Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Emperor of California

Rate this book
The Emperor of California

What would you do if you could see the future?

George Fulton's extraordinary gift of foresight catapults him into unimaginable wealth, political power, and the enigmatic title "The Emperor of California." But his rise comes with a cost—family secrets, unrelenting ambition, and the burden of knowing too much.

This sweeping mystery and suspense novel by Lee R. Brand takes readers through decades of personal triumphs, devastating losses, and high-stakes political drama. George's story is about celebrating control and power and the cost one must pay.

From George's early days in a working-class family to his mystical journey to becoming a billionaire kingmaker, every chapter is a revelation, every decision a ripple through history.

George's journey might appear perfect for some people, but it's a rocky path. This story's lessons are our legacy isn't measured by wealth and power, but by the love and connections we leave behind.

Lee's take on contemporary fiction is a delightful reading experience that promises a new twist with every page.

Why You'll Be A Gripping Tale of Power and Witness George's quest for meaning as he struggles to balance his supernatural gift with his humanity.Multi-Generational Family Discover the hidden truths that shaped George's destiny—and the price of keeping them buried.Political Intrigue and High-Stakes Navigate the corridors of power alongside George as he influences California's political landscape, driven by visions of the future.A Touch of the Blurring the lines between supernatural fiction and speculative elements, this novel offers a unique twist on the rags-to-riches saga.
Lee R. Brand's The Emperor of California is an unforgettable blend of mystery and suspense that will leave the readers asking for more. Filled with action and adventure, this novel is about ambition, love, and the quest for legacy. Will George's gift be his greatest asset or his ultimate downfall?

Order now and uncover the story behind the legend.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2024

18 people are currently reading
2543 people want to read

About the author

Lee R. Brand

2 books23 followers
'Lee R. Brand is an author, businessman, and former mayor of Fresno, California, whose novels explore themes of family, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. With a career spanning politics, public service, and business, Lee brings a wealth of experience and depth to his storytelling.

His debut novel, Discovering the Family I Never Knew, reflects his passion for genealogy and family history, while his latest book, The Emperor of California, combines mystery, suspense, and the supernatural in a powerful tale of foresight and redemption.

Born in The Dalles, Oregon, and raised in Fresno, Lee’s journey has been shaped by resilience, a deep connection to his roots, and a drive to leave a meaningful legacy. Whether leading a city or crafting compelling narratives, his work reflects his lifelong commitment to exploration and impact.'

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
7 (43%)
4 stars
4 (25%)
3 stars
3 (18%)
2 stars
2 (12%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Sophie.
886 reviews50 followers
January 7, 2025
The concept for the plot of "The Emperor of California" by Lee R. Brand is intriguing. Drawing from his business and political background, Brand writes what he knows, which adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

However, the book requires significant editing. The frequent switching between first-person and third-person points of view often leads to confusion. Repetitive sentences could be consolidated to strengthen their impact. Additionally, there are inconsistencies in character names within the same paragraph, and grammatical errors such as the incorrect use of possessive forms (e.g., "his's" instead of "his") are distracting. I am not an English major, nor a writer but these glaring slips detract from the overall enjoyment of reading.

The story includes a paranormal element, with the main character having dreams of the near future, which he uses to amass wealth.

A character introduced at the beginning reemerges near the end but lacks development, making their reappearance feel abrupt and underwhelming.

This was my first Goodreads giveaway win, and while I appreciate the opportunity, I'm glad I didn't pay for the book as it needs considerable refinement.
Profile Image for James Field.
Author 27 books139 followers
April 6, 2025
The Emperor of California by Lee R. Brand is a captivating blend of political drama, supernatural intrigue, and personal tragedy. At its heart is George Fulton, a man whose mysterious visions of the future catapult him from working-class obscurity to a position of immense wealth and influence. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's far more complicated, which makes this book so compelling.
Brand does a fantastic job building suspense and emotional depth, especially as George grapples with the consequences of knowing too much. The story spans decades and delivers some genuinely powerful moments—particularly when George faces moral dilemmas that money and foresight can't solve. The paranormal angle adds flavour without overpowering the plot.
That said, the book could use a polish. There are some clunky bits of dialogue, pacing hiccups, and an occasional shift in narrative voice that might throw you off. Still, it's thought-provoking, dramatic, and definitely worth a read.
309 reviews16 followers
March 19, 2025
It Will Mess You Up!


George Fulton's ability to see the future transforms him from nobody to the most powerful man in California in this riveting novel by Lee R. Brand.

With his supernatural foresight, George amasses incredible wealth and political influence, earning him the mysterious title "The Emperor of California."

But having a cheat code for life isn't all it's cracked up to be as George quickly discovers his gift comes with devastating personal costs and family secrets that threaten everything he's built.

The story spans decades, taking us from George's humble working-class beginnings through his meteoric rise to billionaire kingmaker status, all while he struggles with the crushing weight of knowing too much.
343 reviews
January 4, 2025
Hard life lessons in the long life of a billionaire and his rise and change from wealth driven to philanthropy. Written in memoir form, it was a book of life lessons.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Profile Image for Nancy L.
18 reviews
January 7, 2025
I'm glad it was free. Gave up after reading 1/3. Boring
Profile Image for Linda Storm.
7 reviews
January 13, 2025
Interesting book. I really liked it and would definitely read more from this author
1 review
Read
June 12, 2025
Very captivating read with excellent writing that gave the reader time to reflect on the author’s thoughts. Would recommend to a book group for it is inspiring
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.