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Carerra #5
Come and Take Them
#5 in the popular Carerra military science fiction series that started with A Desert Called Peace. Miltary leader Carerra faces down a threat from totalitarians and wins the freedom of his country on a frontier planet.
Carerra. Relentless. Machiavellian. Without compunction. Victorious. Pity his enemies. Be thankful he is on the side of freedom from totalitarian domination.
On the colony planet of Terra Nova, soldier turned political leader Carerra has achieved his revenge, destroying those who killed his wife and children in a terrorist strike, and helping to establish a free country. But Carrera’s fight is not over.
War with the Tauran Union is inevitable. Carerra has been preparing his new country for this all-out conflict for years, intending to drive out the last vestige of foreign imperialism in Balboa, the Tauran Union Security Force. He doesn't care that he's outnumbered one hundred to one. He doesn't care that the Taurans are one thousand times wealthier. A true Machiavellian, Carrera is convinced that gold cannot always find good soldiers, but that good soldiers can always find gold. After all, his good soldiers have already found quite a bit. Moreover, he's been preparing for the war he intends to start and fight on his own terms, while the TU has been preparing for a progressive fantasy.
About Tom Kratman’s Carrera
“[I]nterplanetary warfare with. . .[a] visceral story of bravery and sacrifice . . . fans of the military SF of John Ringo and David Weber should enjoy this SF action adventure.”– Library Journal
“Kratman's dystopia is a brisk page turner full of startling twists … [Kratman is] a professional military man … up to speed on military and geopolitical conceits.” –best-selling author of America Alone Mark Steyn on Tom Kratman’s uncompromising military SF thriller, Califate
“Kratman raises disquieting questions on what it might take to win the war on terror…realistic action sequences, strong characterizations and thoughts on the philosophy of war.” – Publishers Weekly
Carerra
A Desert Called Peace
Carnifex
The Lotus Eaters
The Amazon Legion
Come and Take Them
Rods and the Axe
Carerra. Relentless. Machiavellian. Without compunction. Victorious. Pity his enemies. Be thankful he is on the side of freedom from totalitarian domination.
On the colony planet of Terra Nova, soldier turned political leader Carerra has achieved his revenge, destroying those who killed his wife and children in a terrorist strike, and helping to establish a free country. But Carrera’s fight is not over.
War with the Tauran Union is inevitable. Carerra has been preparing his new country for this all-out conflict for years, intending to drive out the last vestige of foreign imperialism in Balboa, the Tauran Union Security Force. He doesn't care that he's outnumbered one hundred to one. He doesn't care that the Taurans are one thousand times wealthier. A true Machiavellian, Carrera is convinced that gold cannot always find good soldiers, but that good soldiers can always find gold. After all, his good soldiers have already found quite a bit. Moreover, he's been preparing for the war he intends to start and fight on his own terms, while the TU has been preparing for a progressive fantasy.
About Tom Kratman’s Carrera
“[I]nterplanetary warfare with. . .[a] visceral story of bravery and sacrifice . . . fans of the military SF of John Ringo and David Weber should enjoy this SF action adventure.”– Library Journal
“Kratman's dystopia is a brisk page turner full of startling twists … [Kratman is] a professional military man … up to speed on military and geopolitical conceits.” –best-selling author of America Alone Mark Steyn on Tom Kratman’s uncompromising military SF thriller, Califate
“Kratman raises disquieting questions on what it might take to win the war on terror…realistic action sequences, strong characterizations and thoughts on the philosophy of war.” – Publishers Weekly
Carerra
A Desert Called Peace
Carnifex
The Lotus Eaters
The Amazon Legion
Come and Take Them
Rods and the Axe
816 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 15, 2013
29 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 16, 2021
The Carrera saga continues here in the fifth installment; another 800 page brick. For the story set up, see reviews of earlier ones in the series. Here, the long awaited battle between Balboa and the TU finally takes place, after another 600 pages of build up. I could really do without Carrera's young son Ham and his 12 wives; not sure why Kratman felt it was necessary to include this story arc, but so it goes.
Kratman does military action really, really, well, but we do not really get there until 600 pages in or so here. His in your face anti-PC is kinda fun, but it does get a bit old after awhile. Balboa continues to build basically a Heinlein inspired (e.g., Starship Trooper) type of military society and that is interesting. Overall, a decent installment, but not sure if I want to continue down this road. 3 bloody stars.
Kratman does military action really, really, well, but we do not really get there until 600 pages in or so here. His in your face anti-PC is kinda fun, but it does get a bit old after awhile. Balboa continues to build basically a Heinlein inspired (e.g., Starship Trooper) type of military society and that is interesting. Overall, a decent installment, but not sure if I want to continue down this road. 3 bloody stars.
November 2, 2013
A continuation of a good storyline. Strategically, satisfying.
August 8, 2018
A good read, 3.5 stars.
December 7, 2014
This was supposed to be, or so I thought, the big payoff in the buildup of Kratman's series: war with the European Union, I mean Tauran Union. It was, just not like I expected.
The book is mostly build up, though this isn't bad. Kratman is a good writer, he knows his craft and his humor, often times dark, and his politics (which will offend everyone, at least sometimes, which is good because he's making you think)and his lecturing fill up a large portion of the book. But it's, as always, done through the guise of the story itself which is about building up a Latin American-I mean South Columbian, nation in order to be a first rate military power to stand against globalism, the UN-crap, I mean the United Earth and the European Union-crap I mean Tauran Union.
The actual payoff, the war itself, comes in the last 200 pages of the book. And really only covers the first DAY of the war itself. Though it's so amazingly well done, and show's Kratman's professional admiration for European soldiers (I'm assuming he worked with all of these types of guys and gals in the past in his military career, he had to have, his respect for his 'enemies' comes through in the writing.)and their fighting abilities.
This book and 'The Amazon Legion' overlap somewhat, and parts of each show up in each other though the Amazon Legion clearly goes much further in the story as far as time goes.
Overall this was a good book, though I had a couple of minor grievances.
1: Why the hell wasn't the coolest damned assassin (or one of them) in science fiction used except for a couple of brief paragraphs? Khalid, said badass assassin, only shows up very briefly. Slightly disappointing.
2: Lourdes, Carrera's wife, and an important character is also all but absent.
3: As are, for the most part, the Russian-crap I mean Volgan troops allied with the BDF, Jimenez (a character I had really grown to like). Also, final gripe, Janier, the smarmy, sleazy, love to hate him French guy mostly because he's just so goddamned French, is just different this time around.
Janier is one of those characters that you hate him so much you end up liking him. I don't know, maybe Kratman did too. Either that or current French strategic decisions concerning the growing terrorist problem in north and west Africa had caused him to soften a little concerning a portrayal of French military officers. Or maybe he actually has French fans. I don't know, but Janier changed. This isn't necessarily bad, but he's no longer the main villain. He's actually, kind of, noble and honorable now. Sigh...
Overall a good book, I just wish some of the characters I had been following for the first three books had stuck around. Rather than sit on the margins.
In the end: if you want a good war story, a REALISTIC portrayal of military operations as well as geopolitics, and if you aren't afraid to be lectured on politics from time to time (you don't have to agree), then this is a good read.
The book is mostly build up, though this isn't bad. Kratman is a good writer, he knows his craft and his humor, often times dark, and his politics (which will offend everyone, at least sometimes, which is good because he's making you think)and his lecturing fill up a large portion of the book. But it's, as always, done through the guise of the story itself which is about building up a Latin American-I mean South Columbian, nation in order to be a first rate military power to stand against globalism, the UN-crap, I mean the United Earth and the European Union-crap I mean Tauran Union.
The actual payoff, the war itself, comes in the last 200 pages of the book. And really only covers the first DAY of the war itself. Though it's so amazingly well done, and show's Kratman's professional admiration for European soldiers (I'm assuming he worked with all of these types of guys and gals in the past in his military career, he had to have, his respect for his 'enemies' comes through in the writing.)and their fighting abilities.
This book and 'The Amazon Legion' overlap somewhat, and parts of each show up in each other though the Amazon Legion clearly goes much further in the story as far as time goes.
Overall this was a good book, though I had a couple of minor grievances.
1: Why the hell wasn't the coolest damned assassin (or one of them) in science fiction used except for a couple of brief paragraphs? Khalid, said badass assassin, only shows up very briefly. Slightly disappointing.
2: Lourdes, Carrera's wife, and an important character is also all but absent.
3: As are, for the most part, the Russian-crap I mean Volgan troops allied with the BDF, Jimenez (a character I had really grown to like). Also, final gripe, Janier, the smarmy, sleazy, love to hate him French guy mostly because he's just so goddamned French, is just different this time around.
Janier is one of those characters that you hate him so much you end up liking him. I don't know, maybe Kratman did too. Either that or current French strategic decisions concerning the growing terrorist problem in north and west Africa had caused him to soften a little concerning a portrayal of French military officers. Or maybe he actually has French fans. I don't know, but Janier changed. This isn't necessarily bad, but he's no longer the main villain. He's actually, kind of, noble and honorable now. Sigh...
Overall a good book, I just wish some of the characters I had been following for the first three books had stuck around. Rather than sit on the margins.
In the end: if you want a good war story, a REALISTIC portrayal of military operations as well as geopolitics, and if you aren't afraid to be lectured on politics from time to time (you don't have to agree), then this is a good read.
February 10, 2014
I enjoy the Kratman books. Many years ago, I was enjoying Gor novels by John Norman. I overlooked all of the parts that I didn't enjoy in those. Kind of the same thing here.
What I enjoy is that a well prepared military, that trains and feeds and innovates, can jump on a bigger opponent and whup them. I like stories where the arrogant big guy gets his eye poked by the underdog little guy.
I have to question the role of the media to incite sides to war. Not because it can't happen in the real world, but because I think it's too likely. To the extent that the story makes anyone question the story about a provocation, it ought to be required reading.
A terrific shoot-em-up. Can't wait for more.
What I enjoy is that a well prepared military, that trains and feeds and innovates, can jump on a bigger opponent and whup them. I like stories where the arrogant big guy gets his eye poked by the underdog little guy.
I have to question the role of the media to incite sides to war. Not because it can't happen in the real world, but because I think it's too likely. To the extent that the story makes anyone question the story about a provocation, it ought to be required reading.
A terrific shoot-em-up. Can't wait for more.
December 9, 2013
Excellent addition to the series! I'm only disappointed that we're merely partway through what we know will be a long war (from book #4), and that I'll be waiting to see what happens for another long while...
It's hard to review this in isolation because this one leaves so many plot threads hanging. You learn more about the machinations of the key players in the strategic game, and I'm starting to have suspicions about where the series will lead as time goes on... Great fun, and (as I mentioned before) I only wish I had the whole series available to me right now. I do hate waiting for the next installment...
It's hard to review this in isolation because this one leaves so many plot threads hanging. You learn more about the machinations of the key players in the strategic game, and I'm starting to have suspicions about where the series will lead as time goes on... Great fun, and (as I mentioned before) I only wish I had the whole series available to me right now. I do hate waiting for the next installment...
January 8, 2014
I love all of Kratman's books.
Sure he goes a bit overboard in making his points. But with America being the cesspool of surrender monkeys that it has become, this should be mandatory reading for all males in America...and women.
It confused me a bit as it covered ground (albeit in more detail) already covered in the last book.
Kratman always throws a good tale out there.
I agree more often than not with his politics as well.
I'm so tired of the Politically Correct class of Americans.
Sure he goes a bit overboard in making his points. But with America being the cesspool of surrender monkeys that it has become, this should be mandatory reading for all males in America...and women.
It confused me a bit as it covered ground (albeit in more detail) already covered in the last book.
Kratman always throws a good tale out there.
I agree more often than not with his politics as well.
I'm so tired of the Politically Correct class of Americans.
April 5, 2015
Baen Books needs some strong editors to reign in Tom Kratman like they need to reign in David Weber with these long wordy books ! This book comes in at over 775 pages and the first 600 pages is about training and explain the same things over and over and over with the minutest details again and again ! Alright already ! Once the war and battles begin around page 600 the book becomes a very, very entertaining read !
January 1, 2014
I enjoyed this book and like the way the story continues to unfold. I had already read the Amazon Legion which runs parallel to this book so found the book confusing to place until I started coming across cross over moments. It didn't take away from the strong story and great characters in any way and I again look forward to more.
January 5, 2014
As it builds to the realpolitik, the last resort of kings, war, raises it shaggy head and takes a bite of those do not prepare to fight tomorrow's battle. Harsh, brutal and Carrea goes for the win.
August 20, 2015
Furious action with a believable political landscape creates a fascinating read.
Read
November 16, 2020Tom Kratman once again delivers a great story of warfare between the nations of Terra Nova. Left to themselves, the Tauran Union leadership might be content to merely restrict the freedoms of the people of Balboa by imposing various economic sanctions and hoping that their barbaric moral philosophy leads to their downfall in the end. Unhappily, UEPF high Admiral Wallenstein isn't willing to wait that long, so she bribes and cajoles the Taurans into provoking a war with Carrera's Legion.
There are still a few honest men left on the Tauran side, and their supreme commander, works directly with Carrera to stand down from the first provocations, hoping to achieve an uneasy peace once more. That hope is shattered later when a group of women from the Tauran Union are captured, tortured and killed, and the video released showing that Balboan security forces were responsible. So, the war begins.
Carrera has spent years preparing for this conflict, setting up multiple lines of ambush and surprise to use when it all hits the fan. We get to see some of the preparations, though only a portion of those become relevant in Come and Take Them, so it is likely that they'll be revealed in all their sneaky glory in another installment of this saga.
There are a couple of "cameo" appearances from primary characters in The Amazon Legion here. The action in that novel is going on in parallel with this one, and some of it becomes crucial to the outcome. The book is pretty clear at the end that this is just the beginning of the war, and there are at least a couple of interesting plot threads left dangling; what's going to happen with Carrera's son, Hamilcar, and his harem who worship him as god? and how is the traitor within Wallenstein's staff going to affect the outcome of things?
One quote I found amusing:
"...do we do well on those (standardized) tests because we are bright, or despite the fact that we're bright? Because most of the people who do well on standardized intelligence tests are, as near as I can figure, incompetent, arrogant morons who are ruining our world. Whatever those tests measure, it is not intelligence, and whatever the schools are delivering that those tests get people into, it is not competence."
If I had a quibble with this book, it's that it jumps around so often that I really had to stop and think and concentrate to keep track of who, when and where things were happening. In a way, I suppose, it was a bit like the fog of war, and I really couldn't be certain at any given time who was winning, in the big picture. I also missed the quotations from History and Moral Philosophy that appeared in earlier books.
Pulling no punches, this is a tough war novel, forget the science fiction.
On the positive side, I finally got to find out what Alex Kilgour of the Sten novels "reeking lums" were. On the negative side, I had to wait too long for it, subjectively speaking.
There are still a few honest men left on the Tauran side, and their supreme commander, works directly with Carrera to stand down from the first provocations, hoping to achieve an uneasy peace once more. That hope is shattered later when a group of women from the Tauran Union are captured, tortured and killed, and the video released showing that Balboan security forces were responsible. So, the war begins.
Carrera has spent years preparing for this conflict, setting up multiple lines of ambush and surprise to use when it all hits the fan. We get to see some of the preparations, though only a portion of those become relevant in Come and Take Them, so it is likely that they'll be revealed in all their sneaky glory in another installment of this saga.
There are a couple of "cameo" appearances from primary characters in The Amazon Legion here. The action in that novel is going on in parallel with this one, and some of it becomes crucial to the outcome. The book is pretty clear at the end that this is just the beginning of the war, and there are at least a couple of interesting plot threads left dangling; what's going to happen with Carrera's son, Hamilcar, and his harem who worship him as god? and how is the traitor within Wallenstein's staff going to affect the outcome of things?
One quote I found amusing:
"...do we do well on those (standardized) tests because we are bright, or despite the fact that we're bright? Because most of the people who do well on standardized intelligence tests are, as near as I can figure, incompetent, arrogant morons who are ruining our world. Whatever those tests measure, it is not intelligence, and whatever the schools are delivering that those tests get people into, it is not competence."
If I had a quibble with this book, it's that it jumps around so often that I really had to stop and think and concentrate to keep track of who, when and where things were happening. In a way, I suppose, it was a bit like the fog of war, and I really couldn't be certain at any given time who was winning, in the big picture. I also missed the quotations from History and Moral Philosophy that appeared in earlier books.
Pulling no punches, this is a tough war novel, forget the science fiction.
On the positive side, I finally got to find out what Alex Kilgour of the Sten novels "reeking lums" were. On the negative side, I had to wait too long for it, subjectively speaking.
July 7, 2017
If you are looking for an excellent military sci-fi book, it's a great example solely from an entertainment perspective. However, once again Kratman hits a home run in his takes on social issues and culture's impact on a military force and vice-versa. He is not afraid to integrate recent issues in American and Western cultures. He says things many are thinking, and puts beliefs into action in the context of the Carreraverse; if you are easily offended these books may not be for you - but perhaps you should read them and consider other alternatives.
November 25, 2022
Wars forsaken glory to pay for freedom.
I hope that this doesn't have to happen for us to get rid of the progressive insanity that is now creeping its tentacles Into our own way of life. Great book and read with with huge tours of blood and death. A horror story of chilling dimensions. Can't wait for book 6.
I hope that this doesn't have to happen for us to get rid of the progressive insanity that is now creeping its tentacles Into our own way of life. Great book and read with with huge tours of blood and death. A horror story of chilling dimensions. Can't wait for book 6.
July 3, 2019
This overlaps with Amazon Legion in several places, of the two, this one is more essential to the story.
After arranging for the defense of Balboa, Carrera needs to Tauran Union to jump. When they finally do, it's into a hot frying pan.
After arranging for the defense of Balboa, Carrera needs to Tauran Union to jump. When they finally do, it's into a hot frying pan.
September 28, 2016
If you're this far into the series, you kinda know what you're getting at this point, though chronologically its a bit of an oddball, overlapping with the prior 2 books, just more at the "big" picture level than the last one.
Anywho, not a whole lot I can add that I haven't said in prior reviews for the series, its some extremely detailed world building and moderately complex geopolitics and scheming. Like the prior, its greatest strength can also be something of a weakness; its agonizing detail and plodding progress at times. Also like the prior books, pulls no punches in its politics and views, for better or worse.
Probably not going to read again for a long time, but already started the next one in the series cause well, crap, I gotta know what happens. And I'm a sucker for big fortresses and looming sieges.
Anywho, not a whole lot I can add that I haven't said in prior reviews for the series, its some extremely detailed world building and moderately complex geopolitics and scheming. Like the prior, its greatest strength can also be something of a weakness; its agonizing detail and plodding progress at times. Also like the prior books, pulls no punches in its politics and views, for better or worse.
Probably not going to read again for a long time, but already started the next one in the series cause well, crap, I gotta know what happens. And I'm a sucker for big fortresses and looming sieges.
July 22, 2013
I've read several of Tom Kratman's books in this series, and I've liked them well enough, but I can't say I really ENJOYED them. I think I get some sense of the author's mood when he or she is writing. John Ringo, for example, I think is having a good time when he's putting words to paper. Lois McMaster Bujold is FEELING what her characters are feeling when she writes. Larry Correia is just having a blast whenever he's cranking out prose.
Tom Kratman is... Lecturing? Sermonizing? I'm not sure there's a proper word for it in the English language, and English has chased down, bludgeoned and stolen more words from more languages than any other that I find that difficult to grasp.
I get the impression that Mr. Kratman does not actually ENJOY telling a story, and that bleeds through in his writing. He's technically very proficient, explaining how military organizations work, expanding on the psychology of the characters, detailing the environment, tactics, strategies, philosophies, politics. He's very thorough. And I am receptive to his worldview.
But I read fiction to be entertained. If it also educates me, that's a bonus. If all it does is educate me, I'm probably going to go find something else to read. I choose non-fiction for that.
Is "Come and Take Them" a bad book? By no means. But I didn't have the strong urge to stay up until ridiculous hours just so I could finish it like I did with Ringo's "Under a Graveyard Sky" either.
Your mileage may vary.
Tom Kratman is... Lecturing? Sermonizing? I'm not sure there's a proper word for it in the English language, and English has chased down, bludgeoned and stolen more words from more languages than any other that I find that difficult to grasp.
I get the impression that Mr. Kratman does not actually ENJOY telling a story, and that bleeds through in his writing. He's technically very proficient, explaining how military organizations work, expanding on the psychology of the characters, detailing the environment, tactics, strategies, philosophies, politics. He's very thorough. And I am receptive to his worldview.
But I read fiction to be entertained. If it also educates me, that's a bonus. If all it does is educate me, I'm probably going to go find something else to read. I choose non-fiction for that.
Is "Come and Take Them" a bad book? By no means. But I didn't have the strong urge to stay up until ridiculous hours just so I could finish it like I did with Ringo's "Under a Graveyard Sky" either.
Your mileage may vary.
July 21, 2013
I read the free chapters they posted of the ARC on webscriptions... I want the rest sooooo bad!!!!
Read the rest and...
It was awesome!!!!!!
I'm totally shipping Khalid X (someone) He met her for the first time in this book and I was so happy~
I really want to read the History and Philosophy by Marqueli and her husband, does it really exist? I support programs like Habitat for Humanity, literacy programs and the ones that do micro loans in third world countries where there has to be sweat equity. Are those kinds of programs supporting the evil too? (>.<)
Anyway, super awesome~
Read the rest and...
It was awesome!!!!!!
I'm totally shipping Khalid X (someone) He met her for the first time in this book and I was so happy~
I really want to read the History and Philosophy by Marqueli and her husband, does it really exist? I support programs like Habitat for Humanity, literacy programs and the ones that do micro loans in third world countries where there has to be sweat equity. Are those kinds of programs supporting the evil too? (>.<)
Anyway, super awesome~
June 2, 2015
Excellent story
As the Republic of Balboa continues to grow and find it's voice in Terra Novan world politics, the author weaves an exceptional read with tight story lines and colourful characters. Though some complain that the author is too technical, I have found the storytelling and background superb. (Though my military background may make me a bit biased.) I look forward to the next installment. Recommend this series.
As the Republic of Balboa continues to grow and find it's voice in Terra Novan world politics, the author weaves an exceptional read with tight story lines and colourful characters. Though some complain that the author is too technical, I have found the storytelling and background superb. (Though my military background may make me a bit biased.) I look forward to the next installment. Recommend this series.
January 4, 2017
Make no mistake, the writing is gritty, detailed, and top-notch, but the book does very little to advance the storyline. Essentially Books 4 and 5 are different POV of the same conflict, so when you've read Book 4 you've pretty much seen as much of the plot as there is to see in Book 5. From an editorial stand-point this bothers me. A sequel is supposed to advance the storyline, not rehash the same content. I'll give the book 3 stars, but only because the writing is good.
February 10, 2014
Come and Take Them induced in me a sense of deja vu since the events in this title had been covered in the first half of The Amazon Legion. The difference is that here we get more details, more fighting and a bit more drama with the regular cast of characters. Overall, it was a decent book, just I was hoping it would be more.
May 18, 2014
A really good addition to the series.
Throughout the book the Tauran Union are looking to provoke an incident to allow them to invade Balboa. When it comes they attack in force. Unfortunately for them Carrera is ready and has forces, unknown to them ready and able to repulse the assault.
Excellent story telling leaving much to pick upon for future storeis.
Throughout the book the Tauran Union are looking to provoke an incident to allow them to invade Balboa. When it comes they attack in force. Unfortunately for them Carrera is ready and has forces, unknown to them ready and able to repulse the assault.
Excellent story telling leaving much to pick upon for future storeis.
October 24, 2014
This had too much detail for me to get in the story. For someone who loves military fiction that reads like an after action report with all the this company goes here the 1c is responsible for that; this would be a good read. But for me I'm more interested in the story line and all the detail just pushes my awareness out.
May 11, 2023
This weaves in with Amazon Legion, and makes it make more sense, at least. But he's definitely fallen off on this series, getting too deep in the weeds on the technical details at the expense of story.
December 28, 2013
Nothing but a thinly veiled excuse for US chauvinism, gun-totting jingoism, but what else could be expected from co-author of such a pamphlet like 'Watch on the Rhine' was. Technically well written, though.
June 30, 2014
A huge step down for this series. The explorations of philosophy and government have been entirely crowded out by the military details.
February 5, 2016
Carrera and Balboa battle the Tauran Union in book five of the Desert Called Peace series. A well done military romp.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews