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A Marine major is one of the orphan ranks, too senior to command a line company, but too junior to command a battalion. Newly promoted to major, Ryck reports for duty as the assistant naval attaché to the Confederation of Free States, the same government whose troops he’d recently fought in the Telchines. Ryck isn’t happy about the assignment, but he buckles down for a long and boring tour of duty. But action seems to follow Ryck, and this is no exception. From the diplomatic post on New Mumbai to leading one of the newly-formed Raider special ops companies, Ryck continues his eventful career as a United Federation Marine.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2015
599 people are currently reading
85 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 30, 2024
CAREER PATH OF A FEDERATION MARINE FROM CAPTAIN TO MAJOR - A GREAT SCI-FI MILITARY SERIES
Federation Marine 5: Major by Jonathan P. Brazee is a great look into the military career of Ryck Lysander who starts out in this book as a newly promoted Major of an elite Marine Recon Special Ops from a short stint as a diplomatic role within the Confederation. This book tells the tell of the hardships, losses, struggles, determination, and the accomplishments of not only Major Ryck Lysander, his fellow soldiers in his command, and his wife, kids, and family members as Ryck and his soldiers take the fight to the terrorists group known as SOG.
As with all of Jonathan Brazee's books, this book and series is well written, action-packed, and the characters are clear cut and defined very well. You will find yourself glued to the story routing for Ryck and the characters embedded in the amazing story.
It's really nice when an author uses footnotes in their books. It's an easy way to inform the reader the definition of technical and military terms and acronyms without losing the readers' interest when they have to look up something before continuing on.
I really enjoyed this book and series and hope you will also feel the same.
Federation Marine 5: Major by Jonathan P. Brazee is a great look into the military career of Ryck Lysander who starts out in this book as a newly promoted Major of an elite Marine Recon Special Ops from a short stint as a diplomatic role within the Confederation. This book tells the tell of the hardships, losses, struggles, determination, and the accomplishments of not only Major Ryck Lysander, his fellow soldiers in his command, and his wife, kids, and family members as Ryck and his soldiers take the fight to the terrorists group known as SOG.
As with all of Jonathan Brazee's books, this book and series is well written, action-packed, and the characters are clear cut and defined very well. You will find yourself glued to the story routing for Ryck and the characters embedded in the amazing story.
It's really nice when an author uses footnotes in their books. It's an easy way to inform the reader the definition of technical and military terms and acronyms without losing the readers' interest when they have to look up something before continuing on.
I really enjoyed this book and series and hope you will also feel the same.
June 21, 2016
Another great book from Jonathan P. Brazee, that you can't go wrong with if your a military sci fi fan. The only reason that I have knocked off a star from the 4 that I have given the other books in the series is that I am too into more espionage novels. But that is only part of the story here so don't think there isn't any of the great combat that flows though the other books.
September 6, 2018
These stories all have the same theme (maybe realistic) with the Marines always in a situation poorly equipped for the mission due to political interests.
June 24, 2021
In the novel Major, by Jonathan Brazee, Book 5, we once again find ourselves following the life and military adventures of Ryck Lysander. In this go around, Ryck is in-the-dumps about his embassy attaché assignment with a former enemy. Although a two-time Federation Nova awardee, he’s gotten used to the idea of existing as a political ornament for the brass. Yet, he feels out of place and under qualified with his political duties. That same notoriety of the two Nova awards mark him as a target within the Confederation. Soon, Ryck’s quasi-political job is over as is his Confed assignment.
Transferred to the Marine Corps Headquarters, Ryck is in the worst possible place for mid-level, boring, go-fer work. But Ryck dials down his frustrations and grunts through the boredom of paper pushing. He does find enjoyment in family life and he immerses himself in it. When he gets wind of a new ranger battalion forming up headed by a friend from way back who needs a company commandeer, Ryck of course, jumps at the chance.
Soon, the grittiness of military life resurfaces as an objective gets taken by the United Federation Marine Corps.
Futuristic and realistic sounding, the story drives forward with well-developed characters and well imagined situations. Nothing graphic is depicted but children used as shields rears its ugly head. I recommend this story.
Transferred to the Marine Corps Headquarters, Ryck is in the worst possible place for mid-level, boring, go-fer work. But Ryck dials down his frustrations and grunts through the boredom of paper pushing. He does find enjoyment in family life and he immerses himself in it. When he gets wind of a new ranger battalion forming up headed by a friend from way back who needs a company commandeer, Ryck of course, jumps at the chance.
Soon, the grittiness of military life resurfaces as an objective gets taken by the United Federation Marine Corps.
Futuristic and realistic sounding, the story drives forward with well-developed characters and well imagined situations. Nothing graphic is depicted but children used as shields rears its ugly head. I recommend this story.
April 21, 2021
Once again creepy pols send troops into danger.
It seems as though the author is writing from personal experience with pols and troops. Will Ryck realize that his Confed friend recognizes that the Federation is an uncaring govt. One that has slavery called indentured. A govt that cares little for civil rights and personal freedom. As Ryck climbs the ladder will he become more aware of the conniving of industry and pols? But now he is a Marine with a job to do.
It seems as though the author is writing from personal experience with pols and troops. Will Ryck realize that his Confed friend recognizes that the Federation is an uncaring govt. One that has slavery called indentured. A govt that cares little for civil rights and personal freedom. As Ryck climbs the ladder will he become more aware of the conniving of industry and pols? But now he is a Marine with a job to do.
November 18, 2018
It might take place in space
But it's all Marine. Another addition to Ryck's adventures. More politics getting in the way of the job. More sacrifices by those that have given so much. Fiction it is, but characters that make you want to be better than you are. Who doesn't need a little inspiration?
But it's all Marine. Another addition to Ryck's adventures. More politics getting in the way of the job. More sacrifices by those that have given so much. Fiction it is, but characters that make you want to be better than you are. Who doesn't need a little inspiration?
December 6, 2020
The saga continues ! Another great addition to the series. The action is nonstop and the characters are well developed. This really is an exciting series. The Marine Corps references are subtle and frequent making for truly excellent reading. Well done! Semper Fi
January 24, 2021
He is continuing his career with spectacular success.
The more his rank changes the more he needs to be aware of the difficulty of his missions. He continues becoming a great officer. The awareness of how politics plays too much of a part in the development of missions.
The more his rank changes the more he needs to be aware of the difficulty of his missions. He continues becoming a great officer. The awareness of how politics plays too much of a part in the development of missions.
May 2, 2021
Book 5 in the series
Ryck is assigned to a diplomatic post at a Federation embassy. Bad things start to happen to him and he responds in his usual way. He gets reassigned and the action goes on. A good story.
Ryck is assigned to a diplomatic post at a Federation embassy. Bad things start to happen to him and he responds in his usual way. He gets reassigned and the action goes on. A good story.
August 25, 2021
The first half of the book was rather underwhelming but then it picked up big time.
Ryck learns more about the red tape more advanced officers have to deal with.
He also serves as a battalion commander when his CO is waylaid
Ryck learns more about the red tape more advanced officers have to deal with.
He also serves as a battalion commander when his CO is waylaid
October 6, 2021
Excellent Book
This book is full of action even when Ryck is on a diplomatic assignment. The Federation starts a new battalion of marines, the rangers. The various nations try taking out the SOG. I highly recommend this book which is hard to put down.
This book is full of action even when Ryck is on a diplomatic assignment. The Federation starts a new battalion of marines, the rangers. The various nations try taking out the SOG. I highly recommend this book which is hard to put down.
January 19, 2018
Excellent, I will keep reading these.
July 11, 2019
Awesome read. I have gone back to my active duty days more than once reading this series.
December 15, 2020
Easy sci-fi military fiction that makes the time fly by.
December 28, 2020
Another Great Storyline
Well that was an exciting storyline with each promotion they get better so well done. I am really looking forward to Lt Colonel
Well that was an exciting storyline with each promotion they get better so well done. I am really looking forward to Lt Colonel
March 4, 2023
great series
If you like space marine fiction this is a good example. A great main character and story that works well
If you like space marine fiction this is a good example. A great main character and story that works well
August 21, 2015
This is one of my favorite series. The action is always intense and pretty much continuous in some way or another. We’re back with now Major Ryk Lysander, United Federation Marine Corps. It appears he's calmed down considerably from his Captain days. He's nowhere near as arrogant now.
His new assignment as an Embassy Attaché in the capital city of the Confederation, no less, is about as boring as it can get. Well, for him, nothing stays boring. He finds out that his notoriety as a two time Federation Nova winner marks him for extermination by the Confeds. One thing leads to another and he finds his career as a quasi-diplomat is over, quickly. Still, he does manage to assist the Confeds in capturing a critical spaceship taken by the SOG. That's an interesting story in itself.
So his next assignment puts him at the United Federation Marine Corps HQ. This is the worst of all possible assignments for a Major. Here you are just one of many mid-career officers given boring go'fer work to see how much boredom you can swallow! You are a paper-pusher deluxe and it's very tough on action minded Marine officers. But, it's something you have to suck up and do the time.
Ryk is doing his job and trying to cope. He's enjoying his family home time and getting to see his kids growing. Then one day, his friend from way back tells Ryk that he's taking command of a new Marine Ranger Battalion and needs a new Company Commander! Ryk has until morning to make his decision.
Of course Ryk's going to go. Wouldn't be much of a story if he didn't. And now the action really gets started! The writing is great with lots of action. It's not real graphic, but can get realistic unless you live in a dream world and don't think the bad guys would ever use children as weapons! I'll leave it at that, so you can go read the book.
Keep them coming and I'll keep reading.
His new assignment as an Embassy Attaché in the capital city of the Confederation, no less, is about as boring as it can get. Well, for him, nothing stays boring. He finds out that his notoriety as a two time Federation Nova winner marks him for extermination by the Confeds. One thing leads to another and he finds his career as a quasi-diplomat is over, quickly. Still, he does manage to assist the Confeds in capturing a critical spaceship taken by the SOG. That's an interesting story in itself.
So his next assignment puts him at the United Federation Marine Corps HQ. This is the worst of all possible assignments for a Major. Here you are just one of many mid-career officers given boring go'fer work to see how much boredom you can swallow! You are a paper-pusher deluxe and it's very tough on action minded Marine officers. But, it's something you have to suck up and do the time.
Ryk is doing his job and trying to cope. He's enjoying his family home time and getting to see his kids growing. Then one day, his friend from way back tells Ryk that he's taking command of a new Marine Ranger Battalion and needs a new Company Commander! Ryk has until morning to make his decision.
Of course Ryk's going to go. Wouldn't be much of a story if he didn't. And now the action really gets started! The writing is great with lots of action. It's not real graphic, but can get realistic unless you live in a dream world and don't think the bad guys would ever use children as weapons! I'll leave it at that, so you can go read the book.
Keep them coming and I'll keep reading.
January 15, 2025
Great writing
Impressive storytelling over the series. Keeps track of multiple threads of the story. As always, excellent action sequences with the fog of war frustration mixed in.
Impressive storytelling over the series. Keeps track of multiple threads of the story. As always, excellent action sequences with the fog of war frustration mixed in.
Read
July 9, 2015At the start of this book, we were reminded that a Major is an in-between rank. So to give us a story the protagonist was given political and then espionage jobs to do. While we see the politics of his government screwing up, we find an enemy that made his government look good.
While reading about the battles, the human interest stays hard, and we learn more about the universe around these space Marines.
While reading about the battles, the human interest stays hard, and we learn more about the universe around these space Marines.
July 16, 2015
Good read, but
It was a good read,but the ending was not. The hero of the book should have told the higher ups, if they couldn't give the fallen their honors. Then resign his commission. The news people would have a ball. What about the dependants, no dead benefits, no honor for the children. A marine is always faithful to their living and the dead. But not to give the fallen honors is the sh#t. The author is a good writer.
It was a good read,but the ending was not. The hero of the book should have told the higher ups, if they couldn't give the fallen their honors. Then resign his commission. The news people would have a ball. What about the dependants, no dead benefits, no honor for the children. A marine is always faithful to their living and the dead. But not to give the fallen honors is the sh#t. The author is a good writer.
April 13, 2024
And STILL a great read!
As said before, any military Sci-Fi fans will really enjoy this book and series! Well written action and character development. Reading this book takes the reader to the end way too soon. Hey the book,read it and enjoy the journey!
As said before, any military Sci-Fi fans will really enjoy this book and series! Well written action and character development. Reading this book takes the reader to the end way too soon. Hey the book,read it and enjoy the journey!
July 29, 2015
Once again, a book I cannot put down. Looking forward to hearing when the next one comes out.
March 2, 2024
Great series
Great series. Love the characters real life like. The sense of military knowledge and character development is outstanding... More stories on this storyline, please...
Great series. Love the characters real life like. The sense of military knowledge and character development is outstanding... More stories on this storyline, please...
March 10, 2024
Love The Corps
The stories are all good. As an old jarhead, I relish the bits and pieces of the Corps I left a long time ago; but it never really left me.
The stories are all good. As an old jarhead, I relish the bits and pieces of the Corps I left a long time ago; but it never really left me.
May 4, 2024
Another great job
Keep writing them like this and I'll keep reading them. Very emotional ending to a tough book. The story has lots of action!
Keep writing them like this and I'll keep reading them. Very emotional ending to a tough book. The story has lots of action!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews