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Rise of the Free Fleet #2
Coming Home
Salchar and the Free Fleet are tired, low on resources, man power and ships that should actually be flying. Yet they have a mandate, free those that are being oppressed.
Sarenmenti, Humans, Kuruvians, Chaleelians and the genetic creations of the AI called the Planner, Avarians, band together under the banner of the Free Fleet to go to the fleet’s birthplace-Earth.
Life is nothing but a battle for a survival, and Salchar is going to have to use all of his skills to keep his people alive.
The galaxy has a few surprises to throw his way, as well as some polticians up to their own games.
Salchar is going to wish for battles instead of dealing with the twisted minds of politicians and a people that think they are still the centre of the universe.
Sarenmenti, Humans, Kuruvians, Chaleelians and the genetic creations of the AI called the Planner, Avarians, band together under the banner of the Free Fleet to go to the fleet’s birthplace-Earth.
Life is nothing but a battle for a survival, and Salchar is going to have to use all of his skills to keep his people alive.
The galaxy has a few surprises to throw his way, as well as some polticians up to their own games.
Salchar is going to wish for battles instead of dealing with the twisted minds of politicians and a people that think they are still the centre of the universe.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2015
206 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Michael Chatfield
69 books1,387 followersMichael Chatfield is a Canadian Army veteran and international bestselling author who writes the kind of books he always wanted to read—character-driven, gritty, tactical, and grounded in reality.
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 19, 2020
3.49☆
July 10, 2015
Good story but awful editing.
Kindle books, of late, have had a declining level of editing quality, but this series has by far the lowest standard I've read. It is impossible to imagine this book has been professionally proof-read.
So why the four star rating? There is just something about the quality of the world building and the scope of the storytelling that lifts this series above the general level. Commander Salchar is virtually MarySue-esque in his level of ability, many of the characters are disturbingly two-dimensional, but the damn story just keeps rolling along. In continuing to build the primary antagonist through her reputation with her crews and captions, Chatfield has made Lady Fairgate into a credible threat - a lesser storyteller would already have introduced her, fielded her and dispatched her by now.
You can tell me about the shortcomings of this series all day and I will agree with you, but damned if I'm not picking up the next book, just to find out more about the Syndicate and the AI nation, as well as to find out what kind of ships those Kuruvians wind up designing!
Kindle books, of late, have had a declining level of editing quality, but this series has by far the lowest standard I've read. It is impossible to imagine this book has been professionally proof-read.
So why the four star rating? There is just something about the quality of the world building and the scope of the storytelling that lifts this series above the general level. Commander Salchar is virtually MarySue-esque in his level of ability, many of the characters are disturbingly two-dimensional, but the damn story just keeps rolling along. In continuing to build the primary antagonist through her reputation with her crews and captions, Chatfield has made Lady Fairgate into a credible threat - a lesser storyteller would already have introduced her, fielded her and dispatched her by now.
You can tell me about the shortcomings of this series all day and I will agree with you, but damned if I'm not picking up the next book, just to find out more about the Syndicate and the AI nation, as well as to find out what kind of ships those Kuruvians wind up designing!
December 30, 2024
exciting space opera
Book 2, the MC makes up with his wife and the fleet takes the battle to earth. Of course governments are all about how can they get the most for their own power ambitions. There is political intrigue, battle planning and tech upgrades. Then another syndicate fleet comes for a visit.
This is space opera at its finest. My only complaint is that there isn’t enough behind the scenes peeks at the adversaries. Whether they be syndicate goons, or human spys trying to infiltrate the fleet because they know better than a bunch of former gamers how to run an interstellar fleet. NOT! With that in mind, I would have liked to have had more screen-time for the wanker accountant that the US saddled Salchar with.
All told this is a fantastic and engaging series by an author who has written many excellent series, from the 10 Realms to Emerilla.
Book 2, the MC makes up with his wife and the fleet takes the battle to earth. Of course governments are all about how can they get the most for their own power ambitions. There is political intrigue, battle planning and tech upgrades. Then another syndicate fleet comes for a visit.
This is space opera at its finest. My only complaint is that there isn’t enough behind the scenes peeks at the adversaries. Whether they be syndicate goons, or human spys trying to infiltrate the fleet because they know better than a bunch of former gamers how to run an interstellar fleet. NOT! With that in mind, I would have liked to have had more screen-time for the wanker accountant that the US saddled Salchar with.
All told this is a fantastic and engaging series by an author who has written many excellent series, from the 10 Realms to Emerilla.
February 11, 2025
Ohhhh myyy gods. That was soooooooo good. I really love James, gamer tag Salchar and the group of gamers and others that were recruited together. What they've been able to do since they've escaped from the alien overlords that kidnapped them, has been amazing. By working together and working towards their goal to get back to their families. The reader feels like their actively apart of the action and that has been simply astonishing. The rest of the plan is to not only take earth back from the alien syndicate (pirates) but to stop them cold. And yes Salchar understands that winning a few battles isn't gonna stop the pirates. Since they've gotten away with these shenanigans for far too long, the syndicate isn't gonna wanna stop. This is War! Where planetary systems are at stake!
So yeah grab the audiobook and let Dan Bittner tell you an action-packed adventure.
So yeah grab the audiobook and let Dan Bittner tell you an action-packed adventure.
December 15, 2017
Holy Cannoli Batman!
This series like like The Lost Fleet meets Warhammer meets the RTS Homeworld meets Star Trek.
What a fun ride. Unique. Well written. Well thought out.
I had a few small personal criticisms, but then I asked myself if I could write something this epic and layered. The answer is probably not.
I would guess that this here author is a burgeoning David Weber-like author of epic novels in Science Fiction and Fantasy as each time I read him he gets better and better. Well done. Well done. Can’t wait to finish book 3 tonight.
This series like like The Lost Fleet meets Warhammer meets the RTS Homeworld meets Star Trek.
What a fun ride. Unique. Well written. Well thought out.
I had a few small personal criticisms, but then I asked myself if I could write something this epic and layered. The answer is probably not.
I would guess that this here author is a burgeoning David Weber-like author of epic novels in Science Fiction and Fantasy as each time I read him he gets better and better. Well done. Well done. Can’t wait to finish book 3 tonight.
February 10, 2019
Another book by this author with a need for a good editor. As always he tells a fantastic story, but in this series, I'm having trouble with the group if hardened soldiers being turned into adults when many of them are 8, 10, 12, 15, or 16 years of age. The mental health of these individuals would not be able to handle the various situations they are put into. I really enjoy all of the different aliens that are becoming a part of the Free Fleet. Recommended for those who love a good space opera.
January 20, 2019
3 stars maybe 3.5 stars, not as strong as the first book but still pretty good. I am enjoying this series so far so I will for sure continue with it. I liked the Emerilia series from this author as well. I will be looking for more by this author after I finish this one.
July 15, 2019
Rick you glorious bastard you did it. Ok my main issue from first book is resolved, but this book had another much bigger one. This book lack any major goal for the fleet. Sure there is destroying Syndicate overarching goal, but that doesnt really does much for this book.
July 23, 2022
3.5 for 2 biggest mistakes
1.) Salchar noticed a reporter sneak away, and he kinda recognized her. But later when they were searching for a reporter he donest mention it
2.) someone tried to kill him and his bodyguards, yet no one's searching for his potential assassin??
1.) Salchar noticed a reporter sneak away, and he kinda recognized her. But later when they were searching for a reporter he donest mention it
2.) someone tried to kill him and his bodyguards, yet no one's searching for his potential assassin??
January 28, 2018
Grammar sucks
No clear distinction between switching scenes and characters. Makes the book confusing as you have to double check who is talking. Story is enjoyable.
No clear distinction between switching scenes and characters. Makes the book confusing as you have to double check who is talking. Story is enjoyable.
October 31, 2018
Just keeps getting better!
A few more typos gets in the way of the flow.
However, fast paced and hard to put down. Don't start reading of you have something to do.
A few more typos gets in the way of the flow.
However, fast paced and hard to put down. Don't start reading of you have something to do.
November 22, 2020
The same strengths and weaknesses as book one. Still a decent story.
April 27, 2022
Good action, fun read
Earth politicians are bad, who would have guessed?
Needs a bit of editorial cleanup. But good read overall.
Will continue reading the series happily.
Earth politicians are bad, who would have guessed?
Needs a bit of editorial cleanup. But good read overall.
Will continue reading the series happily.
July 12, 2023
Love this whole series, but there some internal consistency issues. Otherwise, love it!
April 25, 2025
I loved the first booked which was fast paced and entertaining. However, the sequel was overly complicated and a new character was introduced every other chapter making it difficult to follow.
February 19, 2020
Me Chatfield has done a great job in writing this series! It has sucked me in like his other series and I can’t wait to see how the main characters solve the issues that he places them in!
March 7, 2022
Another winner!
I love the exciting battles the realistic portrayal of different aliens and the complex yet amazing man who leads them all. Fantastic stuff!!
I love the exciting battles the realistic portrayal of different aliens and the complex yet amazing man who leads them all. Fantastic stuff!!
Read
February 13, 2022Ok read but lacking some spark
Bits left hanging the matey from the US just a half twist and left with no end .twice things like that happened a plot that didn't get going
Bits left hanging the matey from the US just a half twist and left with no end .twice things like that happened a plot that didn't get going
February 10, 2016
Good Storytelling
Where the 1st book in this series was non stop action, this is more along the lines of a traditional space opera, with a little bit more story and setup. There are several space battles but not the frenetic ground based action. I enjoyed this book as it feels like we are setting up for a massive battle. There are plenty of errors that could have been edited better, but I work around them. Good book, time for the 3rd cause there is no rest for the wicked.
Where the 1st book in this series was non stop action, this is more along the lines of a traditional space opera, with a little bit more story and setup. There are several space battles but not the frenetic ground based action. I enjoyed this book as it feels like we are setting up for a massive battle. There are plenty of errors that could have been edited better, but I work around them. Good book, time for the 3rd cause there is no rest for the wicked.
July 24, 2015
While the grammar and spelling errors where a lot less which was really nice. I think the book has lost some of it's character. I think because it was pretty slow going. Although, I still liked it. It felt like something was missing. Like the magic from the last book was not transported into the sequel.
April 23, 2021
The plot is a 5 star book. The editing is horrible though in most instances the correct homonym can be interpreted. There are consistency issues and the political references are more than a bit harped on at times.
September 21, 2015
Exceptional
More master story telling and battle action of the highest order. Loved every minute of this heroic tale. I do wish the author would proof read a bit more. Despite that I will keep reading.
More master story telling and battle action of the highest order. Loved every minute of this heroic tale. I do wish the author would proof read a bit more. Despite that I will keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews