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Empire Rising #3
Return to Haven
The revelation that the human race is not alone has sent shockwaves throughout Earth’s naval powers. Suddenly all eyes have turned to Haven and the trade routes to the Vestarian and Kulrean homeworlds.
Thinking he has nothing to lose, Haven’s First Councilor puts into motion a plan that threatens to turn star empire against star empire. As a result, Captain James Somerville finds himself thrown into the thick of battle once again. Yet not everyone in the Admiralty is enamored with his brash style of command and this time, his reckless actions may finally catch up with him.
Return to Haven is the third novel in the Empire Rising military sci-fi series.
495 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 14, 2026
Return to Haven is another enjoyable installment in D. J. Holmes’ series and, for me, a stronger book than A King’s Ship. These novels are not particularly deep reads, but that is part of their appeal. They are fast-moving, entertaining stories that I can work through quickly without having to expend a great deal of thought. In that sense, they have become something of a luxury read for me—books I can simply sit back and enjoy.
I was especially glad Holmes changed the formula and pacing this time around. Rather than building toward another major ground or naval engagement, much of the military action involves smaller special-forces operations, which Holmes describes quite well. He also finally provides a convincing explanation for why warships launch missile broadsides rather than simply firing in any direction. The launch geometry gives the missiles an important initial velocity boost, reducing their own boost time and improving acceleration and response time when seconds matter. It is a relatively small bit of explanation, but exactly the sort of detail that makes the military technology of Holmes’ universe feel more credible.
The biggest departure comes at the climax. Instead of a massive fleet battle, the story culminates in a court battle filled with political maneuvering, intrigue, and carefully laid traps. I thought Holmes handled this particularly well. Much of the enjoyment comes from watching the various pieces fall into place and seeing how the opposition is maneuvered into a position of its own making. In many ways, the courtroom becomes another battlefield, with information and timing taking the place of missiles and warships.
That change of pace was important for the series. Had every volume continued to follow essentially the same pattern of escalating toward another enormous space battle, I think the formula would have become stale fairly quickly. Return to Haven demonstrates that Holmes can vary both the scale and type of conflict while retaining the fast pacing and straightforward storytelling that make the series fun. It remains light science fiction rather than a demanding read, but this installment plays much more effectively to Holmes’ strengths and left me looking forward to continuing the series.
I was especially glad Holmes changed the formula and pacing this time around. Rather than building toward another major ground or naval engagement, much of the military action involves smaller special-forces operations, which Holmes describes quite well. He also finally provides a convincing explanation for why warships launch missile broadsides rather than simply firing in any direction. The launch geometry gives the missiles an important initial velocity boost, reducing their own boost time and improving acceleration and response time when seconds matter. It is a relatively small bit of explanation, but exactly the sort of detail that makes the military technology of Holmes’ universe feel more credible.
The biggest departure comes at the climax. Instead of a massive fleet battle, the story culminates in a court battle filled with political maneuvering, intrigue, and carefully laid traps. I thought Holmes handled this particularly well. Much of the enjoyment comes from watching the various pieces fall into place and seeing how the opposition is maneuvered into a position of its own making. In many ways, the courtroom becomes another battlefield, with information and timing taking the place of missiles and warships.
That change of pace was important for the series. Had every volume continued to follow essentially the same pattern of escalating toward another enormous space battle, I think the formula would have become stale fairly quickly. Return to Haven demonstrates that Holmes can vary both the scale and type of conflict while retaining the fast pacing and straightforward storytelling that make the series fun. It remains light science fiction rather than a demanding read, but this installment plays much more effectively to Holmes’ strengths and left me looking forward to continuing the series.
January 21, 2017
Disappointing
Author is a good storyteller and has a good command of English. I made it through the first two books with some reservations, but this one repeats the jingoistic and racist themes. On top of that, the lead character's personality becomes even more disappointingly weak. I gave up about a third of the way through the book.
Author is a good storyteller and has a good command of English. I made it through the first two books with some reservations, but this one repeats the jingoistic and racist themes. On top of that, the lead character's personality becomes even more disappointingly weak. I gave up about a third of the way through the book.
March 13, 2022
(82%)A- | Good
I really enjoyed this book, it is a large step forward in terms of quality. While it still suffers from a handful of grammatical and spelling errors, I find the story has expanded exceptionally well. So far the series is definitely worth reading. I have even come to understand and enjoy how the author has chosen to do the space combat, despite my disdain for it in the first book
I really enjoyed this book, it is a large step forward in terms of quality. While it still suffers from a handful of grammatical and spelling errors, I find the story has expanded exceptionally well. So far the series is definitely worth reading. I have even come to understand and enjoy how the author has chosen to do the space combat, despite my disdain for it in the first book
January 4, 2017
Great follow up
In book three we see that captain Somerville once again has to place his ship and crew in danger. The leaders of Haven have decided to attack the envoys ship going to earth. With a warning Captain Somerville moves his ship to stop the attack, but not without it taking damage. But this is not the only battle he will have to face. Support comes from two unexpected areas. Looking forward to the next book.
In book three we see that captain Somerville once again has to place his ship and crew in danger. The leaders of Haven have decided to attack the envoys ship going to earth. With a warning Captain Somerville moves his ship to stop the attack, but not without it taking damage. But this is not the only battle he will have to face. Support comes from two unexpected areas. Looking forward to the next book.
May 26, 2020
Sometimes I can lose track of a series because I’m reading other series in between. Ah, that didn’t make much sense! Well, what I meant was that I read the last book in this series back in Dec 2019 and just found that a lot more books in this series are already published. By more, I mean the series is already up to book 8! Yikes, I’ve got to get busy!
This is a great series even thought it has a definite British slant. And this particular book is very interesting if you’re a lawyer! Yes, instead of a lot of space travel and fighting, we find Captain James Somerville facing court-martial charges for, of all things, treason. Now, we do get to go through the entire mission with him and the HMS Endeavour. You’ll find that it appears he did indeed exceed his orders, but maybe not.
The HMS Endeavour is enroute back to Haven, one of the first Earth colonies established by humans from Earth almost 200 years ago. In the previous book, the HMS Endeavour found Haven and two other alien races. One of those races were attacking Haven and the other race. Captain Somerville and his ship stepped in and quickly stopped that fighting. So he’s become something of a hero to the Havenites.
On Haven, their 1st Councilor is not a nice guy. He wants nothing to do with Earth since he fells that whomever comes from Earth will want to rule Haven one way or another. Yet, he’s going about stopping that the wrong way. He tries to disguise one of his small fleets as Brazilians who attack one of the peaceful alien convoys. He believes that will stop all trade with Earth and the aliens, therefore, Earth won’t have any reason to mess with Haven.
A few things go wrong with his plan. The first thing involved Councilwoman Suzanna Rodriguez. She found out about 1st Councilors plan and proceeded to get off Haven to alert the British who just happened to be on Captain James Somerville. And that person was the second problem with the 1st Councilors plan. He didn’t anticipate Captain Somerville and his ship to be so dang efficient.
But this is all preliminary to the story. What really gets things going is when Captain Somerville and the Endeavour are ordered back to Haven to find out what the Indians are doing to that peaceful planet! It’s not good, but does this give James the grounds to do what he does and will that result in his court-marshal for treason? Interesting stuff!
Eight books in total so far and i’m just finishing book 3. Gotta’ get to reading some more.
This is a great series even thought it has a definite British slant. And this particular book is very interesting if you’re a lawyer! Yes, instead of a lot of space travel and fighting, we find Captain James Somerville facing court-martial charges for, of all things, treason. Now, we do get to go through the entire mission with him and the HMS Endeavour. You’ll find that it appears he did indeed exceed his orders, but maybe not.
The HMS Endeavour is enroute back to Haven, one of the first Earth colonies established by humans from Earth almost 200 years ago. In the previous book, the HMS Endeavour found Haven and two other alien races. One of those races were attacking Haven and the other race. Captain Somerville and his ship stepped in and quickly stopped that fighting. So he’s become something of a hero to the Havenites.
On Haven, their 1st Councilor is not a nice guy. He wants nothing to do with Earth since he fells that whomever comes from Earth will want to rule Haven one way or another. Yet, he’s going about stopping that the wrong way. He tries to disguise one of his small fleets as Brazilians who attack one of the peaceful alien convoys. He believes that will stop all trade with Earth and the aliens, therefore, Earth won’t have any reason to mess with Haven.
A few things go wrong with his plan. The first thing involved Councilwoman Suzanna Rodriguez. She found out about 1st Councilors plan and proceeded to get off Haven to alert the British who just happened to be on Captain James Somerville. And that person was the second problem with the 1st Councilors plan. He didn’t anticipate Captain Somerville and his ship to be so dang efficient.
But this is all preliminary to the story. What really gets things going is when Captain Somerville and the Endeavour are ordered back to Haven to find out what the Indians are doing to that peaceful planet! It’s not good, but does this give James the grounds to do what he does and will that result in his court-marshal for treason? Interesting stuff!
Eight books in total so far and i’m just finishing book 3. Gotta’ get to reading some more.
September 10, 2017
Summary: Classic space opera, some politics, plenty of action. Odd to have Great Britain as a major space power. A marriage and much else. Good continuation of the series
Plotline: Loads of action, a little far fetched in places, but great reading. Subtlety is not one of DH's strengths. Left hanging at the end ready for the next book ... unfortunately not available
Premise: Not particularly detailed but the 'shift drive' seems to work, more intrigue added in this book. Add the 'Gift' and here we go
Writing: Simple descriptive, the reader is right their in the midst of the action
Ending: A silly court martial quashed and ready for the next book ...
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Loads of action, a little far fetched in places, but great reading. Subtlety is not one of DH's strengths. Left hanging at the end ready for the next book ... unfortunately not available
Premise: Not particularly detailed but the 'shift drive' seems to work, more intrigue added in this book. Add the 'Gift' and here we go
Writing: Simple descriptive, the reader is right their in the midst of the action
Ending: A silly court martial quashed and ready for the next book ...
Pace: Never a dull moment!
July 28, 2017
This book wouldn't stand very well on its own but that hardly detracts from another good story. Holmes continues with epic space battles, but adds in lots of politics a little intrigue and marines! It's hard to go wrong with Military Sci-Fi once you add marines.
There are new characters added and more depth to those that exist though not much. Once again Holmes personalizes the protagonists to make them human but differently motivated. So much more difficult but much more believable than just making them evil. Not great, but very good.
There are new characters added and more depth to those that exist though not much. Once again Holmes personalizes the protagonists to make them human but differently motivated. So much more difficult but much more believable than just making them evil. Not great, but very good.
May 14, 2018
Sometimes You Gain When You Think You Have Lost
James is again in the thick of battle. He and Suzanna are being used as political pawns to gain support for the liberation of Haven. The characters feel real and you can empathize with their emotions. James is growing in terms of depth of character as his uncle instills a greater sense of strategic vision to go along with his tactical combat skills. I look forward to the next book.
James is again in the thick of battle. He and Suzanna are being used as political pawns to gain support for the liberation of Haven. The characters feel real and you can empathize with their emotions. James is growing in terms of depth of character as his uncle instills a greater sense of strategic vision to go along with his tactical combat skills. I look forward to the next book.
January 26, 2020
Robert's Review and Comments
Getting better with every missile launch and plasma charge fired. I am looking forward to a large ground engagement with mech armor on both sides. You guys ever heard of Artillery in a box or smart mines...very helpful in situations like Haven. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Getting better with every missile launch and plasma charge fired. I am looking forward to a large ground engagement with mech armor on both sides. You guys ever heard of Artillery in a box or smart mines...very helpful in situations like Haven. Thanks for a GoodRead.
June 7, 2022
Outstanding storyline, naval policies and procedures.
Again the development of the character story lines are amazing. All the characters face dilemmas to do with their moral compass and their Fates their country and each other. Excellent book. I can't wait to read book four. I believe there's 14 in this series and I'm going to read every one of them.
Again the development of the character story lines are amazing. All the characters face dilemmas to do with their moral compass and their Fates their country and each other. Excellent book. I can't wait to read book four. I believe there's 14 in this series and I'm going to read every one of them.
January 30, 2018
Empire rising series
I have read the first three books and find them extreme good reads. The author is one of the Best. All factions of the books flow expertly throughout. You just cannot put them down. You won't regret reading D. J. Holmes.
I have read the first three books and find them extreme good reads. The author is one of the Best. All factions of the books flow expertly throughout. You just cannot put them down. You won't regret reading D. J. Holmes.
March 12, 2018
Well, I like the story, but the errors in the writing are very annoying. Basic things like “too” when”to” is proper. Dialog is often not natural, but since most of the characters are British, maybe my American speech patterns influence me.
August 2, 2019
Book three
Mistakes: I found one.
Plot: Politics, ship to ship action, some ground action, and a court martial.
Characters: The MC continues to grow as a person and as a commander.
8/10
Mistakes: I found one.
Plot: Politics, ship to ship action, some ground action, and a court martial.
Characters: The MC continues to grow as a person and as a commander.
8/10
February 5, 2021
Another great book
The author does another good job, keeping the story moving and developing the characters. For a first self published series it is a very well thought out setting and consistent technology.
The author does another good job, keeping the story moving and developing the characters. For a first self published series it is a very well thought out setting and consistent technology.
April 4, 2024
There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, but the author really did take some liberties, not just with the timings, battles and logistics, but in this book some of the storylines weren’t great e.g. the court marshal was verging on nonsensical.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars
May 1, 2025
Good read.
This was a good book that kept you guessing what would happen next. The British seem to have their own problems with people trying to sacrifice good captains to cost marshals to get their way . Now they are heading out to fight the indie fleet.
This was a good book that kept you guessing what would happen next. The British seem to have their own problems with people trying to sacrifice good captains to cost marshals to get their way . Now they are heading out to fight the indie fleet.
January 24, 2017
Great read.
Fast paced British focused space opera with similarities to the honorverse books.
What's not to like? I'm really looking forward to the next one.
Fast paced British focused space opera with similarities to the honorverse books.
What's not to like? I'm really looking forward to the next one.
May 13, 2020
Main mc is a pus*y who doesn't have the guts to stand up for himself. I don't like reading about mc like that.
November 4, 2021
The Adventure Continues
Rollicking adventures of a military leader with political intrigue…each novel just grips the reins of my interest tighter and tighter.
Rollicking adventures of a military leader with political intrigue…each novel just grips the reins of my interest tighter and tighter.
November 5, 2021
Splendid military epic.
Well drawn engaging characters good and bad. Lots of action.. politics. Schemes. Vast dark reaches where unknown people's may be found.
Well drawn engaging characters good and bad. Lots of action.. politics. Schemes. Vast dark reaches where unknown people's may be found.
April 17, 2023
Great read!
I'm loving this series of books! Well written, interesting stories, great characters, some romance, politics, space/planet side battles all mixed in!
I'm loving this series of books! Well written, interesting stories, great characters, some romance, politics, space/planet side battles all mixed in!
July 30, 2023
What an ending
What an ending of the book, showing that the characters are fallible. The author did a great job with this book.
What an ending of the book, showing that the characters are fallible. The author did a great job with this book.
May 7, 2024
Better and better
This series continues to impress, I seem to be reading this at every opportunity, great characters, great story and a great read. Thank you.
This series continues to impress, I seem to be reading this at every opportunity, great characters, great story and a great read. Thank you.
February 14, 2026
Fantastic book following some gripping moments with great space fights and interesting turns through politics. Loving this series!
March 20, 2017
The Saga Continues
More action and political intrigue in the third book of the series. Well worth reading. Looking forward to the next instalment
More action and political intrigue in the third book of the series. Well worth reading. Looking forward to the next instalment
January 13, 2019
This is not the best book in the series but it is still quite good. The adventures of Captain Somerville continues in this direct continuation from A King’s Ship. Unfortunately the story gets a bit too much into the muddled waters of rubbish politics and constipated politicians as well as military officers.
I particularly disliked that asswipe Maximillian. Not only is he a frustrating, scheming and obnoxious politician but he is also a full bore idiot. I really dislike these type of characters. At least the dumbass showed some honor later in the book. Too late of course but I guess one has to be happy for the small favors.
The arranged wedding crap also rears it’s ugly head again. Even if it was indeed advantageous for our hero I simply cannot stand that crap.
While I am in whining mode let’s say some words about the events towards the end. Luckily it is some time since I’ve read this book (and I have read #4 and #5 as well by the time I’m writing this) so I have calmed down a bit so let’s just say that I thoroughly disliked that farce. Dumbass, politically motivated, asswipes putting the hero of the day on trial? The less said about that the better.
On the plus side our hero is as good as ever. That is one part of the book that I really like. A no-nonsense all out hero. Competent and never any doubt that he is on the good side. Actually a lot of characters in the book is very enjoyable and even the asswipes are at least well written.
That really goes for the book as a whole. It is well written. Story, universe, action, military strategy and tactics and so on and so forth are all on the higher end of the scale. Apart from the points mentioned above, and maybe a bit too much sneaking around on the ground but that’s really personal taste, it is really a book in my style.
I particularly disliked that asswipe Maximillian. Not only is he a frustrating, scheming and obnoxious politician but he is also a full bore idiot. I really dislike these type of characters. At least the dumbass showed some honor later in the book. Too late of course but I guess one has to be happy for the small favors.
The arranged wedding crap also rears it’s ugly head again. Even if it was indeed advantageous for our hero I simply cannot stand that crap.
While I am in whining mode let’s say some words about the events towards the end. Luckily it is some time since I’ve read this book (and I have read #4 and #5 as well by the time I’m writing this) so I have calmed down a bit so let’s just say that I thoroughly disliked that farce. Dumbass, politically motivated, asswipes putting the hero of the day on trial? The less said about that the better.
On the plus side our hero is as good as ever. That is one part of the book that I really like. A no-nonsense all out hero. Competent and never any doubt that he is on the good side. Actually a lot of characters in the book is very enjoyable and even the asswipes are at least well written.
That really goes for the book as a whole. It is well written. Story, universe, action, military strategy and tactics and so on and so forth are all on the higher end of the scale. Apart from the points mentioned above, and maybe a bit too much sneaking around on the ground but that’s really personal taste, it is really a book in my style.
December 19, 2021
thrilling, as always
February 21, 2017
best read in a long time
If you liked the Ark Royal series you will love this book and the two that preceded! Holmes is up and coming! He is on my top auther list.
If you liked the Ark Royal series you will love this book and the two that preceded! Holmes is up and coming! He is on my top auther list.
December 25, 2017
Interesting
The political twists are very interesting. The maneuvering of star empires competing for systems in a very limited sphere is tense and the decision making is ruthless. I wonder how the colonial territories came into existence and wish I read more about the rise of these other colonial expanses.
The Royal Navy has too much navy in relation to France probably, India or China certainly. Britain would have to seriously reverse its current relative naval strength for that to happen.
This book ends with the beginning of another war, which is a direct offshoot of the Chinese-English War. I like it but some stories about the rest of human colonization would give some much appreciated broad context for the stellar rivalries that drive the action. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying.
I think you'll like it, if you've read the first two books.
The political twists are very interesting. The maneuvering of star empires competing for systems in a very limited sphere is tense and the decision making is ruthless. I wonder how the colonial territories came into existence and wish I read more about the rise of these other colonial expanses.
The Royal Navy has too much navy in relation to France probably, India or China certainly. Britain would have to seriously reverse its current relative naval strength for that to happen.
This book ends with the beginning of another war, which is a direct offshoot of the Chinese-English War. I like it but some stories about the rest of human colonization would give some much appreciated broad context for the stellar rivalries that drive the action. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying.
I think you'll like it, if you've read the first two books.
January 17, 2017
Enjoyed
I'm really looking forward too the next book in series. I enjoy a series that follows the growth of an empire.
I'm really looking forward too the next book in series. I enjoy a series that follows the growth of an empire.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews