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The United Federation Marine Corps #6
Lieutenant Colonel
As a lieutenant colonel, Ryck is given command of the Second Battalion, Third Marines, the Fuzos. Along with one other battalion, 2/3 is designated as a new assault battalion, with its own armor, artillery, and air assets. With the Marine Corps anxious to certify the resurfaced concept of integrated operations units, the battalion is thrown right into the fire.
With his new command, Ryck has the opportunity to prove his ability to be a true combat leader and not just as a warrior. But with that opportunity comes the risk that he cannot handle the manager aspect of the logistics, training, maintenance, admin, and support aspects that allow every unit to maximize its combat potential.
As a sergeant and junior office, Ryck has ordered men to their death before, but with a battalion, he has to make even harder decisions with even greater reach, decisions that will mean life and death to those affected. A proven fighting Marine, Ryck still has to master every requirement of command—the tactical and the support—if he is going to keep his career alive in the Corps.
With his new command, Ryck has the opportunity to prove his ability to be a true combat leader and not just as a warrior. But with that opportunity comes the risk that he cannot handle the manager aspect of the logistics, training, maintenance, admin, and support aspects that allow every unit to maximize its combat potential.
As a sergeant and junior office, Ryck has ordered men to their death before, but with a battalion, he has to make even harder decisions with even greater reach, decisions that will mean life and death to those affected. A proven fighting Marine, Ryck still has to master every requirement of command—the tactical and the support—if he is going to keep his career alive in the Corps.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2015
585 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan P. Brazee
149 books189 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 2, 2024
A GREAT MILITARY SCI-FI SERIES & GLIMPSE INTO THE CAREER OF A FEDERATION MARINE LIEUTENANT COLONEL
If you are into military sci-fi, action, and camaraderie between those serving to protect those who cannot protect themselves by placing their lives and the lives of their fellow men at every turn, you will truly enjoy this book and series.
Federation Marine 6: Lieutenant Colonel by Jonathan P. Brazee is well written, action-packed, and the story has well defined characters that will hold your interest throughout while they train for battle, interact with each other, deal with the loss of both friends and fellow soldiers, as well as the interactions between them and their families. You will find yourself routing for Lieutenant Colonel Ryck Lysander and his men as well as I did. I hope you will enjoy this book and series too.
If you are into military sci-fi, action, and camaraderie between those serving to protect those who cannot protect themselves by placing their lives and the lives of their fellow men at every turn, you will truly enjoy this book and series.
Federation Marine 6: Lieutenant Colonel by Jonathan P. Brazee is well written, action-packed, and the story has well defined characters that will hold your interest throughout while they train for battle, interact with each other, deal with the loss of both friends and fellow soldiers, as well as the interactions between them and their families. You will find yourself routing for Lieutenant Colonel Ryck Lysander and his men as well as I did. I hope you will enjoy this book and series too.
September 12, 2015
This was the book I was most looking to read. Having been a Lieutenant Colonel and a Battalion Commander, I was wondering what kind of experience our hero, LTC Ryk Lysander was going to have. So far, he has learned his lessons on leadership the hard way. He’s made his share of mistakes and has learned that at this point in his career, those mistakes can get people killed. Still, his focus remains on completing his mission.
I liked the action in this book. There weren’t many dull periods and the fighting seemed to go on for a long time, but in actual time they were not that long. LTC Lysander had to remind himself time and again not to get bogged down in the weeds of what was going on because he was there to manage the fight. Now I know most civilians probably don’t think battles are managed by anyone other than maybe Generals, but let me tell you. Battle management goes all the way down to the Team Leader, trying to keep himself and two other soldiers alive. Captains must manage what their Companies do and ensure they accomplish their part of the mission and then the Battalion Commander must manage sometimes up to 5 or more companies fighting in a single battle. Lysander has got a lot of technology working for him, but sometimes that can get overwhelming and confusing. The book does a good job of showing how Lysander keeps trying not to get bogged down with details while also trying to keep himself alive. He is in the battle after all, not way behind his lines somewhere.
I liked the story. While I was fortunate not to have to go into combat, I did love being a Battalion Commander. It was great to have a bunch of guys around you who were all professionals and when told to do something, they did it. The book doesn’t go into the day-to-day administrative stuff that a Commander can get bogged down in which can drive you crazy. Besides, most of that is boring anyway.
So, if you’ve enjoyed these books so far, I think you’re going to like this one too. Lots of fighting and good descriptions of the action. It seems like Lysander’s career is going by really fast. I can remember the first book, “Recurit”, pretty clearly and now he’s already a Lieutenant Colonel. I know the series will end sooner or later, but I will hate to see it do so.
I liked the action in this book. There weren’t many dull periods and the fighting seemed to go on for a long time, but in actual time they were not that long. LTC Lysander had to remind himself time and again not to get bogged down in the weeds of what was going on because he was there to manage the fight. Now I know most civilians probably don’t think battles are managed by anyone other than maybe Generals, but let me tell you. Battle management goes all the way down to the Team Leader, trying to keep himself and two other soldiers alive. Captains must manage what their Companies do and ensure they accomplish their part of the mission and then the Battalion Commander must manage sometimes up to 5 or more companies fighting in a single battle. Lysander has got a lot of technology working for him, but sometimes that can get overwhelming and confusing. The book does a good job of showing how Lysander keeps trying not to get bogged down with details while also trying to keep himself alive. He is in the battle after all, not way behind his lines somewhere.
I liked the story. While I was fortunate not to have to go into combat, I did love being a Battalion Commander. It was great to have a bunch of guys around you who were all professionals and when told to do something, they did it. The book doesn’t go into the day-to-day administrative stuff that a Commander can get bogged down in which can drive you crazy. Besides, most of that is boring anyway.
So, if you’ve enjoyed these books so far, I think you’re going to like this one too. Lots of fighting and good descriptions of the action. It seems like Lysander’s career is going by really fast. I can remember the first book, “Recurit”, pretty clearly and now he’s already a Lieutenant Colonel. I know the series will end sooner or later, but I will hate to see it do so.
June 24, 2021
In the novel Lieutenant Colonel, United Federation Marine Corps, Book 6, by Jonathan Brazee, we rejoin Ryck Lysander, the hard charging, frontline combatant—now firmly in a leadership role as he takes command of one of two newly formed Marine Assault Battalions. We see some of the initial training and follow along through their first full deployment.
Also illustrated are some internal conflicts, thoughts, and growth as Lysander transitions more into the political leadership swirling about his command. There is also self-reflection about missing many family activities over his career, when he could have been home more. Yet, he comes to a satisfying balance between his family and the Corps. Throughout the series, the political thorn has been the one running problem for Lysander. As he gains rank within the political machine within the machine, the frustration in dealing with such things seems correct.
Again, we have well-developed characters amid equally well-developed situations. Recommended.
Also illustrated are some internal conflicts, thoughts, and growth as Lysander transitions more into the political leadership swirling about his command. There is also self-reflection about missing many family activities over his career, when he could have been home more. Yet, he comes to a satisfying balance between his family and the Corps. Throughout the series, the political thorn has been the one running problem for Lysander. As he gains rank within the political machine within the machine, the frustration in dealing with such things seems correct.
Again, we have well-developed characters amid equally well-developed situations. Recommended.
September 8, 2015
The worst entry in an otherwise decent military Sci-fi series. Much too much time on pointless introspection by the lead character. I think the author was using this as a substitute for more realistic character 'development'. It only served to get in the way of the action based plot. The earlier books in this series were much better developed than this one. I almost put it down for good after (for the third time) the character stressed out over losing touch with the personal side of the troops under his command.
September 7, 2015
Not a bad read, and pretty quick, but a bit too much introspection.
September 17, 2019
Realism in Syfy
This series has been a steady 4 star throughout. I have not written many reviews, perhaps a disservice to the author, because he has done so well and saying "great job" alone seems in adequate. However, the politics as the main character gains rank also seem spot on, and I share the frustration dealing with such entities brings. And when you resonate with a character, an author has done an outstanding job.
This series has been a steady 4 star throughout. I have not written many reviews, perhaps a disservice to the author, because he has done so well and saying "great job" alone seems in adequate. However, the politics as the main character gains rank also seem spot on, and I share the frustration dealing with such entities brings. And when you resonate with a character, an author has done an outstanding job.
March 13, 2020
Other than giving each book in the series a 5 star I have been remiss in not writing a review of same. As I eagerly sit down with a glass of red on a Friday night to begin Colonel I will endeavour to rectify that error.
Each book stands on its own as a thoroughly enjoyable experience only playing second fiddle to the series as a whole. Mr. Brazee is one of my new favourite authors and I look forward to reading more of his works.
Each book stands on its own as a thoroughly enjoyable experience only playing second fiddle to the series as a whole. Mr. Brazee is one of my new favourite authors and I look forward to reading more of his works.
August 26, 2021
In this book Ryk is assigned command of a battalion. It's pretty much nonstop action as Ryk learns to deal with some more bureaucracy. He still finds himself fighting his instincts to get involved with the actual fighting and other tasks that he needs to delegate.
Col Brazee brings his own experience in dealing with both superiors and his men to this series
Col Brazee brings his own experience in dealing with both superiors and his men to this series
October 18, 2021
Excellent
Lt. Colonel Ryck Lasynder gets placed in charge of a new type of battalion, an Assault Battalion. This was one of two that were developing new tactics to use with the new type of battalion. He gets more involved in the political aspect of running a battalion compared to a company. Well worthy of being read by anyone who is into military scifi.
Lt. Colonel Ryck Lasynder gets placed in charge of a new type of battalion, an Assault Battalion. This was one of two that were developing new tactics to use with the new type of battalion. He gets more involved in the political aspect of running a battalion compared to a company. Well worthy of being read by anyone who is into military scifi.
January 3, 2022
Real good book series.
I like the characters and the context of the world. Enjoy the plots and minor characters as well.ripped through the book very fast as the books are interesting Love when an author either does good research in to the military or has paid their dues like this one has.
I like the characters and the context of the world. Enjoy the plots and minor characters as well.ripped through the book very fast as the books are interesting Love when an author either does good research in to the military or has paid their dues like this one has.
March 14, 2019
Surprised when book ended
I was having such a good time reading that I didn’t realized I’d reached the end. Very action oriented but still tries to keep the main character human. Nice easy read.
I was having such a good time reading that I didn’t realized I’d reached the end. Very action oriented but still tries to keep the main character human. Nice easy read.
October 16, 2025
Great series
This entire series has been awesome and I like the direction it us going. I however still wonder why the Marines would not be using combined arms from the start. Anyway a great read worthy of praise.
This entire series has been awesome and I like the direction it us going. I however still wonder why the Marines would not be using combined arms from the start. Anyway a great read worthy of praise.
January 24, 2018
Good solid story. I think the main character is suffering PTSD as he is a little erratic in this book. Lowered my rating one.
December 15, 2020
Easy sci-fi military fiction that makes the time fly by.
May 4, 2021
Book 6 in the series
Ryck is promoted to Lt. Col. and placed in charge of a new attack battalion. They are given a mission and the fun begins. A good read.
Ryck is promoted to Lt. Col. and placed in charge of a new attack battalion. They are given a mission and the fun begins. A good read.
September 18, 2022
Good stuff
Gives a good representation of what it's like to be a battalion commander.
LTC TK
U S A (Retired)
Vietnam, Cold War
Gives a good representation of what it's like to be a battalion commander.
LTC TK
U S A (Retired)
Vietnam, Cold War
March 5, 2023
great space marine fiction
If you like space marine fiction and lots of action this series will be very entertaining and keep you going for the next book
If you like space marine fiction and lots of action this series will be very entertaining and keep you going for the next book
May 4, 2025
Very good yarn!
December 30, 2020
Another Great Storyline
Well to the Storyline a just keep getting better really enjoying this series of books and looking forward to the next Colonel. Then Commandant
Well to the Storyline a just keep getting better really enjoying this series of books and looking forward to the next Colonel. Then Commandant
August 6, 2025
Still more BS from above
Ryck may have thought that he would finally have the opportunity to prevent the lives of his Marines from being lost in the name of “proving” the latest pet project of a REMF who cares about nothing but polishing their own image.
However he finds that over & over the highly skilled & trained Marines forced to die in huge numbers when they are forced to take on missions meant for totally different types of units. The Marines fight heroically to improvise, adapt and overcome against massively larger forces. Worse yet is how they (as light infantry, no matter how superbly trained) keep being thrown against armored units which would have been easily defeated by the right kind of force.
Frankly the Federation that they so patriotically support & defend is behaving in a way that shows how little they deserve the faithful service that is still given.
Ryck may have thought that he would finally have the opportunity to prevent the lives of his Marines from being lost in the name of “proving” the latest pet project of a REMF who cares about nothing but polishing their own image.
However he finds that over & over the highly skilled & trained Marines forced to die in huge numbers when they are forced to take on missions meant for totally different types of units. The Marines fight heroically to improvise, adapt and overcome against massively larger forces. Worse yet is how they (as light infantry, no matter how superbly trained) keep being thrown against armored units which would have been easily defeated by the right kind of force.
Frankly the Federation that they so patriotically support & defend is behaving in a way that shows how little they deserve the faithful service that is still given.
January 16, 2025
Excellent Writing
Still writing well, finding new adventures for the cast of characters. The family is on the thoughts but fading into the background as the focus of Command and the responsibilities therein overwhelm.
Still writing well, finding new adventures for the cast of characters. The family is on the thoughts but fading into the background as the focus of Command and the responsibilities therein overwhelm.
April 12, 2024
Advance, always advance.
Soldiers are always the tip of the spear. Regardless of rank, although that may not always be the case. As I look back at my time in Korea with the 1/73 and the 1/17, I’m amazed that I was the old guy at 21 years of age. It’s interesting that most of my friends ask, could we have done things differently or would you have done things differently. This was well played a number of times in the book.
Thanks for the great read and also bringing back some great memories of my time in the service.
Soldiers are always the tip of the spear. Regardless of rank, although that may not always be the case. As I look back at my time in Korea with the 1/73 and the 1/17, I’m amazed that I was the old guy at 21 years of age. It’s interesting that most of my friends ask, could we have done things differently or would you have done things differently. This was well played a number of times in the book.
Thanks for the great read and also bringing back some great memories of my time in the service.
Read
September 17, 2015Latest book in a series written by a retired Marine Colonel.
This series has three big issues that interest me - the science fiction battles in the interstellar civilization, the career & growth of the protagonist, and the society he lives in.
We keep seeing more of the Big Business governments the Marines serve, and now the protagonist is high enough to come into more obvious manipulations of the state for its own ends. As usual, I can't wait to read more.
This series has three big issues that interest me - the science fiction battles in the interstellar civilization, the career & growth of the protagonist, and the society he lives in.
We keep seeing more of the Big Business governments the Marines serve, and now the protagonist is high enough to come into more obvious manipulations of the state for its own ends. As usual, I can't wait to read more.
April 17, 2024
Book six and STILL going strong!
The story keeps you interested through the full read. Action is well developed, from preparation to end of battle. The author brings out the thoughts of the main character's thoughts regarding the battle and impact of the loss of his soldiers. Very good read!
The story keeps you interested through the full read. Action is well developed, from preparation to end of battle. The author brings out the thoughts of the main character's thoughts regarding the battle and impact of the loss of his soldiers. Very good read!
July 8, 2024
Another great one here.
I really enjoyed this installment of Ryck. I'm not surprised. This is a quality storyline with good strong character types. It's what stories should be like, clear and straight forward with a touch of cynicism for the reality of the world. I can see the battles and understand the fighting. Good job!
I really enjoyed this installment of Ryck. I'm not surprised. This is a quality storyline with good strong character types. It's what stories should be like, clear and straight forward with a touch of cynicism for the reality of the world. I can see the battles and understand the fighting. Good job!
September 8, 2015
A great saga continues!!!
Lt Col is a terrific continuation of the series reflection of the honor and devotion of the Marines, now and in the future. There is a lot of action and well planned battles. The stories are well written and riveting. Please keep them coming!
Lt Col is a terrific continuation of the series reflection of the honor and devotion of the Marines, now and in the future. There is a lot of action and well planned battles. The stories are well written and riveting. Please keep them coming!
August 24, 2024
Another awesome book in the series
The author keeps this real. As a veteran of the Marine Corps I can tell you the political bullcrap that goes on. And the snafoos that happened all over the place. The author is an experienced marine officer and understands the true Marine Corps.
The author keeps this real. As a veteran of the Marine Corps I can tell you the political bullcrap that goes on. And the snafoos that happened all over the place. The author is an experienced marine officer and understands the true Marine Corps.
September 11, 2015
Rock And a hard place
One of the best books I've ever read on the pressure that an Officer faces while commanding his men!
Highly recommended!
One of the best books I've ever read on the pressure that an Officer faces while commanding his men!
Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews