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Invasion #1
Invasion: Book I: Resistance
In space, when you lose the high ground, you lose the war.
Eleven years before, General David Warren was the best and brightest, in charge of defending the Earth from an attacking fleet. Overmatched in battle, the Earth forces were devastated, and the enemy moved into the high ground and proceeded with orbital bombardment. Civilization fell, and then two years later, the enemy landed and the occupation began.
Now Warren lives with his sister and nephew, trying to farm the land while avoiding detection by the occupiers, the Invy. When two travelers show up at his doorstep, his carefully constructed life starts to unravel.
Earth, and humanity, may be down, but not out.
In the grand tradition of Ender's Game, Footfall, and War of the Worlds comes a tale of human struggle against immense odds.
Eleven years before, General David Warren was the best and brightest, in charge of defending the Earth from an attacking fleet. Overmatched in battle, the Earth forces were devastated, and the enemy moved into the high ground and proceeded with orbital bombardment. Civilization fell, and then two years later, the enemy landed and the occupation began.
Now Warren lives with his sister and nephew, trying to farm the land while avoiding detection by the occupiers, the Invy. When two travelers show up at his doorstep, his carefully constructed life starts to unravel.
Earth, and humanity, may be down, but not out.
In the grand tradition of Ender's Game, Footfall, and War of the Worlds comes a tale of human struggle against immense odds.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2017
About the author
J.F. Holmes
82 books77 followersJ.F. Holmes is a retired Army Senior Noncomissioned Officer, having served for 22 years in both the Regular Army and Army National Guard. During that time, he served as everything from an artillery section leader to a member of a Division level planning staff, with tours in Cuba and Iraq, as well as responding to the terrorists attacks in NYC on 9-11.
From 2010 to 2014 he wrote the immensely popular military cartoon strip, "Power Point Ranger", poking fun at military life in the tradition of Beetle Bailey and Willy & Joe.
His books range from Military Sci-Fi to Space Opera to Detective to Fantasy, with a lot in between, and in 2017 two are finalists for the prestigious Dragon Awards. As of August 2017, Mr. Holmes has eighteen books and two novellas published.
Feel free to join Irregular Scout Team One on Facebook, and get a chance to influence the course and plot of his next book!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15294...
From 2010 to 2014 he wrote the immensely popular military cartoon strip, "Power Point Ranger", poking fun at military life in the tradition of Beetle Bailey and Willy & Joe.
His books range from Military Sci-Fi to Space Opera to Detective to Fantasy, with a lot in between, and in 2017 two are finalists for the prestigious Dragon Awards. As of August 2017, Mr. Holmes has eighteen books and two novellas published.
Feel free to join Irregular Scout Team One on Facebook, and get a chance to influence the course and plot of his next book!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15294...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 7, 2017
A fun read with a good cliff hanger ending. Would love to see sequel!
February 1, 2018
I know that this is book one in a series but a book should come to some sort of a conclusion, not just stop. I have read and continue to read several series by people such as David Drake, Christopher Nuttall, David Weber, Bernard Cornwell and others. Their novels do not just stop without reaching some kind of conclusion. If, like me, you are reading this book via Kindle Unlimited, the lack of a conclusion is an annoyance rather than a big problem. I can go on to book two without an additional charge. If you are paying for individual volumes, you are committed to at least one more purchase if you want to know what happened.
That was most of the bad. The good is that the book is well written with good character development and world building. There are a few minor unanswered questions such as how Hal built the bugs. He had no arms, hands or opposable thumbs. But to me this a minor issue in a very entertaining book.
That was most of the bad. The good is that the book is well written with good character development and world building. There are a few minor unanswered questions such as how Hal built the bugs. He had no arms, hands or opposable thumbs. But to me this a minor issue in a very entertaining book.
October 17, 2017
Disappointing. This seems like a missed opportunity. I like the premise of the post-apocalyptic future and some of the world building is neat. Holmes also has a level of military knowledge that could have contributed a real richness to the storytelling.
This could have been a straight to cable alien war movie that shows at 2 am, and at some point we've all watched one and enjoyed it. The kind of thing where the characters are instantly recognisable, the effects are cheap but charming and the whole thing whips along briskly so you don’t notice the time pass.
That’s what it could have been. Unfortunately, it just does not deliver. There are basic errors in execution that could be picked up by a thorough editor – grammar failures, continuity errors and sudden shifts in the point of view from which the story is told.
In places, Holmes’ strength of military knowledge becomes his downfall, for example, there is a sentence which is just a list of codes for the combat skills a character possesses, comprehensible only to someone who has rote learned a handbook. Early on he is so keen to crow bar in the familiar military idiom of “s#!t, shower, shave” that he forgets there are no showers where his characters are hiding, a point he goes on to make a few pages later. There are just too many of those gaps and lurches to ignore.
Worst of all there is a strong whiff of sexism throughout. All the female characters are objectified by the male characters. It is 2017, it's too late to offer the script to Weinstein.
I can see there is a limited audience that might enjoy this as it is. A decent story, lots of jargon and every woman a sex object may be all they are after. For more discerning readers this just does not make the grade.
This could have been a straight to cable alien war movie that shows at 2 am, and at some point we've all watched one and enjoyed it. The kind of thing where the characters are instantly recognisable, the effects are cheap but charming and the whole thing whips along briskly so you don’t notice the time pass.
That’s what it could have been. Unfortunately, it just does not deliver. There are basic errors in execution that could be picked up by a thorough editor – grammar failures, continuity errors and sudden shifts in the point of view from which the story is told.
In places, Holmes’ strength of military knowledge becomes his downfall, for example, there is a sentence which is just a list of codes for the combat skills a character possesses, comprehensible only to someone who has rote learned a handbook. Early on he is so keen to crow bar in the familiar military idiom of “s#!t, shower, shave” that he forgets there are no showers where his characters are hiding, a point he goes on to make a few pages later. There are just too many of those gaps and lurches to ignore.
Worst of all there is a strong whiff of sexism throughout. All the female characters are objectified by the male characters. It is 2017, it's too late to offer the script to Weinstein.
I can see there is a limited audience that might enjoy this as it is. A decent story, lots of jargon and every woman a sex object may be all they are after. For more discerning readers this just does not make the grade.
June 28, 2017
John has a way of drawing you into his story through his characters, and he does it again with this one. While several names will be familiar from his Zombie Killers books, this is a completely new universe, set on Earth 11 years after an alien invasion has decimated the planet's population and made almost slaves of the rest. Warren was the supposed head of the Combined Earth Forces (CEF), when the invasion happened, fighting via ansible communications with a fleet of ships that included his girlfriend as a ship captain. When he realised the fleet was going to be defeated, he tried to retreat and urged Earth to surrender, to save as many people as he could. He was ignored, the fleet was destroyed, Earth bombarded and invaded. Now, a small scout team has located him, dragged him back to CEF headquarters, re-united him with his girlfriend, and revealed that the CEF didn't surrender, but went underground, preparing for the day to hit back! That day has now almost arrived, and he makes a fateful choice to travel to the old Cheyenne Mountain complex that got destroyed at the beginning of the war, to discover an old friend is alive and well. The attack starts, and Earth may just have a chance to win!
I'm looking forward to the next book.
There are a few spelling errors, and grammatical problems, but I believe John is currently editing it to correct and remove these.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
There are a few spelling errors, and grammatical problems, but I believe John is currently editing it to correct and remove these.
November 30, 2024
This is the book that got me into a fantastic author.
J.F. Holmes combines his military experience with a sci fi story of resistance for a great read. Its also different from a lot of other sci fi out there.
We knew the aliens were coming. We have just enough hi tech to build basic starships to fight them. But the aliens were better. Thankfully our special operations vets knew something like this could happen. So they begged, borrowed and stole everything they could and waited. Millions died when the aliens showed up to Earth, more died in the years of occupation. But the resistance waited. Learned. Then threw everything at the wall and hoped for the best. We win? Cool, Earth is free from alien occupation. We lose? No more humanity. Its all or nothing. And with J.F Holmes, characters can live or die no matter how much you like them.
J.F. Holmes combines his military experience with a sci fi story of resistance for a great read. Its also different from a lot of other sci fi out there.
We knew the aliens were coming. We have just enough hi tech to build basic starships to fight them. But the aliens were better. Thankfully our special operations vets knew something like this could happen. So they begged, borrowed and stole everything they could and waited. Millions died when the aliens showed up to Earth, more died in the years of occupation. But the resistance waited. Learned. Then threw everything at the wall and hoped for the best. We win? Cool, Earth is free from alien occupation. We lose? No more humanity. Its all or nothing. And with J.F Holmes, characters can live or die no matter how much you like them.
May 29, 2017
The Earth has been invaded by an alien race referred to here as the “Invy,” and humanity has been beaten down into subjugation. The events portrayed here detail the slow, methodical efforts by the human resistance to throw off their alien bonds and rise back to the top of the food chain, in a story world for which I was willing to suspend disbelief. “Invasion” is a great piece of writing with slow but good plot development, and 3-dimensional characters that I found myself caring about. Holmes has a good grasp of tactics, both squad-level and big-picture, doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice favorite characters to advance a plot line, and knows how to generate suspense. All in all, a good read with a cliff-hanger ending that left me wanting the next book RIGHT NOW. Good job.
June 15, 2017
OK Story, but has a long, slow, drawn-out beginning to get past
The last half of this book is better than the 1st half, so really -- just get through the beginning, and it gets better. There's a lot of death in this story, but that attitude might make the book one of the more realistic stories you'll read (if you assume SciFi tales of the future can fall into a 'realistic' category).
The last half of this book is better than the 1st half, so really -- just get through the beginning, and it gets better. There's a lot of death in this story, but that attitude might make the book one of the more realistic stories you'll read (if you assume SciFi tales of the future can fall into a 'realistic' category).
February 26, 2018
Dave's not hear!
The world has been invaded, but people can still fight back! Not just the U.S. but the whole world needs to get together and do the fighting! The author paints an Earth on its knees, but hidden away is everyone's hope, love and honor. The fight to win back out world. The author pulls you into the story and you cheer for the good guys, and cry for the lost.
The world has been invaded, but people can still fight back! Not just the U.S. but the whole world needs to get together and do the fighting! The author paints an Earth on its knees, but hidden away is everyone's hope, love and honor. The fight to win back out world. The author pulls you into the story and you cheer for the good guys, and cry for the lost.
January 12, 2019
Fresh and exciting.
I must admit this isn't the typical type of book that I read w I th that aside, I loved this book. Within the first few minutes my curiosity was up soon thereafter I was hooked. The story continued to hold my interest and what else could you ask for. I am eager to continue this journey.
I must admit this isn't the typical type of book that I read w I th that aside, I loved this book. Within the first few minutes my curiosity was up soon thereafter I was hooked. The story continued to hold my interest and what else could you ask for. I am eager to continue this journey.
December 22, 2017
Not bad.
Could have been longer,under 200 pages can barely be called a book. Over all a good start,but I bet the second book would have been fine added to this one. Not a friend of noveletes.
Could have been longer,under 200 pages can barely be called a book. Over all a good start,but I bet the second book would have been fine added to this one. Not a friend of noveletes.
May 7, 2019
A page turner
I didn't think I would like it as it plays close to other similar better known stories, but I found myself drawn to the characters and soon found that I didn't want to put it down. A good effort. Now let's see if book 2 is equally entertaining.
I didn't think I would like it as it plays close to other similar better known stories, but I found myself drawn to the characters and soon found that I didn't want to put it down. A good effort. Now let's see if book 2 is equally entertaining.
August 10, 2020
An interesting series
This book has great characters and an intriguing storyline that will keep you hooked. With lots of action and intrigue thrown in. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series
This book has great characters and an intriguing storyline that will keep you hooked. With lots of action and intrigue thrown in. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series
November 20, 2020
A good premise and a well written tale of alien invasion. I felt for the characters, and I was glad Warren came out of his funk to lead the resistance. A cliffhanger of an ending, which some don't like, but it does make you want to read the next one.
November 2, 2024
Godt skrevet og spændende historie, karakterene ikke stærke nok til at man bliver helt opslugt i deres historie, men overordnet set en spændende og veltænkt historie, kan godt genlæses men tvivler på jeg kommer til det
May 21, 2017
Good read!
I really enjoyed this book. It needed a better proof reader and editor, but the story itself was really good!
I really enjoyed this book. It needed a better proof reader and editor, but the story itself was really good!
May 24, 2017
Not a bad story. Interesting to read the characters from his other series in this one, in a new way.
May 29, 2017
Another exciting read from Holmes
This was a good, fast moving story in a well-imagined universe. I look forward to reading more in the series.
This was a good, fast moving story in a well-imagined universe. I look forward to reading more in the series.
August 24, 2017
Book 1
Book 1 was enjoyable and had a few errors in it. The plot was well placed but sometimes hard to follow with characters and scenes changing.
Book 1 was enjoyable and had a few errors in it. The plot was well placed but sometimes hard to follow with characters and scenes changing.
September 20, 2017
Great
I want sure I'd like this story since I don't usually read alien invasion stories. However this one really drew me in. I couldn't put it down.
I want sure I'd like this story since I don't usually read alien invasion stories. However this one really drew me in. I couldn't put it down.
December 6, 2017
Quick read
Entertaining quick read. I don't look for the next Shakespeare in these types of books just some relaxing entertainment and it hits the target.
Entertaining quick read. I don't look for the next Shakespeare in these types of books just some relaxing entertainment and it hits the target.
December 28, 2018
Over all a good book, took a little bit to understand and get into the story but once I did, I enjoyed it.
April 21, 2019
Great beginning
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how gritty and real it was. It was dark and interesting with a great cast of characters.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how gritty and real it was. It was dark and interesting with a great cast of characters.
October 28, 2019
Very impressive. I liked the authors writing style and the crafting of a believable world.
Rock on, I must read the next book.
Rock on, I must read the next book.
November 21, 2019
Brilliant
If you love military sci-fi that has action, mystery, despair, hope, sadness and tragedy. Then this book is for you
If you love military sci-fi that has action, mystery, despair, hope, sadness and tragedy. Then this book is for you
January 17, 2020
Good story!!
Good character development, I liked the "cowardly" General who wasn't . But hope is not a good battle strategy, sometimes, intuition can be. But I know nothing.
Good character development, I liked the "cowardly" General who wasn't . But hope is not a good battle strategy, sometimes, intuition can be. But I know nothing.
July 13, 2020
Great reading but has no conclusion. Would be a resounding 5 of it had s conclusion instead of stopping just as everything the story lead up to had just started.
January 15, 2023
Neck yeah!
Not a real fun read, kind of grim the 1st half, things get rolling in the 2nd half, don't get too attached to the characters...
Not a real fun read, kind of grim the 1st half, things get rolling in the 2nd half, don't get too attached to the characters...
September 5, 2018
Invasion/Installment #1/An Unknown Species Attacks Earth
JFH has penned a SYFY novel about an alien invasion of Earth which has eliminated 80% of the U.S. People. The Prime resembles a Chinese Red Dragon and their Warriors resemble walking, talking, large Wolverines who eat humans. The humans who remain are underground but preparing to fight back. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
JFH has penned a SYFY novel about an alien invasion of Earth which has eliminated 80% of the U.S. People. The Prime resembles a Chinese Red Dragon and their Warriors resemble walking, talking, large Wolverines who eat humans. The humans who remain are underground but preparing to fight back. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
Read
January 16, 2019If I can drop a rock on your head from a sufficient height, I need no other strategy
August 15, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
I obtained this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
The book is a finalist for the 2017 Dragon Award in the category of Best Military Fiction or Fantasy Novel. I can't imagine a year in which there would be so many good works of this nature that it WOULDN'T make the final list. It's really that good.
The Invaders came down and just pounded us flat. They took possession of the high ground (which happens to be space, for those who have recently emerged from a 70 year nap), and they have superior technology in a couple of respects.
That made all the difference.
They have a few other tricks, but the ability to drop an orbiting crowbar on anything they find undesirable is, literally, the killer app. Afterwards, the rules are: no more than three humans in nay one location, UNLESS it's in specifically designated towns.
Violators are eaten.
The humans' last attempt was to have some super-brains take over the defense of the planet. Unfortunately, there were some in power who didn't support THAT plan, and in this case: 90% wasn't a passing grade. The commander, a young man in his teens, was arrested when it all went wrong. However, there was ANOTHER plan, which was kept from him, and the few scrapings that are left have determined, once again, that he is essential.
There is NOTHING wrong with the book, per se, it's just that it ends on a cliff-hanger, and the next volume isn't available at this point. That made the difference for me between LOVING it and LIKING it.
ADDENDUM, JANUARY 19, 2018
From the time it was posted in August 2017 until today, this review awarded FOUR stars to this book. However, today I wrote the review for the SECOND volume in the series, "Day of Battle," and I realized that the reason I took away a star was because I LIKED THE BOOK TOO MUCH, and I wanted more, immediately! Upon reflection, that struck me as a singularly inappropriate move. So, I edited this today, and added the fifth star. It's pretty clear from reading the review that it deserved it, originally.
August 15, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
I obtained this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
The book is a finalist for the 2017 Dragon Award in the category of Best Military Fiction or Fantasy Novel. I can't imagine a year in which there would be so many good works of this nature that it WOULDN'T make the final list. It's really that good.
The Invaders came down and just pounded us flat. They took possession of the high ground (which happens to be space, for those who have recently emerged from a 70 year nap), and they have superior technology in a couple of respects.
That made all the difference.
They have a few other tricks, but the ability to drop an orbiting crowbar on anything they find undesirable is, literally, the killer app. Afterwards, the rules are: no more than three humans in nay one location, UNLESS it's in specifically designated towns.
Violators are eaten.
The humans' last attempt was to have some super-brains take over the defense of the planet. Unfortunately, there were some in power who didn't support THAT plan, and in this case: 90% wasn't a passing grade. The commander, a young man in his teens, was arrested when it all went wrong. However, there was ANOTHER plan, which was kept from him, and the few scrapings that are left have determined, once again, that he is essential.
There is NOTHING wrong with the book, per se, it's just that it ends on a cliff-hanger, and the next volume isn't available at this point. That made the difference for me between LOVING it and LIKING it.
ADDENDUM, JANUARY 19, 2018
From the time it was posted in August 2017 until today, this review awarded FOUR stars to this book. However, today I wrote the review for the SECOND volume in the series, "Day of Battle," and I realized that the reason I took away a star was because I LIKED THE BOOK TOO MUCH, and I wanted more, immediately! Upon reflection, that struck me as a singularly inappropriate move. So, I edited this today, and added the fifth star. It's pretty clear from reading the review that it deserved it, originally.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews