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Corps Justice #5
National Burden
A new president under pressure ...
Threats coming from every angle ...
The SSI team caught in the middle ...
Following his predecessor's abrupt departure, newly appointed President Brandon Zimmer must deal with aggressors at home and abroad. The sharks swarm. The burden is overwhelming.
Will the youngest president cave to outside forces, or stand strong with his friends from Stokes Security International (SSI) like former Marine Cal Stokes and ex-Navy SEAL Travis Haden?
Threats coming from every angle ...
The SSI team caught in the middle ...
Following his predecessor's abrupt departure, newly appointed President Brandon Zimmer must deal with aggressors at home and abroad. The sharks swarm. The burden is overwhelming.
Will the youngest president cave to outside forces, or stand strong with his friends from Stokes Security International (SSI) like former Marine Cal Stokes and ex-Navy SEAL Travis Haden?
262 pages, ebook
First published June 18, 2014
3889 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
C.G. Cooper
87 books394 followersC. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 14, 2025
This is book #5 and by far the bottom of the list. Political intrigue that seemed over complicated and lengthy. Ended in a one chapter climax and wrap up which was pretty lackluster and seemed like an afterthought.
March 30, 2016
National Burden: (Corps Justice #5)
Cooper tackles the $64,000,000 question in this great read. What's the question, you ask? If called to task, how does the U.S. government pay off its outstanding debt to foreign countries without creating a worldwide crisis? Not sure if you've ever thought about such an event, but many are concerned that we've been living beyond our means far too long. This is one you won't want to miss reading. Lots of action, suspense, and thrills. Great reading and writing.
Cooper tackles the $64,000,000 question in this great read. What's the question, you ask? If called to task, how does the U.S. government pay off its outstanding debt to foreign countries without creating a worldwide crisis? Not sure if you've ever thought about such an event, but many are concerned that we've been living beyond our means far too long. This is one you won't want to miss reading. Lots of action, suspense, and thrills. Great reading and writing.
October 22, 2015
Some times you are not in the right mood to read a specific book. For some reason I couldn't bond to the book. I tried to through 10% of it. I leafed to the next 20%, but there was no connection. Sorry. Maybe some other time.
I think that ny problem with the book' was a flood of character, right there at the beginning. I would have introduce them in a much slower pace.
I think that ny problem with the book' was a flood of character, right there at the beginning. I would have introduce them in a much slower pace.
August 16, 2016
Patriotic mystery with explosive ending
I've enjoyed the Corps Justice series so far, including this one. However, this story had too much political bs for my liking. The ending was both exciting and dumb founding. My least favorite so far due to the main topic and political characters.
I've enjoyed the Corps Justice series so far, including this one. However, this story had too much political bs for my liking. The ending was both exciting and dumb founding. My least favorite so far due to the main topic and political characters.
December 6, 2015
Fictional story but today's headlines.
Read this series out of order, and like them. Washington D.C. corruption, even some senators and congressmen trying to poison the president. Russia, China and depth we owe, stock market. Elite group of men that make up the SSI to keep the president and us safe. Don't start this book late at night, you'll won't be able to sleep much.
Read this series out of order, and like them. Washington D.C. corruption, even some senators and congressmen trying to poison the president. Russia, China and depth we owe, stock market. Elite group of men that make up the SSI to keep the president and us safe. Don't start this book late at night, you'll won't be able to sleep much.
January 13, 2017
I was so shocked how this ended. I couldn't decide how to rate this book, my mind going back and forth between four stars and five stars. When I got to the end, I decided on three! I was very disappointed and upset that the new CEO of the company tells the owner of the company it was time for him to leave the company! Unbelievable! How does that happen?
April 29, 2019
Did not seem coherent enough to enjoy. Gave up half way
July 7, 2017
What an excellent way to be reminded that those who run this country have damaged integrity. It is not too difficult to relate to the author's portrayal of the character of those in power of our country today. By what we read in the news and see on television, the revealing flawed personalities are an insult to what our country has always held in higher esteem. So, what I am saying is that as a citizen of America, this story had me cheering for the guys who fought the good fight to overcome the evil intent of the adversaries. The cliff is high and to fall from it will surely take its toll on those who choose the crooked path. I love the ex-marine characters banter as they go about the high-risk job of protecting their country and the president.
This is a fast moving, action packed thriller. The tense scenes really found me holding my breath while they played out, only to breathe a sigh of relief when it all came together and then moved on at an even faster pace. There are surprises and clever twists in the storyline. I liked this novel and would recommend it with great enthusiasm.
This is a fast moving, action packed thriller. The tense scenes really found me holding my breath while they played out, only to breathe a sigh of relief when it all came together and then moved on at an even faster pace. There are surprises and clever twists in the storyline. I liked this novel and would recommend it with great enthusiasm.
November 30, 2017
A Review of the Audiobook
Published by Tantor Audio in 2017
Read by David Colacci
Duration: 8 hours, 17 minutes
Unabridged
The Corps Justice series continues its tales of SSI (Stokes Security International), a private security firm that sometimes doubles as the President's personal private paramilitary army that acts when he just can't do things politically.
The President is in political trouble. There is a plot to frame the President and a very connected contact of SSI is concerned about strange movements in the stock market. So, he contacts his friends at SSI to give him a hand. And, they soon discover that things are much worse than they had ever imagined...
Politics, as portrayed in this book, are just not realistic. For example, the President...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2017/...
Published by Tantor Audio in 2017
Read by David Colacci
Duration: 8 hours, 17 minutes
Unabridged
The Corps Justice series continues its tales of SSI (Stokes Security International), a private security firm that sometimes doubles as the President's personal private paramilitary army that acts when he just can't do things politically.
The President is in political trouble. There is a plot to frame the President and a very connected contact of SSI is concerned about strange movements in the stock market. So, he contacts his friends at SSI to give him a hand. And, they soon discover that things are much worse than they had ever imagined...
Politics, as portrayed in this book, are just not realistic. For example, the President...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2017/...
January 23, 2021
Another story that will give you a great ride of adventure!!
The President resigned, naming VP Brandon Zimmer as the new President.
President Zimmer does not trust a lot of people but he does trust Cal and those Patriots at SSI.
President Zimmer picks a new Vice President and Chief of Staff that he knows he can trust.
With the corruption in politics and all of the evil that greedy people conspire to do for gain and power it is a wonder that they discover a plot to manipulate the stock market. Now SSI needs to find a way to stop it before it destroys the country's economy.
Read this book to join the team in fighting evil and corruption. I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!!
The President resigned, naming VP Brandon Zimmer as the new President.
President Zimmer does not trust a lot of people but he does trust Cal and those Patriots at SSI.
President Zimmer picks a new Vice President and Chief of Staff that he knows he can trust.
With the corruption in politics and all of the evil that greedy people conspire to do for gain and power it is a wonder that they discover a plot to manipulate the stock market. Now SSI needs to find a way to stop it before it destroys the country's economy.
Read this book to join the team in fighting evil and corruption. I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!!
April 27, 2020
Entertaining, but lots of constitutional ignorance
While I found this book to be entertaining and have enjoyed this series, I’m amazed at the ignorance the author when it comes to constitutional checks and balances, enumerated powers, and inalienable rights. One example, presidents don’t decide whether or not a Senator can stay in office or not. They don’t have that power, legislators do not answer to the President. He is not their boss. Congress is a separate and equal branch.
While I found this book to be entertaining and have enjoyed this series, I’m amazed at the ignorance the author when it comes to constitutional checks and balances, enumerated powers, and inalienable rights. One example, presidents don’t decide whether or not a Senator can stay in office or not. They don’t have that power, legislators do not answer to the President. He is not their boss. Congress is a separate and equal branch.
June 23, 2018
National Burden. C. G. Cooper
POTUS has resigned amongst a whirl wind of treasonous acts of deceit, betrayal. Even his wife included. VP Zimmer, now a friend of SSI is sworn in as POTUS. Many in power are shocked. New treasonous acts are in play. SSI is taxed again with solving a possible shift in world dominance and American politics. Extremely fast paced action thriller! Enjoyed tremendously!
POTUS has resigned amongst a whirl wind of treasonous acts of deceit, betrayal. Even his wife included. VP Zimmer, now a friend of SSI is sworn in as POTUS. Many in power are shocked. New treasonous acts are in play. SSI is taxed again with solving a possible shift in world dominance and American politics. Extremely fast paced action thriller! Enjoyed tremendously!
September 16, 2019
This book is very slow to start, I am 30% in and it hasn’t grabbed me. Seems Cooper is just turning out books for the pay day, not all having much of a story line. This is geo political crap. This whole book is all politics and the crap that makes it up, don’t we have enough with reality and everyday TV. I read the whole thing but I don’t recommend it unless politics is your thing. It wasn’t a fun read. 3.8
May 26, 2020
It's hard to put down one of these books.
Once you start reading one of these books by Cooper, it's very hard put down. This one is no different. The story, and the politics attached to it, is fascinating. I totally dislike politicians. I consider them to be nothing but parasites. Cal and his group certainly find themselves in some interesting situations. This is a quick well written story.
Once you start reading one of these books by Cooper, it's very hard put down. This one is no different. The story, and the politics attached to it, is fascinating. I totally dislike politicians. I consider them to be nothing but parasites. Cal and his group certainly find themselves in some interesting situations. This is a quick well written story.
October 3, 2020
It Will All Come Crashing Down...
Well, that’s what would have happened in this book if Sec. of State Dryburgh had his way but... You’ll have to read it to find out what happened to stop it. BUT... my life is crashing down!!! I’m hooked! I can hardly put these books down! I’m reading them in record time and for me, that’s saying something! Cooper, you have hit the “Mother Load” with Cal Stokes and SSI! Thank you!
Well, that’s what would have happened in this book if Sec. of State Dryburgh had his way but... You’ll have to read it to find out what happened to stop it. BUT... my life is crashing down!!! I’m hooked! I can hardly put these books down! I’m reading them in record time and for me, that’s saying something! Cooper, you have hit the “Mother Load” with Cal Stokes and SSI! Thank you!
November 23, 2019
I just love these books! C.G.Cooper writes in such a realistic way about things that have happened and things that may happen. His expertise shows through every chapter and makes the story believable and exciting. Cal Stokes is the center of it all, and what a wonderful complex character. Love the development of the plot, the characters, and the progression of all!
March 9, 2020
How to lighten the load.
That is the approach taken to clear up a few problems that had arisen due to on-going activities. A bit messy at times, but the solutions seemed to be adequate for now. New characters to the series should make for some interesting stories as we move along. A touch of impatience is appearing in the psyche of one of the main protagonists.
That is the approach taken to clear up a few problems that had arisen due to on-going activities. A bit messy at times, but the solutions seemed to be adequate for now. New characters to the series should make for some interesting stories as we move along. A touch of impatience is appearing in the psyche of one of the main protagonists.
March 11, 2020
Burdens
I like Cal and it was a very political book. I'm glad it ended the way it did. But I don't know what happened to the guy from Florida. That's disconcerting. I didn't like Marge telling Cal to leave either. Maybe she didn't mean for him to leave. Guess I won't know until I read the next book.
I like Cal and it was a very political book. I'm glad it ended the way it did. But I don't know what happened to the guy from Florida. That's disconcerting. I didn't like Marge telling Cal to leave either. Maybe she didn't mean for him to leave. Guess I won't know until I read the next book.
June 10, 2020
Following his predecessor's abrupt departure, newly appointed President Brandon Zimmer must deal with aggressors at home and abroad. The sharks swarm. The burden is overwhelming.
He has to depend on the support of Stokes Security, Inc, Cal Stokes, jr, and his team to find out why the stock market is being manipulated.
He has to depend on the support of Stokes Security, Inc, Cal Stokes, jr, and his team to find out why the stock market is being manipulated.
January 28, 2021
Corps Justice Book 5: Keeps Getting Better!
I just can’t stop reading these books. They’re absolutely brilliant and get better each book. There are always twists and turns, friends who turn out to be enemies but you never see it coming. Absolutely superb. Keep them coming. I might only be starting on book 6 but I’m a quick reader!! Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
I just can’t stop reading these books. They’re absolutely brilliant and get better each book. There are always twists and turns, friends who turn out to be enemies but you never see it coming. Absolutely superb. Keep them coming. I might only be starting on book 6 but I’m a quick reader!! Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
August 27, 2025
A good book, but not Cooper's best
I enjoy reading the C.G. Cooper Cotos Justice series, and National Burden is no exception. That said, I felt this one was slow to get going, jumped between story lines, and left me wanting more. Worth a read if you like the series, on to Book 6 for me.
I enjoy reading the C.G. Cooper Cotos Justice series, and National Burden is no exception. That said, I felt this one was slow to get going, jumped between story lines, and left me wanting more. Worth a read if you like the series, on to Book 6 for me.
May 19, 2017
Another winner
So far this series has been captivating. I'm eager to start the next book.
I enjoy the dialogue between the characters and the action gas me turning the pages as well as the drama. I couldn't put it down!
So far this series has been captivating. I'm eager to start the next book.
I enjoy the dialogue between the characters and the action gas me turning the pages as well as the drama. I couldn't put it down!
June 17, 2017
Good book
However you lost me when you referee to you president as"the president of the free world". He isn't the president of Australia, Canada or England or any other country, just the USA.
However you lost me when you referee to you president as"the president of the free world". He isn't the president of Australia, Canada or England or any other country, just the USA.
June 24, 2017
This book was interesting enough but it did not really focus my attention. I was readily able to put it aside. The plot was believable and the characters were familiar from another book by this author but it was just missing something.
December 12, 2017
Another solid page turner from C.G. Cooper
Corps Justice continues to offer solid reading entertainment, Cal, Travis and the rest of the crew continue to offer a great read , with believable roots in today's headlines!!
Corps Justice continues to offer solid reading entertainment, Cal, Travis and the rest of the crew continue to offer a great read , with believable roots in today's headlines!!
May 15, 2019
Wonderful story of justice
There are people who like to manipulate others to get their way but good guys are there to rescue. Many people are power hungry that they willing to kill others to get it but the good are again there to the rescue.
There are people who like to manipulate others to get their way but good guys are there to rescue. Many people are power hungry that they willing to kill others to get it but the good are again there to the rescue.
July 21, 2019
Another excellent book by C. G. Cooper
I have enjoyed every book in this exciting series and will soon start on the next book.
This author has the ability to create a believable, exciting story line that keeps the reader captivated from the start to the end of each book..
I have enjoyed every book in this exciting series and will soon start on the next book.
This author has the ability to create a believable, exciting story line that keeps the reader captivated from the start to the end of each book..
August 10, 2019
National burden
Fascinating story of political intrigue with the conspiracy tangles everyone is sure prevail but can't prove. Ending had some pieces not fully resolved and also left the serial hook dangling.
Fascinating story of political intrigue with the conspiracy tangles everyone is sure prevail but can't prove. Ending had some pieces not fully resolved and also left the serial hook dangling.
September 6, 2019
Of course the SSI Team wons again. Who ever the twist and turns of this plot is amazing. The fight by Democrats and Republicans to get rid of the new president is unbelievable. I really hope our government is that conniving. Great read.
April 12, 2020
Great read
Another good thriller that I enjoyed. A lot of twists and turns not to the end of story you know who is behind the plot. And the end is when you find out the CEO ask Val to resign.
Another good thriller that I enjoyed. A lot of twists and turns not to the end of story you know who is behind the plot. And the end is when you find out the CEO ask Val to resign.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews