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As a captain, Ryck Lysander is given one of the most sought-after billets in the an infantry company commander. His new battalion commanding officer, however, is not impressed with Ryck's past accomplishments, and Ryck finds himself struggling to fulfill the CO's expectations. Used to his "hero" status within the Corps, his new position of having to prove himself grates on him. Now, as his company marches to the sound of gunfire, Ryck must find it within himself to be an effective combat commander.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2015
617 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan P. Brazee
149 books190 followersI am a retired Marine colonel and now a full-time writer living in Colorado Springs with my wife, Kiwi, and infant twin daughters, Danika Dawn and Darika Marie.
I published my first work back in 1978, a so-so short story titled "Secession." Since then, I have been published in newspapers, magazines, and in book format in fiction, political science, business, military, sports, race relations, and personal relations fields. I returned to writing fiction in 2009, and I currently have over 85 titles published, 52 being novels. My novelette, "Weaponized Math," was a finalist for the 2017 Nebula Award, and my novella, "Fire Ant," was a 2018 Nebula finalist. My novel "Integration" was a 2018 Dragon Award finalist, and my novel "Sentenced to War" was a 2021 finalist. I am a USA Today Bestelling writer.
My undergraduate degree was earned at the U. S. Naval Academy (Class of 1979), and I have attended graduate school at U. S. International University and the University of California, San Diego, earning a masters and doctorate. I am a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the US. Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
I have rather eclectic tastes. I have won awards in photography, cooking, wrting, and several sports, earning national championships in rugby and equestrian events. When I'm not writing, I'm reading, cooking, going to the gym, or traveling. I attend quite a few cons over the course of a year, and love meeting other people who love books.
I write because I love it. I only hope that others might read my work and get a bit of enjoyment or useful information out of my efforts.
As an author, I don't think it is fair for me to rate any other author's books here on Goodreads if that rating is less than five stars. I have certainly read many books that do not deserve five (or four, three, or even two). However, I will not rate any of those here while I am a Goodreads author. Consequently, I will only be listing books that I really like and feel deserve five stars.
If you would like to join my email list and find out about new books or promotions, please sign up at http://eepurl.com/bnFSHH. My website is http://jonathanbrazee.com.
I published my first work back in 1978, a so-so short story titled "Secession." Since then, I have been published in newspapers, magazines, and in book format in fiction, political science, business, military, sports, race relations, and personal relations fields. I returned to writing fiction in 2009, and I currently have over 85 titles published, 52 being novels. My novelette, "Weaponized Math," was a finalist for the 2017 Nebula Award, and my novella, "Fire Ant," was a 2018 Nebula finalist. My novel "Integration" was a 2018 Dragon Award finalist, and my novel "Sentenced to War" was a 2021 finalist. I am a USA Today Bestelling writer.
My undergraduate degree was earned at the U. S. Naval Academy (Class of 1979), and I have attended graduate school at U. S. International University and the University of California, San Diego, earning a masters and doctorate. I am a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the US. Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
I have rather eclectic tastes. I have won awards in photography, cooking, wrting, and several sports, earning national championships in rugby and equestrian events. When I'm not writing, I'm reading, cooking, going to the gym, or traveling. I attend quite a few cons over the course of a year, and love meeting other people who love books.
I write because I love it. I only hope that others might read my work and get a bit of enjoyment or useful information out of my efforts.
As an author, I don't think it is fair for me to rate any other author's books here on Goodreads if that rating is less than five stars. I have certainly read many books that do not deserve five (or four, three, or even two). However, I will not rate any of those here while I am a Goodreads author. Consequently, I will only be listing books that I really like and feel deserve five stars.
If you would like to join my email list and find out about new books or promotions, please sign up at http://eepurl.com/bnFSHH. My website is http://jonathanbrazee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 28, 2024
THE HARDSHIPS, LOSTS, STRUGGLES, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF A NEWLY APPOINTED CAPTAIN IN THE MARINES.
Like all the previous books that I have read written by Jonathan Brazee, this book is well written, full of action, conflicts (both on and off the field of battle) lost, sorrow, and personal growth of the main character Captain Ryck Lysander. As a newly appointed captain, Ryke has to define himself in his new role in the Confederation Marines, as a husband, and father of two. I have really enjoyed reading Federation Marine 4 as well as the previous 3 books in this series and hope you will too.
Like all the previous books that I have read written by Jonathan Brazee, this book is well written, full of action, conflicts (both on and off the field of battle) lost, sorrow, and personal growth of the main character Captain Ryck Lysander. As a newly appointed captain, Ryke has to define himself in his new role in the Confederation Marines, as a husband, and father of two. I have really enjoyed reading Federation Marine 4 as well as the previous 3 books in this series and hope you will too.
May 8, 2015
Really, really like these books. Some of this stuff must be a re-cap of Col Brazee’s former life in Marines. You get a guy a prestigious award and it goes to his head. He becomes and insufferable A-hole and he’s the only one who doesn’t know it. I’m talking about Captain Ryck Lysander, UFMC and NOVA awardee. Yeah, he’s supposed to be our hero, but he’s not acting like anything he should be.
Thankfully, he’s got a new CO who doesn’t tolerate Prima Donna’s any more than anyone should. On Captain Lysander’s first mission, he acts like he’s afraid to move his men into harms way although if he doesn’t, a lot more Marines are liable to get killed. His CO finally convinces him that he needs to move his backside and get the mission done. That doesn’t set well with the young Captain. Back at base, the CO rightly tells Capt Lysander what he though of his actions and wasn’t very kind in doing so. It left Lysander fuming, thinking that he didn’t deserve the butt-chewing and wondering his new CO know who he was talking to.
You got that, right. A Captain thinks he knows better than his Commanding Office and a LTC (Lieutenant Colonel). Well, it’s about time someone started telling Captain Lysander his attitude needs to change or he won’t be a Federation Marine for much longer. The stuff really hits the fan when Lysander finds out he’s been selected for promotion to Major and wants to know his next duty assignment. This time it’s a full Colonel telling Ryck his new assignment which Ryck doesn’t like one little bit.
So, is our prima donna going to start pulling in his chips since he’s a real live hero, NOVA Star winner and combat veteran? Or is somebody going to finally set him down and tell him he’s due for an attitude adjustment big-time?
Read the book and find out. There is a lot of action interspersed along with all the personal problems. He’s got to get straightened out or him might find himself wearing civvies permanently. Great writing and it looks like it will continue. Thanks for the book, Colonel.
Thankfully, he’s got a new CO who doesn’t tolerate Prima Donna’s any more than anyone should. On Captain Lysander’s first mission, he acts like he’s afraid to move his men into harms way although if he doesn’t, a lot more Marines are liable to get killed. His CO finally convinces him that he needs to move his backside and get the mission done. That doesn’t set well with the young Captain. Back at base, the CO rightly tells Capt Lysander what he though of his actions and wasn’t very kind in doing so. It left Lysander fuming, thinking that he didn’t deserve the butt-chewing and wondering his new CO know who he was talking to.
You got that, right. A Captain thinks he knows better than his Commanding Office and a LTC (Lieutenant Colonel). Well, it’s about time someone started telling Captain Lysander his attitude needs to change or he won’t be a Federation Marine for much longer. The stuff really hits the fan when Lysander finds out he’s been selected for promotion to Major and wants to know his next duty assignment. This time it’s a full Colonel telling Ryck his new assignment which Ryck doesn’t like one little bit.
So, is our prima donna going to start pulling in his chips since he’s a real live hero, NOVA Star winner and combat veteran? Or is somebody going to finally set him down and tell him he’s due for an attitude adjustment big-time?
Read the book and find out. There is a lot of action interspersed along with all the personal problems. He’s got to get straightened out or him might find himself wearing civvies permanently. Great writing and it looks like it will continue. Thanks for the book, Colonel.
June 3, 2021
The novel Captain, United Federation Marine Corps by Jonathan Brazee is Book 4 in the series. The main character, Ryck Lysander, hard driving, determined, a get-it-done space marine is a hero type anyone would want to emulate.
Most times, that is. In this story, Lysander is a prima donna. A UFMC and NOVA awardee who thinks he’s more important than he really is. The man has an attitude problem. An after action report has Lysander’s commanding officer, a Lieutenant Colonel, dressing down Lysander for failing to move his marines quick enough into harm’s way. None of this sets well with the young captain and he wonders if the CO knows who he is.
Yeah, that seems strange, a Captain thinking he knows better than his commanding officer. Things get worse when Lysander finds out he’s been selected for promotion to Major. This time he goes to a full colonel to find out about his assignment, which doesn’t impress Lysander. Well, tough, this is the Space Marines.
So, what’s going to happen? Will Lysander do his job or will he sulk, smolder, and get more of his men killed with inappropriate action? Purchase the book and read it to find out. No tell-alls here.
I do have one caveat: Lysander has a history degree. He should be aware of Federation politics. He is closer to such decisions than the average jarhead.
Still, this is a good story and an entertaining read. A few harsh words are included, but nothing you won’t find in the average schoolyard.
Most times, that is. In this story, Lysander is a prima donna. A UFMC and NOVA awardee who thinks he’s more important than he really is. The man has an attitude problem. An after action report has Lysander’s commanding officer, a Lieutenant Colonel, dressing down Lysander for failing to move his marines quick enough into harm’s way. None of this sets well with the young captain and he wonders if the CO knows who he is.
Yeah, that seems strange, a Captain thinking he knows better than his commanding officer. Things get worse when Lysander finds out he’s been selected for promotion to Major. This time he goes to a full colonel to find out about his assignment, which doesn’t impress Lysander. Well, tough, this is the Space Marines.
So, what’s going to happen? Will Lysander do his job or will he sulk, smolder, and get more of his men killed with inappropriate action? Purchase the book and read it to find out. No tell-alls here.
I do have one caveat: Lysander has a history degree. He should be aware of Federation politics. He is closer to such decisions than the average jarhead.
Still, this is a good story and an entertaining read. A few harsh words are included, but nothing you won’t find in the average schoolyard.
May 4, 2022
Excellent Read
War is war. Whether on the ground, on the sea, in the air, or sometime in the future, in space - it remains the same.
In this book, we see a another band of brothers - actually more than one. The band that a unit commander creates, and a band of classmates who have gone into the breach and returned.
We know that military plans last until the first shot is fired, if we're lucky. The phrase, "Man plans, God laughs", is well demonstrated by this series.
COL (Retired) Brazee, thank you for the footnotes that translated Marine speak into something an old Army cannon cocker could understand. I'll be able to understand my brother (a career Marine) just a bit better. I thought hatch was what birds did and cover was what my wife did when she makes rolls. This book is an example of why English is second only to Mandarin Chinese in learning to speak.
I recommend this entire series with no caveats.
War is war. Whether on the ground, on the sea, in the air, or sometime in the future, in space - it remains the same.
In this book, we see a another band of brothers - actually more than one. The band that a unit commander creates, and a band of classmates who have gone into the breach and returned.
We know that military plans last until the first shot is fired, if we're lucky. The phrase, "Man plans, God laughs", is well demonstrated by this series.
COL (Retired) Brazee, thank you for the footnotes that translated Marine speak into something an old Army cannon cocker could understand. I'll be able to understand my brother (a career Marine) just a bit better. I thought hatch was what birds did and cover was what my wife did when she makes rolls. This book is an example of why English is second only to Mandarin Chinese in learning to speak.
I recommend this entire series with no caveats.
April 7, 2021
Abandoned
As is any Ryck Lysander book, there is a lot of action. Unlike the last book, Lieutenant, there is little emotion however. I must say I cringed every time I read the words “Do you know who I am?”. This attitude has been a failing of Ryck throughout his career. Not necessarily that sentence but the slowness with which he’s grown
as a person. Having to have problems pointed out to him and being resentful, like a child, until it sinks in. Of course, the fact that he can eventually learn and grow is part of what endears him to his readers. It seems that he is different with his wife Hannah. At least from the little that we hear from her. Well, we’ll now see if he can learn anything as a diplomat.
As is any Ryck Lysander book, there is a lot of action. Unlike the last book, Lieutenant, there is little emotion however. I must say I cringed every time I read the words “Do you know who I am?”. This attitude has been a failing of Ryck throughout his career. Not necessarily that sentence but the slowness with which he’s grown
as a person. Having to have problems pointed out to him and being resentful, like a child, until it sinks in. Of course, the fact that he can eventually learn and grow is part of what endears him to his readers. It seems that he is different with his wife Hannah. At least from the little that we hear from her. Well, we’ll now see if he can learn anything as a diplomat.
December 26, 2020
Fantastic Storylibe
Well all I can say is wow. I am a old veteran undeserving 11 years in the British Light Infantry and remember having quite a few good officers like Rick. I really enjoy reading these books it brings back loads of memories no not space lol.. These books help me keep grounded in quite a few levels with PTSD and also distracts me from my Tinnitus as my mind tunes it out so keep them coming
Well all I can say is wow. I am a old veteran undeserving 11 years in the British Light Infantry and remember having quite a few good officers like Rick. I really enjoy reading these books it brings back loads of memories no not space lol.. These books help me keep grounded in quite a few levels with PTSD and also distracts me from my Tinnitus as my mind tunes it out so keep them coming
January 14, 2025
Wow, having gone through this rank in the military in our current time it is very feasible that what is written here is very applicable. Technology and location may change, but the military still remains the same. What sucks, will still suck. Adversaries will still surprise you. The companionship of who you fight with will overcome it all, that is timeless. You fight for those beside you, not for yourself.
September 13, 2021
Company Command
Ryck Lysander has seen more combat, death, and awards for heroism than most. The losses weigh on him, causing a vow to bring all his men through safely. His new CO catches him being too cautious and puts him on warning. Can he accept constructive criticism and grow, or will the lost friends and comrades continue to weigh him down? Good read!
Ryck Lysander has seen more combat, death, and awards for heroism than most. The losses weigh on him, causing a vow to bring all his men through safely. His new CO catches him being too cautious and puts him on warning. Can he accept constructive criticism and grow, or will the lost friends and comrades continue to weigh him down? Good read!
April 9, 2021
Another great book by Col. Brazee.
Ryck Lysander makes Captain and takes a company, a combat command. Thru battle and other trying times he becomes the Marine Officer that his hooks knew he could be. Col. Brazee writes from first hand knowledge obviously. And a good writer he is.
Ryck Lysander makes Captain and takes a company, a combat command. Thru battle and other trying times he becomes the Marine Officer that his hooks knew he could be. Col. Brazee writes from first hand knowledge obviously. And a good writer he is.
April 22, 2021
No greater love....
There's truly little I can say except OOORAH!
leaders care for their troops, men and women. Love being there going through the "grind" for your brothers and sisters, Marines forever! OORAH!
There's truly little I can say except OOORAH!
leaders care for their troops, men and women. Love being there going through the "grind" for your brothers and sisters, Marines forever! OORAH!
April 24, 2021
Semper if
As a retired naval officer I really enjoyed this story of Marines fighting in the future. In many ways it feels like the writings of Louis L’Amour with a military twist. Throughly enjoyed it!
As a retired naval officer I really enjoyed this story of Marines fighting in the future. In many ways it feels like the writings of Louis L’Amour with a military twist. Throughly enjoyed it!
April 25, 2021
Book 4 in the series
Ryck, as most captains (O-3) do, is learning on the job and not all of the lessons are pleasant. He also learns more about himself than he wanted to know. An interesting story, probably with a lot of real life elements.
Ryck, as most captains (O-3) do, is learning on the job and not all of the lessons are pleasant. He also learns more about himself than he wanted to know. An interesting story, probably with a lot of real life elements.
May 14, 2021
A good continuation of the series
I enjoyed this book. Besides being a good story, it shows the commitment to excellence, dedication, and sacrifice of those individuals and families that choose a career in the military.
I enjoyed this book. Besides being a good story, it shows the commitment to excellence, dedication, and sacrifice of those individuals and families that choose a career in the military.
August 25, 2021
This is the fourth entry in the series with Ryck now serving as a company commander. There are a couple different missions covered in this book with plenty of action and not a lot of downtime.
Ryck has to learn to overcome his shortcomings as he realizes them
Ryck has to learn to overcome his shortcomings as he realizes them
August 27, 2021
Another great story
And so it goes another chapter in this great series 😀 I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying it all so far, the characters feel real and the action is fast and furious. On to book five shortly 😎
And so it goes another chapter in this great series 😀 I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying it all so far, the characters feel real and the action is fast and furious. On to book five shortly 😎
September 27, 2021
Outstanding Book
This story about a new captain of marines transiting from a platoon leader to a leader of company of marines. He also learns that things are not necessarily what they seem. Well worth reading and very difficult to put down.
This story about a new captain of marines transiting from a platoon leader to a leader of company of marines. He also learns that things are not necessarily what they seem. Well worth reading and very difficult to put down.
August 20, 2024
Great story
This book took you with the marines to battle. You saw every minute of there missions, and felt the excitement and adventure. I am reading all the books in this set and I wish it would never end.
This book took you with the marines to battle. You saw every minute of there missions, and felt the excitement and adventure. I am reading all the books in this set and I wish it would never end.
January 17, 2018
Ups and downs of the main character. Glad the author got him back on track. Good follow on story. Keep writing.
December 15, 2020
Easy sci-fi military fiction that makes the time fly by.
December 28, 2020
Great sci-fi action read
Another good story in this series. We continue to follow the main character in the challenges in his marine career.
Another good story in this series. We continue to follow the main character in the challenges in his marine career.
Read
May 3, 2015Continuing a series with marines in an interstellar civilization. The protagonist is now a captain, learning to switch his thinking and behavior from earlier ranks. One scene shows his side of the story in the previous book, Rebel.
The protagonist does some real growing in this book, learning from mistakes as he goes.
Since his federation has lots of political and social faults (more than we see with that the enemies have), it will be fascinating how he adjusts to the new responsibilities he will have as a major in the next book.
It does have enough battles for fans of battles, but gives us more than that.
The protagonist does some real growing in this book, learning from mistakes as he goes.
Since his federation has lots of political and social faults (more than we see with that the enemies have), it will be fascinating how he adjusts to the new responsibilities he will have as a major in the next book.
It does have enough battles for fans of battles, but gives us more than that.
July 11, 2025
Ryck is still learning…
Ryck Lysander is growing into his role. More importantly, he’s maturing as he is forced to face up to the fact that he’s often been a jerk to others.
After his realization he finds himself in command of a Company level action against a force that is not only well trained, but is numerically superior to his. They also have heavy weapons he lacks. Ryck has to find a way to defeat them anyway.
Ryck Lysander is growing into his role. More importantly, he’s maturing as he is forced to face up to the fact that he’s often been a jerk to others.
After his realization he finds himself in command of a Company level action against a force that is not only well trained, but is numerically superior to his. They also have heavy weapons he lacks. Ryck has to find a way to defeat them anyway.
May 16, 2015
Good read, terrible editing
This was a great read, very informative, relevant even to today. Good plot.
This is undoubtedly the very WORST job of editing and proofreading in a book that I have ever had the misfortune to come across in my 73 years and I've always been a voracious reader.
This was a great read, very informative, relevant even to today. Good plot.
This is undoubtedly the very WORST job of editing and proofreading in a book that I have ever had the misfortune to come across in my 73 years and I've always been a voracious reader.
February 4, 2024
I felt this Book
I'm glad to see Ryck grow up and say Aye aye sir in this one. He needed to be brought down a few pegs. He's a better man for it. This book has much to offer, one of those things is the humility needed to be a good leader. It's like a mini class in leadership 101!
I'm glad to see Ryck grow up and say Aye aye sir in this one. He needed to be brought down a few pegs. He's a better man for it. This book has much to offer, one of those things is the humility needed to be a good leader. It's like a mini class in leadership 101!
April 11, 2024
Still the best!
Fourth book in the series and STILL has the same level of quality! The reader is enclosed in a very well written story with numerous military action episodes. The main character development is well developed as are the other characters. I found myself enthralled with the story. Hard to put this story down!
Fourth book in the series and STILL has the same level of quality! The reader is enclosed in a very well written story with numerous military action episodes. The main character development is well developed as are the other characters. I found myself enthralled with the story. Hard to put this story down!
August 18, 2024
The series of books gets better each one. It reflects the traditions of the Corps what we feel will
The values of the Marine Corps transcend time. They are the standards immortal. Brothers at Arms always. To lose Marines and combat and in life affects all those around them. SEMPER FI BROTHERS
The values of the Marine Corps transcend time. They are the standards immortal. Brothers at Arms always. To lose Marines and combat and in life affects all those around them. SEMPER FI BROTHERS
July 28, 2015
I simply cannot put these books down once I start reading them - one good thing about being almost done with this series is that I will be able to get back to my "to do" list. Well developed characters, good camaraderie, humor and action.
April 3, 2024
Duty and Tradition
Duty upheld, Stories told and Honor carried on. I really enjoy Jonathan’s style of storytelling. With #4 finished, I’m on to #5!
Thanks for the entertaining read!
Duty upheld, Stories told and Honor carried on. I really enjoy Jonathan’s style of storytelling. With #4 finished, I’m on to #5!
Thanks for the entertaining read!
September 23, 2015
Ok
I had to work to get through this book. I found the story a bit less enjoyable with Ryck in command rather than fighting. Not as enjoyable as the previous books.
I had to work to get through this book. I found the story a bit less enjoyable with Ryck in command rather than fighting. Not as enjoyable as the previous books.
December 24, 2015
Good read
Very old series keeps getting better looking forward to reading the next one keeps you guessing about what will happen next
Very old series keeps getting better looking forward to reading the next one keeps you guessing about what will happen next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews