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The United Federation Marine Corps #8
Commandant
This is the conclusion to Ryck Lysander’s saga as a United Federation Marine.
Major General Lysander has spent 38 years of his life dedicated to the Corps and sworn to perform the duties assigned to him by the Federation. In the process, he has become the most decorated Marine in its history.
During his career, he has been given some missions that he privately questions, but as the ancient Tennyson quote goes, “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die.” He has sworn an oath to obey, and he always upholds that oath to the best of his abilities.
Sworn oath or not, Ryck is faced with a situation that so horrifies him that he cannot accept it. Can he just stand by and let it proceed, or will he become an oathbreaker and put not only his life, but more importantly, that of his family, his fellow Marines and sailors, and the citizens of the Federation in peril?
Major General Lysander has spent 38 years of his life dedicated to the Corps and sworn to perform the duties assigned to him by the Federation. In the process, he has become the most decorated Marine in its history.
During his career, he has been given some missions that he privately questions, but as the ancient Tennyson quote goes, “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die.” He has sworn an oath to obey, and he always upholds that oath to the best of his abilities.
Sworn oath or not, Ryck is faced with a situation that so horrifies him that he cannot accept it. Can he just stand by and let it proceed, or will he become an oathbreaker and put not only his life, but more importantly, that of his family, his fellow Marines and sailors, and the citizens of the Federation in peril?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2015
493 people are currently reading
75 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 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 1, 2024
THE CONCLUSION OF A MAN'S MILITARY CAREER WHO HAS GIVEN SO MUCH
This series starts off with a young man working on his family's farm after the passing of his parents. He enlists into the Federation Marines and works is way from a Private in bootcamp to a Commandant who is tasked to help reform a corrupt government run by a small group of individuals that have no regard to those they govern and is willing to waste the lives of billions of people to maintain their power and control.
FEDERATION MARINE 8: COMMANDANT by Jonathan P. Brazee and the Federation Marine series is well written, full of action, suspense, intrigue, and will hold your interest throughout. One of the nice things is that Jonathan Brazee uses footnotes in this series for military, sci-fi, and technical terminology.
The characters are well defined and you will find yourself glued to the outcome of battles, wars, the career of Ryck Lysander as he moves up in rank, and his relationships with both his family and friends. It's not all stories of success and wins. It's a story of struggles, challenges, loss, as well as success and sacrifice to his health, family, friends, and even his career.
This is a great book for those who enjoy military sci-fi, action, drama, and even comedy at times. I have really enjoyed this book and series and plan on reading the spin-offs on the Lysander twins. I hope you, too, will enjoy reading this book and series.
This series starts off with a young man working on his family's farm after the passing of his parents. He enlists into the Federation Marines and works is way from a Private in bootcamp to a Commandant who is tasked to help reform a corrupt government run by a small group of individuals that have no regard to those they govern and is willing to waste the lives of billions of people to maintain their power and control.
FEDERATION MARINE 8: COMMANDANT by Jonathan P. Brazee and the Federation Marine series is well written, full of action, suspense, intrigue, and will hold your interest throughout. One of the nice things is that Jonathan Brazee uses footnotes in this series for military, sci-fi, and technical terminology.
The characters are well defined and you will find yourself glued to the outcome of battles, wars, the career of Ryck Lysander as he moves up in rank, and his relationships with both his family and friends. It's not all stories of success and wins. It's a story of struggles, challenges, loss, as well as success and sacrifice to his health, family, friends, and even his career.
This is a great book for those who enjoy military sci-fi, action, drama, and even comedy at times. I have really enjoyed this book and series and plan on reading the spin-offs on the Lysander twins. I hope you, too, will enjoy reading this book and series.
June 21, 2016
I loved this book, a great end to the series. I will say that the ending although not how I wanted it to happen was still very much in character. There is a number of things I can say about this book.. but they all involve spoilers and I will not put spoilers in a review so keeping this short. my advice read this and all the other books in the series.
January 15, 2016
WOW
I have been an enthusiastic consumer of this wonderful series from the beginning! I don't know where the author found the reserve and inspiration. But from a retired Military Officer, I salute him and his work's. You have done well. I can only hope you've inspired people to find Careers in the Military!
I have been an enthusiastic consumer of this wonderful series from the beginning! I don't know where the author found the reserve and inspiration. But from a retired Military Officer, I salute him and his work's. You have done well. I can only hope you've inspired people to find Careers in the Military!
October 15, 2018
Meh! Glad to be done with this series. Brazee's other books are much better to me.
June 3, 2021
Too much.
This series was at least one book too much. Maybe two? Dragged out for what reason? Money? Ego? Just too much.
This series was at least one book too much. Maybe two? Dragged out for what reason? Money? Ego? Just too much.
June 14, 2023
I've read this series after having already read most of Brazee's other books. Like his other series, this brings his personal experiences in the USMC into the writing in a way that informs the descriptions of daily life and the machinations of a military organization.
This series was, I think, written earlier than others I've been reading and the writing style is a little less refined, though it gets noticeably better as the series progresses.
One thing I particularly liked about this series, is that the line between the good guys and the bad guys isn't always as perfectly drawn and idealized as you usually see in stories like this. I don't want to give away spoilers, but I'll say it would have been easy for Brazee to draw the obvious cold war parallels with two of the key nation states described in the series, portraying them in the black and white way that is so common. I like that he didn't do that here. There's room for real discussion as to which is the "good" side and which isn't. This does, of course, come to a head in this last book of the season.
The end may be a little too clean and simple, but this isn't mean to high brow literature, just a good story backed by some real experience. It accomplishes that very well.
This series was, I think, written earlier than others I've been reading and the writing style is a little less refined, though it gets noticeably better as the series progresses.
One thing I particularly liked about this series, is that the line between the good guys and the bad guys isn't always as perfectly drawn and idealized as you usually see in stories like this. I don't want to give away spoilers, but I'll say it would have been easy for Brazee to draw the obvious cold war parallels with two of the key nation states described in the series, portraying them in the black and white way that is so common. I like that he didn't do that here. There's room for real discussion as to which is the "good" side and which isn't. This does, of course, come to a head in this last book of the season.
The end may be a little too clean and simple, but this isn't mean to high brow literature, just a good story backed by some real experience. It accomplishes that very well.
August 8, 2025
Oh, where to begin?
The desire to avoid spoilers is making it difficult to give a coherent review of the book that pretty much wraps up the story arc for Ryck Lysander.
The obvious rot in the way the Federation has been mistreating the people has reached a peak that can no longer be ignored by Ryck and some of those around him. However the very nature of the corruption and venal nature of the power abuse by the state is causing terrible damage to ever increasing numbers of innocent people.
The author doesn’t shy away from giving major characters reasons for their actions or the consequences of them. I may differ with him on some of these but I can’t say that he gives the “perfect” Hollywood ending where the “good guys” all manage to emerge unscathed.
The desire to avoid spoilers is making it difficult to give a coherent review of the book that pretty much wraps up the story arc for Ryck Lysander.
The obvious rot in the way the Federation has been mistreating the people has reached a peak that can no longer be ignored by Ryck and some of those around him. However the very nature of the corruption and venal nature of the power abuse by the state is causing terrible damage to ever increasing numbers of innocent people.
The author doesn’t shy away from giving major characters reasons for their actions or the consequences of them. I may differ with him on some of these but I can’t say that he gives the “perfect” Hollywood ending where the “good guys” all manage to emerge unscathed.
September 27, 2019
A gripping, compelling, yet heart rendering series
This book, the culmination of Ryck Lysanders life story ends ends on a high/low, or is that a low/high?
The authors intimate knowledge of the dedication of the and sacrifice of the warriors who live and die to protect us comes through in each and every page of every book in this series.
The books also tell of the pain and sacrifice of the loved ones who stay behind and support the warriors by just being, waiting for those seeming miniscule moments when they can be together.
A gripping, compelling, yet heart rendering series of seven books that has dominated my time for the last nine or so days
This book, the culmination of Ryck Lysanders life story ends ends on a high/low, or is that a low/high?
The authors intimate knowledge of the dedication of the and sacrifice of the warriors who live and die to protect us comes through in each and every page of every book in this series.
The books also tell of the pain and sacrifice of the loved ones who stay behind and support the warriors by just being, waiting for those seeming miniscule moments when they can be together.
A gripping, compelling, yet heart rendering series of seven books that has dominated my time for the last nine or so days
June 28, 2021
In the novel Commandant, United Federation Marine Corps by Jonathan Brazee, this Reviewer found an unusual yet fitting ending to a fine, military sci-fi series. A hearty “well done” to the author. The problem simmering throughout this entire series is brought to a head by the Lysander character as only a true leader can do for the men he leads. The answer to the problem I’ll leave for the reader to enjoy. But I sometimes wonder if this very action needs carrying out in the real world. And, perhaps, it is, when the right people are in the right positions.
I highly recommended Commandant, United Federation Marine Corps, Book 8.
I highly recommended Commandant, United Federation Marine Corps, Book 8.
September 16, 2019
I must confess I read thentire series from Recruit to Commandant before I wrote a single review. I really enjoyed the series following the main character from before he signed up till the "sad" ending. This charactet is very believable and I cheered him from the sidelines all through the books. The only thing I think was less than stellar was the ending, but it turned out ok.
I would recommend this series to lovers of military fiction and military science fiction.
I would recommend this series to lovers of military fiction and military science fiction.
May 13, 2020
Last book not as good
Read all 8 books back to back, the first 7 were very good rating them a 4 a couple were borderline 5s
The last in series has some serious plot holes. Not least of which is how Ryke becomes Commandant. Hopefully not giving to much away, someone supports him, then leaves him, because he continues to do, what he originally supported him for.
The ending was above touch, didn't see that coming.
As a series 4*, just the last book letting it down slightly
Read all 8 books back to back, the first 7 were very good rating them a 4 a couple were borderline 5s
The last in series has some serious plot holes. Not least of which is how Ryke becomes Commandant. Hopefully not giving to much away, someone supports him, then leaves him, because he continues to do, what he originally supported him for.
The ending was above touch, didn't see that coming.
As a series 4*, just the last book letting it down slightly
September 1, 2021
This is the grand finale of a very good series which hit its peak as it approached the end. I found a few issues with the first book but saw enough promise to continue reading it and boy am I glad that I did.
A few years after the previous book, Ryck starts out as a Major General serving as the Marine commander on a warship. When orders come from home to destroy the planet and all its inhabitants Ryck refutes the order and opens a can of worms
A few years after the previous book, Ryck starts out as a Major General serving as the Marine commander on a warship. When orders come from home to destroy the planet and all its inhabitants Ryck refutes the order and opens a can of worms
November 19, 2018
Just read through the whole series again....
.... enjoyed it just as much as the first time. Every book in the progression of the series is complete in itself, yet adds the ever increasing greatness of the full adventure. I highly recommend the whole series. Definitely five star calibre.
.... enjoyed it just as much as the first time. Every book in the progression of the series is complete in itself, yet adds the ever increasing greatness of the full adventure. I highly recommend the whole series. Definitely five star calibre.
June 28, 2019
An ending to be proud of
An amazing sci-fi action series and I look forward to more from this universe.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I enjoyed reading this series of books. Mostly because there was an honesty to the weapons and equipment used. It wasn't, for for purpose and was expensive as he'll but adapt and overcome.😀
An amazing sci-fi action series and I look forward to more from this universe.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I enjoyed reading this series of books. Mostly because there was an honesty to the weapons and equipment used. It wasn't, for for purpose and was expensive as he'll but adapt and overcome.😀
July 4, 2021
I enjoyed and recommend this book
This was a satisfying conclusion to this eight book series. It does stand alone. But reading the whole series is a great way to arrive at this book. I look forward to reading books by this author; both in the UFMC universe and his other stories. Thank you to the author for his work and making his books available on Amazon Unlimited.
This was a satisfying conclusion to this eight book series. It does stand alone. But reading the whole series is a great way to arrive at this book. I look forward to reading books by this author; both in the UFMC universe and his other stories. Thank you to the author for his work and making his books available on Amazon Unlimited.
May 16, 2024
Wow.. This series is really good. the ending of this had me really going.
Not sure if anyone who has not served ..or grew up in a military family would really appreciate this book series as much as i did. There are things ..most people just won't get or understand without that sort of background. But still i highly recommend this series . This ending to it... Was perfect
June 1, 2018
Tough to put down!
If you read the entire series you will be misty eyed after Book 8’s final chapter! Outstanding series with well developed main characters. Will miss Ryck and Hannah.
If you read the entire series you will be misty eyed after Book 8’s final chapter! Outstanding series with well developed main characters. Will miss Ryck and Hannah.
March 23, 2019
Well written close to a series
Enjoyed the growth of the character. Keeping promises, cherishing family are good things for all to remember. I wasn’t expecting the ending but immediately knew it was right.
Enjoyed the growth of the character. Keeping promises, cherishing family are good things for all to remember. I wasn’t expecting the ending but immediately knew it was right.
October 7, 2019
Respect
As a veteran I have always enjoyed the science fiction of what may become of us in the near and far future. This series has been an entertaining and educational journey in the what if of the future. Truly an amazing story.... I can say no more then "Respect"
As a veteran I have always enjoyed the science fiction of what may become of us in the near and far future. This series has been an entertaining and educational journey in the what if of the future. Truly an amazing story.... I can say no more then "Respect"
April 10, 2021
Phenomenal!
I'd read some of these books a while back, but have just finished the entire series. Excellently crafted books, strong characters and an enthralling storyline, would recommend these books to all!
I'd read some of these books a while back, but have just finished the entire series. Excellently crafted books, strong characters and an enthralling storyline, would recommend these books to all!
May 3, 2021
This is undoubtedly the best military fictional series I have ever read. I truly had problems putting it down. I think the authors background and ability to tell a story had a lot to do with it. I love scifi and read all the books within two weeks
TCE Navy 24yr mustang
TCE Navy 24yr mustang
May 13, 2021
Great Read! Great Series!
I appreciated the evolution of this characters leadership issues and resolutions over the course of the series.
A sci - fi Horatio Hornblower saga well done!
I appreciated the evolution of this characters leadership issues and resolutions over the course of the series.
A sci - fi Horatio Hornblower saga well done!
July 2, 2021
Great ending to a great military series
I would recommend this series to any fan of Naval/MC military fiction. Marvelous balance between character development, action, suspense and life.
I would recommend this series to any fan of Naval/MC military fiction. Marvelous balance between character development, action, suspense and life.
November 6, 2021
Excellent Book
This is the last book of the Ryck Lysander series. There are several surprises in the last it of this saga and is well worth reading. I highly recommend this book especially if you are into military sci-fi.
This is the last book of the Ryck Lysander series. There are several surprises in the last it of this saga and is well worth reading. I highly recommend this book especially if you are into military sci-fi.
January 29, 2022
well written and very entertaining
These books read similarly to the WEB Griffin WWII novels were in the past. If you enjoyed one author, then you may enjoy the other nearly the same. At any rate, they are interesting and exciting and I highly recommend all of them.
These books read similarly to the WEB Griffin WWII novels were in the past. If you enjoyed one author, then you may enjoy the other nearly the same. At any rate, they are interesting and exciting and I highly recommend all of them.
May 16, 2023
Excellent series finale
This was an excellent finale to a superb mil Sci fi series. General Lysander is a warrior and leader. I read this series non stop. Check it out on kindle unlimited!
This was an excellent finale to a superb mil Sci fi series. General Lysander is a warrior and leader. I read this series non stop. Check it out on kindle unlimited!
January 27, 2018
Loves the finish of this series. Lots of ways to end it but this fitted alright with the story. Will read more of these.
May 28, 2018
A good ending to the series.
December 15, 2020
Easy sci-fi military fiction that makes the time fly by.
January 2, 2021
Fantastic
Well what a great ending to a great storyline. Well done. I will be playing catchup on my other authors books series then back to read about the twins🤖🤖🤖😂😂😂
Well what a great ending to a great storyline. Well done. I will be playing catchup on my other authors books series then back to read about the twins🤖🤖🤖😂😂😂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews