and drops one of the supporting characters of the previous books, but that only serves to make the cast more manageable.
The plot goes along briskly with plenty of action thrown in. The story is one of infiltration and guerrilla and both plot and action fit together nicely. The ending is something I feel torn about:
On the one hand I liked the finale itself very much. It was brisk and both the action itself and the aftermath were a satisfying conclusion to the story. On the other hand, it felt rushed which is my main problem with this book and the series itself.
But overall I liked it. In fact I liked it so much I read the afterword. I won't do this again, but that has no relation to the story.
February 15, 2015
"Semper Fi," the fourth installment of Christopher Nuttall's Empire's Corps series, picks back up on the saga of Col. Edward Stalker's dwindling cadre of marines on the free world of Avalon. They have helped create a commonwealth of worlds but have yet to establish any real strength of means of defending their new-found alliance. So when warships from a neighboring planetary dictatorship wander into commonwealth territory and engage in conflict, disaster could ensue. The marines learn from people aboard a fleeing freighter that a former Empire officer has set up her own style of monarchy by repressing people of multiple planets, they know the commonwealth would be her next target. The marines have to infiltrate and take down the rival or face annihilation. The problem is that they're severely outclassed. Nuttall creates some pretty interesting characters, especially the head of the secret police in this new dictatorship. He's truly a rat. The storyline is interesting in that Nuttall gets into the down and dirty of a diseased society that's suffering death from a thousand cuts. The ending is quite satisfying but getting there is on the edge of your seat nerve-wracking.
March 26, 2021
Probably the weakest book of an otherwise fun series at this point.
The excerpts from the Professor Leo's book seemed kind of out of place. They were all talking about the politics surrounding the end of WW1 that led to the beginning of WW2. Kind of took me out of the immersion because I have a hard time believing that 3,000-ish years in the future that people will really be caring too much about the World Wars and the different powers that took part in them. I kind of wish the author had taken the time to make up some fictional war/talk about the Unification wars if he wanted to discuss diplomacy.
The premise also didn't really make a whole lot of sense. I get the whole "meet on neutral territory" idea but I can't believe that when they all showed up and realized what was happening on the planet that they would still go through with it.
It would also be kind of nice to see a level-headed villain for once. Just as a change of pace the bad guy could not be some sadistic pirate or a caricature of the worst parts of a given culture
The excerpts from the Professor Leo's book seemed kind of out of place. They were all talking about the politics surrounding the end of WW1 that led to the beginning of WW2. Kind of took me out of the immersion because I have a hard time believing that 3,000-ish years in the future that people will really be caring too much about the World Wars and the different powers that took part in them. I kind of wish the author had taken the time to make up some fictional war/talk about the Unification wars if he wanted to discuss diplomacy.
The premise also didn't really make a whole lot of sense. I get the whole "meet on neutral territory" idea but I can't believe that when they all showed up and realized what was happening on the planet that they would still go through with it.
It would also be kind of nice to see a level-headed villain for once. Just as a change of pace the bad guy could not be some sadistic pirate or a caricature of the worst parts of a given culture
April 8, 2015
We're back to the main storyline of the series, and the ongoing saga of the Marines and the society at the Rim (outer parts of the known universe), after the Fall of the Empire. This time, a small group of Marines has to save a planet from a brutal former Navy dictator -- she's both competent and resourceful, unlike their previous foes, the pirates. And so begins an insurgency, aided and abetted by our undercover Marine operatives.
Great fun and it's nice to catch up with what is happening in the series at large again.
Great fun and it's nice to catch up with what is happening in the series at large again.
April 21, 2013
Another enjoyable read.The Empire's Corp never fails to entertain,this episode concentrates Stalkers stalkers and their pre--emptive defence of Avalon against rogue ex-empire forces,sent light years away with little support a small cadre of marines have to buy time against a highly organised and well trained foe, using guerrilla tactics the insurgents find themselves having to compromise their moral code for the greater good,another fast moving exciting story from Chris,keep up the good work.
March 19, 2015
A lesson in insurrection. When the Empire’s Corps runs into a newly formed splinter of the Empire under the control of a sociopathic commander named Singh, they don’t’ have the fleet to win. Landing a force to attempt to encourage a worldwide uprising, the Marines play a desperate gambit to save their Commonwealth before it can be wiped out. Great characterizations.
March 28, 2016
I liked the story in this book, like the ones before, but the right wing rubbish written at the start of each chapter completely ruined the book. It was bad in other books but never to the extent it was here. It took you out of the story, it made you identify less with the characters and sadly it means that I won't be reading the rest of the series
March 12, 2014
Political realism
Political realism
some of the reviews of Nuttall's work have commented on the suspension of disbelief. I disagree; the themes he works into high science fantasy are important and his frameworks serves them well
Political realism
some of the reviews of Nuttall's work have commented on the suspension of disbelief. I disagree; the themes he works into high science fantasy are important and his frameworks serves them well
June 3, 2014
Ongoing story from the series - A new threat, desperate attempt to remove it, and the overthrow of a tyrant.
July 26, 2014
Another good addition. Very interested to keep reading the rest.
December 6, 2014
Good building up and end. Enjoyable.
April 9, 2015
Not a bad book, A better progression than the first few. A simple easy listen.
May 4, 2015
Great military adventure!
Another great addition to the series! Jasmine rocks! Will continue to read the series through. What diabolical schemes can humans create next?
Another great addition to the series! Jasmine rocks! Will continue to read the series through. What diabolical schemes can humans create next?
June 2, 2015
Goodstuff
When it comes to epic space opera this series is pretty good and it seems to be getting better as the series progresses
When it comes to epic space opera this series is pretty good and it seems to be getting better as the series progresses
January 13, 2016
Very good series. I really like this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews