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Democracy's Right #1
Democracy's Right
The Empire – a tyranny stretching over thousands of worlds. The grand dreams of the founders are a joke. The Thousand Families, the rulers of the Empire, care nothing for anything, save their own power. From the undercity of Earth to the new colonies at the Rim, discontent, anger and rebellion seethe, but there is no hope of breaking the power of the Empire and freeing the trillions of enslaved humans and aliens.
The Rebel – Commander Colin Walker believed in the Empire, until a treacherous superior officer betrayed him, forcing him to see the true nature of the force he served and his complacency in terrible crimes. Now, Colin has a plan; he and his followers in the Imperial Navy will seize their ships and rebel against the Thousand Families, uniting the thousands of rebel factions under his leadership. Their war will set the galaxy on fire ...
The Rebel – Commander Colin Walker believed in the Empire, until a treacherous superior officer betrayed him, forcing him to see the true nature of the force he served and his complacency in terrible crimes. Now, Colin has a plan; he and his followers in the Imperial Navy will seize their ships and rebel against the Thousand Families, uniting the thousands of rebel factions under his leadership. Their war will set the galaxy on fire ...
530 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2013
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202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 30, 2014
After having spent some time reading books from other authors I recently went back and attacked my rather long list of unread works from Christopher Nuttall. As usual it was an enjoyable experience. Actually this time it was perhaps even more so than usual since this book was just my cup of tea.
The setting is one that is perhaps not too unusual when it comes to this author. An oppressive government/empire squeezes the life out of their citizens and things are about to break. Naturally this is where “a few good men” comes in and saves the day. Of course, saving the day do not mean stopping things from breaking. Rather the inverse actually. It is time to make sure that things do break so that it can be reworked in a less oppressive manner.
There are some similarities to Nuttall’s The Empire’s Corps series (I have only read the first two in that series though, the rest are on my list) and judging from the book blurb also to at least one other book from the author that I have not yet read. However, as far as I am concerned, this book starts off and continues in a much more positive manner than The Empire’s Corps which is one reason that I really liked it. Our heroes starts off by kicking the butts of the imperial dimwits and continues to do so throughout the book. That is not to say that everything always goes the way of the good guys but compared to the exile business in The Empire’s Corps this one is much more happy story…so far at least.
The book also contains a fair amount of good and solid fleet action with capital ships slugging it out. That is one of my favorite kind of stories and obviously another reason why I like the book. The fleet action is quite well done and as realistic as one can expect from a work of science fiction. I really did enjoy these parts of the book. The Geeks, a faction of humans, outlawed by the Empire, that are tech centric, is a nice addition to the combat equation as well. Although their contribution to the war effort was limited compared to what was hinted to in the book as future possibilities it was already significant. I would really like to see the Geeks give the Imperial dimwits and their overinflated egos a few more surprises. I quite like these wow-moments.
Mr. Nuttall have always been able to write characters that I liked (at least in the books that I have read so far) and which have attracted my interest. This book is no exception. The good guys are likable and the bad guys are as despicable as they should be. Speaking of the bad guys, this is another thing I really liked about this book. The bad guys (well, at least the main bad guy in this instalment of the series) do get the ass-whopping that they deserve and it is not just quickly glossed over either.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Usually I try to flip back and forth between authors and between Science Fiction and Fantasy to make my reading a bit diversified but this time I just have to read the next instalment right away.
The setting is one that is perhaps not too unusual when it comes to this author. An oppressive government/empire squeezes the life out of their citizens and things are about to break. Naturally this is where “a few good men” comes in and saves the day. Of course, saving the day do not mean stopping things from breaking. Rather the inverse actually. It is time to make sure that things do break so that it can be reworked in a less oppressive manner.
There are some similarities to Nuttall’s The Empire’s Corps series (I have only read the first two in that series though, the rest are on my list) and judging from the book blurb also to at least one other book from the author that I have not yet read. However, as far as I am concerned, this book starts off and continues in a much more positive manner than The Empire’s Corps which is one reason that I really liked it. Our heroes starts off by kicking the butts of the imperial dimwits and continues to do so throughout the book. That is not to say that everything always goes the way of the good guys but compared to the exile business in The Empire’s Corps this one is much more happy story…so far at least.
The book also contains a fair amount of good and solid fleet action with capital ships slugging it out. That is one of my favorite kind of stories and obviously another reason why I like the book. The fleet action is quite well done and as realistic as one can expect from a work of science fiction. I really did enjoy these parts of the book. The Geeks, a faction of humans, outlawed by the Empire, that are tech centric, is a nice addition to the combat equation as well. Although their contribution to the war effort was limited compared to what was hinted to in the book as future possibilities it was already significant. I would really like to see the Geeks give the Imperial dimwits and their overinflated egos a few more surprises. I quite like these wow-moments.
Mr. Nuttall have always been able to write characters that I liked (at least in the books that I have read so far) and which have attracted my interest. This book is no exception. The good guys are likable and the bad guys are as despicable as they should be. Speaking of the bad guys, this is another thing I really liked about this book. The bad guys (well, at least the main bad guy in this instalment of the series) do get the ass-whopping that they deserve and it is not just quickly glossed over either.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Usually I try to flip back and forth between authors and between Science Fiction and Fantasy to make my reading a bit diversified but this time I just have to read the next instalment right away.
September 1, 2017
My original Democracy's Right audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The galaxy is tightly controlled by the thousand families, an ultra-wealthy ruling class that only cares for more power and money. The many colonized worlds represent little more than resources and additional wealth and power. If an occupied world becomes more trouble than they're worth, the ruling families will crush it with their overwhelming military might, wiping out all life if necessary.
Commander Colin Walker and a handful of military leaders have had enough, vowing to bring democracy to the galaxy. If they fail, their treason can only be met with execution. On the other hand, if they succeed, the economic system everyone depends on could devolve into chaos, driving trillions into poverty and desperation.
Democracy's Right is a political, sci-fi novel with a military action base. It is exciting and thought provoking with a taste of ancient Rome in its theme. How does a ruling class control its empire from far away with long delays in communication and travel? The heroes are likable and the bad guys are hateful, the listener has no trouble choosing sides.
There is plenty of action to satisfy most military and sci-fi fans and a political economic background to make the struggle feel realistic. The characters are believable with enough human flaws to make them relatable. Definitely worth a listen.
The story is performed by Johnny Heller. His distinctive voice is easy on the ears and creates the proper mood of the novel. The characters are easily discernible and feel appropriate to their personalities. An excellent performance from a talented voice actor.
Democracy’s Right would definitely fit in the space opera category, with book one setting the stage for a much larger universe. The book finishes neatly but will have you looking forward to book two and beyond. A highly enjoyable listen that is recommended for space and military sci-fi fans.
Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.
The galaxy is tightly controlled by the thousand families, an ultra-wealthy ruling class that only cares for more power and money. The many colonized worlds represent little more than resources and additional wealth and power. If an occupied world becomes more trouble than they're worth, the ruling families will crush it with their overwhelming military might, wiping out all life if necessary.
Commander Colin Walker and a handful of military leaders have had enough, vowing to bring democracy to the galaxy. If they fail, their treason can only be met with execution. On the other hand, if they succeed, the economic system everyone depends on could devolve into chaos, driving trillions into poverty and desperation.
Democracy's Right is a political, sci-fi novel with a military action base. It is exciting and thought provoking with a taste of ancient Rome in its theme. How does a ruling class control its empire from far away with long delays in communication and travel? The heroes are likable and the bad guys are hateful, the listener has no trouble choosing sides.
There is plenty of action to satisfy most military and sci-fi fans and a political economic background to make the struggle feel realistic. The characters are believable with enough human flaws to make them relatable. Definitely worth a listen.
The story is performed by Johnny Heller. His distinctive voice is easy on the ears and creates the proper mood of the novel. The characters are easily discernible and feel appropriate to their personalities. An excellent performance from a talented voice actor.
Democracy’s Right would definitely fit in the space opera category, with book one setting the stage for a much larger universe. The book finishes neatly but will have you looking forward to book two and beyond. A highly enjoyable listen that is recommended for space and military sci-fi fans.
Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.
January 27, 2018
This is book 1 of 2. I decided to write this review before reading the second book. Science Fiction, especially military Sci-Fi with a touch of drama is my favorite. I do read in other genres at times, but this type of Sci-Fi is where I spend the majority of my time.
The last time I was so impressed by a story, it was the book "Ready, Player One." I thought that book should be considered to be made into a movie. That movie is now in production. This book by Nuttall fits into that category. Since I have not finished the entire story, I cannot say for certain.
The first half of the story was terrific. I finished the book in two days. Enough space military to make Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and Star Wars fans happy and enough human stories to couch the story nicely with some characters to love and others to despise. I do not want this to be a spoiler review, so I will not mention the story.
Nuttall jumps right into the story. The background nicely unfolds as the story moves forward. No flashback to 30 years ago or 300 years ago. No history lessons before the story begins. It does very nicely unfold with the story. I found that to be a very nice piece of writing.
I would highly recommend this book to Science Fiction aficionados. For those who only occasionally read something from the Sci-Fi genre, I would recommend this as one of the times to foray into Sci-Fi. This story, so far, has become as interesting Jack Campbell's series with Black Jack Geary. I doubt it will rise to the fandom of David Weber's Honor Harrington Sci-Fi novels, but the first book was a story well told.
The last time I was so impressed by a story, it was the book "Ready, Player One." I thought that book should be considered to be made into a movie. That movie is now in production. This book by Nuttall fits into that category. Since I have not finished the entire story, I cannot say for certain.
The first half of the story was terrific. I finished the book in two days. Enough space military to make Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and Star Wars fans happy and enough human stories to couch the story nicely with some characters to love and others to despise. I do not want this to be a spoiler review, so I will not mention the story.
Nuttall jumps right into the story. The background nicely unfolds as the story moves forward. No flashback to 30 years ago or 300 years ago. No history lessons before the story begins. It does very nicely unfold with the story. I found that to be a very nice piece of writing.
I would highly recommend this book to Science Fiction aficionados. For those who only occasionally read something from the Sci-Fi genre, I would recommend this as one of the times to foray into Sci-Fi. This story, so far, has become as interesting Jack Campbell's series with Black Jack Geary. I doubt it will rise to the fandom of David Weber's Honor Harrington Sci-Fi novels, but the first book was a story well told.
March 11, 2025
Evil empire, evil corporations, rape, slavery, corrupt military, and eventually the good people get fed up and revolt. Check, check, check, ... all check. There's nothing new here; this is a bog standard space opera.
But the characters aren't completely flat, the plot (if too convenient at times) works fairly well, and the combat scenes read smoothly and believably.
This will never be a favorite book, but for a generic space opera, it's not a bad read.
But the characters aren't completely flat, the plot (if too convenient at times) works fairly well, and the combat scenes read smoothly and believably.
This will never be a favorite book, but for a generic space opera, it's not a bad read.
April 25, 2022
Rebellion! Another excellent read from Nuttall
Chris Nuttall writes some incredible space opera, fun stuff and always a good read. In this one, an Executive Officer (2d in command) leads a mutiny against a tired empire. Michael's characters are human, with faults galore, no Mary Sues here. Nuttall is almost as a good read. Enjoy!
Chris Nuttall writes some incredible space opera, fun stuff and always a good read. In this one, an Executive Officer (2d in command) leads a mutiny against a tired empire. Michael's characters are human, with faults galore, no Mary Sues here. Nuttall is almost as a good read. Enjoy!
June 6, 2017
More please, super excellent as always!
April 7, 2022
Soft-as-butter mil sci-fi.
June 6, 2023
Surprisingly good!
January 17, 2014
This was the first book by this author that I have read overall it was a good book good storyline character development was good and had realistic theme .I thought the book would've been better if it had more alien involvement became they must realize the thousand families were using them as a scapegoat.perhaps their will be more about them in the next book which I plan to read. I would recommend this series to anyone likes big sprawling space adventure which thought provoking questions
this was the first book I have read by this author I thought it was very good with good character development interesting storyline and well thought out action sequences. the book mentioned the aliens but they don't play a central role in the book.only as a way to unite humanity as justification for the thousand families to remain in control. perhaps in the next book in the series more aliens will be brought into the alliance.I would recommend this series to anyone who likes space adventures and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
this was the first book I have read by this author I thought it was very good with good character development interesting storyline and well thought out action sequences. the book mentioned the aliens but they don't play a central role in the book.only as a way to unite humanity as justification for the thousand families to remain in control. perhaps in the next book in the series more aliens will be brought into the alliance.I would recommend this series to anyone who likes space adventures and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
May 16, 2014
You may start to wonder "in how many ways can one cover the fall of Rome?" Nuttall seems to like this theme and variations of it a great deal. I can't blame him; more often than not hit hits the bases and occasionally he hits one 'out of the park'.
I like the Space Opera theme of one man's battle against an evil Empire that is crumbling under its own ponderous weight. It makes for a fun read when done well and can even be tolerable when done with mediocrity.
This effort from Nuttall is not mediocre; it is fast paced with some interesting and some despicable characters. There is plenty of military action and an unique take on an Empire with no Emperor... . The use and abuse of patronage in this Empire makes for opponents as formidable as they are corrupt. The requirement of patronage to succeed crushes rebellion as efficiently as it fosters it and the threat, whether real or imagined, of an alien force lurking beyond the Rim helps keep the rest in check. What a diabolical and fun universe to explore!
I like the Space Opera theme of one man's battle against an evil Empire that is crumbling under its own ponderous weight. It makes for a fun read when done well and can even be tolerable when done with mediocrity.
This effort from Nuttall is not mediocre; it is fast paced with some interesting and some despicable characters. There is plenty of military action and an unique take on an Empire with no Emperor... . The use and abuse of patronage in this Empire makes for opponents as formidable as they are corrupt. The requirement of patronage to succeed crushes rebellion as efficiently as it fosters it and the threat, whether real or imagined, of an alien force lurking beyond the Rim helps keep the rest in check. What a diabolical and fun universe to explore!
May 2, 2018
Ah - one of my favorite authors, Christopher G. Nuttall doing what he does best. Utilizing his contrary ingredients of democracy and despotism, favoritism and free competition, he spins a magnificent story of galactic proportions that hits painfully close to home - especially in these time and days of an America that is in danger of becoming the state of political elitism, the very anathema of our forefathers. 1000 families rule the galaxy and it is Nuttall's choice of names you will take notice of - you will find amongst those names the Kennedys and Roosevelt’s, etc. The intriguing complexities and perplexities of Democracy's Right make for a solid read and if you have read Nutall's three-volume series "Barbarian at the Gates" you will feel right at home.
M.K 2017
M.K 2017
October 25, 2013
Good classic space opera with rebels fighting an evil corrupt empire. Tis is the first in a trilogy that the author has revised. The series is available at the author's website as a free download but the updated version is superior.
February 21, 2014
I enjoyed this book. It was captivating and held my attention all the way through.
March 3, 2014
I love this genre and this was no exception. Loved it
June 10, 2015
Entertaining read
Enjoyable read. Would prefer more world building as in Nuttalls Empire series. A little hard to relate to the main characters or truly care what happens to them.
Enjoyable read. Would prefer more world building as in Nuttalls Empire series. A little hard to relate to the main characters or truly care what happens to them.
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August 4, 2023Solid story
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews