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Empire Rising #4
The Price of Liberty
War has been declared. The Indian Star Republic has landed ground troops on the newly discovered colony of Haven as they seek to seize access to the alien worlds of Vestar and Kulthar. The British Star Kingdom has reacted. A battle fleet has been formed with orders to drive off the Indians and retake Haven.
Cleared from a highly-politicized court martial and now newly married, Captain James Somerville leads Endeavour to join up with the fleet going to liberate Haven. Yet he is not entirely welcome for not everyone is happy with the outcome of the court martial.
Meanwhile, Major Johnston commands a small marine special forces unit stranded on Haven itself. Caught in the middle of a gruella war, he must use all his skills to help the resistance weaken the Indian invaders in anticipation of a British ground assault.
As the war quickly heats up, both men will learn the true price of liberty.
The Price of Liberty is the fourth novel in the Empire Rising Series
Cleared from a highly-politicized court martial and now newly married, Captain James Somerville leads Endeavour to join up with the fleet going to liberate Haven. Yet he is not entirely welcome for not everyone is happy with the outcome of the court martial.
Meanwhile, Major Johnston commands a small marine special forces unit stranded on Haven itself. Caught in the middle of a gruella war, he must use all his skills to help the resistance weaken the Indian invaders in anticipation of a British ground assault.
As the war quickly heats up, both men will learn the true price of liberty.
The Price of Liberty is the fourth novel in the Empire Rising Series
566 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2017
394 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 31, 2020
Robert's Review and Comments
Very good conclusion to this leg of the story. Our heros gets their girls and fly or walk off into the moonlight. I look forward to continued actions by the Somerville flotilla. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Very good conclusion to this leg of the story. Our heros gets their girls and fly or walk off into the moonlight. I look forward to continued actions by the Somerville flotilla. Thanks for a GoodRead.
July 15, 2018
Like the other books in this series, the story is enjoyable but the small errors, both in spelling and continuity are frustrating and stop these books from getting a 5.
What’s more it seems the author doesn’t fully understand space or how objects are affected in space. Ships are constantly under acceleration despite the fact that once they are up to speed they wouldn’t need to continue accelerating.
Also, it is written as though a ship can only ever fire a single broadside. When ships have inertial compensators and are not under acceleration they could spin to fire both broadside in close succession.
Minor points but annoying.
What’s more it seems the author doesn’t fully understand space or how objects are affected in space. Ships are constantly under acceleration despite the fact that once they are up to speed they wouldn’t need to continue accelerating.
Also, it is written as though a ship can only ever fire a single broadside. When ships have inertial compensators and are not under acceleration they could spin to fire both broadside in close succession.
Minor points but annoying.
June 23, 2020
This was a pretty long book. Still, It did cover a lot of territory. We’re back with Captain James Somerville of HMS Endeavour. Having just survived a grueling Courts Martial and being found not guilty of all charges, James was very glad to be back in command of his ship. Now he has new orders to join the fleet commanded by Rear Admiral Rooke. This flotilla’s mission is somewhat different than expected. While war has been declared with the Star Nation of India, this will be the first initial hostile contact of that officially declared war. Captain Somerville is eagerly, well, not eagerly, but anxious to join with fleet and get back to work.
Unfortunately, the Court Martial he just survived was more of a political show than anything else. In order to prove that Captain Somerville was being tried only due to some advantageous political opportunities, the Courts Martial Judge, Admiral Blackwood, was shown to be very biased against Somerville from the beginning. Now, James finds out that his new boss, Rear Admiral Rooke, was a very close friend of Admiral Blackwood. Rear Admiral Rooke shows his distain for Somerville by placing him in the Command ship squadron which means the Endeavour will not likely see a lot of action. Is is also definitely not the best use of this kind of ship. Still, James has to follow orders, for now.
This first mission is an attempt to weaken the Indian’s ability to sustain a long war. Rear Admiral Rooke’s fleet is to go deep into Indian space and wreck havoc with their industrial capability. He’s to do as much damage as he can while avoiding any major battles and certainly any significant defeats. Things don’t turn out the way they should have. Captain Somerville does his duty, but when he was given a chance to comment on the Rear Admirals tactics, he spoke up and was immediately relieved of command! The war isn’t starting out for Somerville or the Endeavour as well as he would have liked. Now only if they can keep their Rear Admiral from getting them killed will he have a chance to regain his commend.
So, we go through this excursion through Indian space with this mission coming to an end. Then instead of the book ending, we’re off on another mission going back to Haven. If you remember, this is the planet that Captain Somerville and the Endeavour had already saved once and now they head back to take the planet from the Indians. We also get to read about a lot of the Resistance and Major Johnston, a British Special Forces Marine. This part of the story is very good, as well as the rest of the book.
I like this series and hope it continues. There are hints of other things coming so I know that the story isn’t quite finished yet. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Unfortunately, the Court Martial he just survived was more of a political show than anything else. In order to prove that Captain Somerville was being tried only due to some advantageous political opportunities, the Courts Martial Judge, Admiral Blackwood, was shown to be very biased against Somerville from the beginning. Now, James finds out that his new boss, Rear Admiral Rooke, was a very close friend of Admiral Blackwood. Rear Admiral Rooke shows his distain for Somerville by placing him in the Command ship squadron which means the Endeavour will not likely see a lot of action. Is is also definitely not the best use of this kind of ship. Still, James has to follow orders, for now.
This first mission is an attempt to weaken the Indian’s ability to sustain a long war. Rear Admiral Rooke’s fleet is to go deep into Indian space and wreck havoc with their industrial capability. He’s to do as much damage as he can while avoiding any major battles and certainly any significant defeats. Things don’t turn out the way they should have. Captain Somerville does his duty, but when he was given a chance to comment on the Rear Admirals tactics, he spoke up and was immediately relieved of command! The war isn’t starting out for Somerville or the Endeavour as well as he would have liked. Now only if they can keep their Rear Admiral from getting them killed will he have a chance to regain his commend.
So, we go through this excursion through Indian space with this mission coming to an end. Then instead of the book ending, we’re off on another mission going back to Haven. If you remember, this is the planet that Captain Somerville and the Endeavour had already saved once and now they head back to take the planet from the Indians. We also get to read about a lot of the Resistance and Major Johnston, a British Special Forces Marine. This part of the story is very good, as well as the rest of the book.
I like this series and hope it continues. There are hints of other things coming so I know that the story isn’t quite finished yet. I’m looking forward to the next book.
March 17, 2022
(85%)A | Very Good
With each installment of this series it's easy to see the effort DJ Holmes is putting into this series. What started on somewhat shaky legs has now evolved into a very respectable and enjoyable series.
* Major spoilers from here onwards*
One thing I love about this series is the character development of our MC, James. He has grown alot since the beginning of the series.
But my favorite development was with Mallory. He changed from a stagnant, minimal effort officers into someone that showed alot of promise. His death was devastating. I wish his death was coverd a little more.
With James being transferd to command the Titan and her flotilla, I suspect we are going to see the introduction of alot of new characters. This makes me nervous because of the bonds we have formed with all the other members of James crew.
With each installment of this series it's easy to see the effort DJ Holmes is putting into this series. What started on somewhat shaky legs has now evolved into a very respectable and enjoyable series.
* Major spoilers from here onwards*
One thing I love about this series is the character development of our MC, James. He has grown alot since the beginning of the series.
But my favorite development was with Mallory. He changed from a stagnant, minimal effort officers into someone that showed alot of promise. His death was devastating. I wish his death was coverd a little more.
With James being transferd to command the Titan and her flotilla, I suspect we are going to see the introduction of alot of new characters. This makes me nervous because of the bonds we have formed with all the other members of James crew.
January 14, 2024
I keep reading this series because of the character development
The author has developed the main characters To the point that I want to keep reading the series despite the Typos And His Weak Grasp Of astrophysics. The characters are endearing and The author does a good job with With the psychology Of the Characters in their relationships. I do have to give him credit., tOo, In that his astrophysics Has been Improving Steadily As he progresses through this Series Of novels. He continues however To be confused about when to use a comma, Including leaving out important ones and Using them in place of a full stop. I spend as much time submitting corrections as I do reading the Stories, I think. Btw this Tablet I'm using has added all of the Spurious capitalization in this review.
The author has developed the main characters To the point that I want to keep reading the series despite the Typos And His Weak Grasp Of astrophysics. The characters are endearing and The author does a good job with With the psychology Of the Characters in their relationships. I do have to give him credit., tOo, In that his astrophysics Has been Improving Steadily As he progresses through this Series Of novels. He continues however To be confused about when to use a comma, Including leaving out important ones and Using them in place of a full stop. I spend as much time submitting corrections as I do reading the Stories, I think. Btw this Tablet I'm using has added all of the Spurious capitalization in this review.
September 22, 2017
Before you pick this one up to read, please note it is book #4 of a series: you need to have read the other books in the series first or this one’s characters and scenes won’t make much sense to you.
Without having a spoiler, the author picks up right where he left off with the last book of the series in the continuing conflict between the British and Indians over the planet Haven. If you enjoyed the first three books in the series I’m sure you will enjoy this one, also. The Kindle version of this title is $3.49 as I type this review, but I read it for free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription – if you enjoyed the other books in the series, you will certainly receive more than $3.49 worth of entertainment value out of this one.
Comment | Permalink
Without having a spoiler, the author picks up right where he left off with the last book of the series in the continuing conflict between the British and Indians over the planet Haven. If you enjoyed the first three books in the series I’m sure you will enjoy this one, also. The Kindle version of this title is $3.49 as I type this review, but I read it for free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription – if you enjoyed the other books in the series, you will certainly receive more than $3.49 worth of entertainment value out of this one.
Comment | Permalink
April 4, 2024
After book three I actually looked at some previous reviews and noticed several reviewers complaining that many of the characters are really caricatures and I can see where they are coming from, but until this book it hasn't bothered me.
However, the clichéd storylines and characters such as the Admiral Rooke, did become irritating. It’s difficult to imagine how he could survive in a modern navy, I suppose that is why the author bases his space navy on the eighteenth century.
By a quarter of the way through I was becoming quite irritated, fortunately I enjoyed the sections based on ‘Haven’ and the second half of the book was much better and an enthralling read.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
However, the clichéd storylines and characters such as the Admiral Rooke, did become irritating. It’s difficult to imagine how he could survive in a modern navy, I suppose that is why the author bases his space navy on the eighteenth century.
By a quarter of the way through I was becoming quite irritated, fortunately I enjoyed the sections based on ‘Haven’ and the second half of the book was much better and an enthralling read.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
July 28, 2017
The adventures of Captain Sommerville continue. This story would do reasonably well on its own, but is so much better with the rest of the series to back it up. We see more development in the Major Johnston and get blow by blow action of the marines battling in an incurgency on the ground.
Meanwhile; Cpt Sommerville Cmdr Gupta and the rest of the Navy try to push the Indians out of Haven's space. Good drama and well paced action. It will be interesting to see where this series goes next.
Meanwhile; Cpt Sommerville Cmdr Gupta and the rest of the Navy try to push the Indians out of Haven's space. Good drama and well paced action. It will be interesting to see where this series goes next.
April 10, 2022
History leads nations to the future!
Not only is every book in the Empire Series by D. J. Holmes a gem but they are of a Sci-fi quality that keeps you entertained long into the night. Holmes does an outstanding job of writing and charactor development while adding tidbits (excerpts) of where humanity might end up in it’s reach for the stars. I highly recommend this series to readers of all ages who who enjoy military Sci-Fi. I can’t wait to get started on the next book in this series!
Not only is every book in the Empire Series by D. J. Holmes a gem but they are of a Sci-fi quality that keeps you entertained long into the night. Holmes does an outstanding job of writing and charactor development while adding tidbits (excerpts) of where humanity might end up in it’s reach for the stars. I highly recommend this series to readers of all ages who who enjoy military Sci-Fi. I can’t wait to get started on the next book in this series!
May 6, 2025
Good read.
This was a very good book with a good storyline. The book was non-stop action from start to finish . They found a new planet and section of space with two alien planets in it that are more advanced than they are but don't believe in fighting not even to save their own planet but the biggest war was with another group of planets named the indie planet system and what a war it was in both space and ground fighting. Try it and you will enjoy the book better yet start from book one and enjoy the whole series.
This was a very good book with a good storyline. The book was non-stop action from start to finish . They found a new planet and section of space with two alien planets in it that are more advanced than they are but don't believe in fighting not even to save their own planet but the biggest war was with another group of planets named the indie planet system and what a war it was in both space and ground fighting. Try it and you will enjoy the book better yet start from book one and enjoy the whole series.
February 4, 2018
Excellent series right up there with the best! Highly recommend.
Good tech, excellent intrigue, battles, and characters. None of the repeats just to fill pages that are so common with some other authors. All in all excellent. The only thing that irritated me was the implausible concept of thermonuclear missiles detonating inside of a ship with the ship surviving. That aside, looking forward to more. Especially as the new aliens enter the scene.
Good tech, excellent intrigue, battles, and characters. None of the repeats just to fill pages that are so common with some other authors. All in all excellent. The only thing that irritated me was the implausible concept of thermonuclear missiles detonating inside of a ship with the ship surviving. That aside, looking forward to more. Especially as the new aliens enter the scene.
May 17, 2018
Dreams Can Come True At Great Cost
James is back in action. His good ship Endeavour survives mostly intact. The battle scenes feel real imparting a sense of being there. There is sadness when beloved friends are killed in battle or sacrifice themselves to protect others. However, love and honor more than compensate. I like the action and romance. I look forward to the next book.
James is back in action. His good ship Endeavour survives mostly intact. The battle scenes feel real imparting a sense of being there. There is sadness when beloved friends are killed in battle or sacrifice themselves to protect others. However, love and honor more than compensate. I like the action and romance. I look forward to the next book.
May 27, 2017
Good series and continuation of the story
Like the series, think it's better than average, this is the 4th installment and not sure why but I just didn't like this as much as the others, maybe because I've come to enjoy the series so much this one just seems ordinary, not bad in any way and I will definitely be looking forward to the next one.
Like the series, think it's better than average, this is the 4th installment and not sure why but I just didn't like this as much as the others, maybe because I've come to enjoy the series so much this one just seems ordinary, not bad in any way and I will definitely be looking forward to the next one.
July 24, 2017
Great series
Yet another great book in this series, the people of Haven are still fighting the invading Indian forces waiting for the British navy to return. We see captain Somerville once again is in the worst of the action. I would recommend that if you are looking at this series of books start with book one, you will not be disappointed.
Yet another great book in this series, the people of Haven are still fighting the invading Indian forces waiting for the British navy to return. We see captain Somerville once again is in the worst of the action. I would recommend that if you are looking at this series of books start with book one, you will not be disappointed.
June 23, 2018
A solid 11
Omg Mr.Holmes has made each book in this series better and more full of
Mystery and intrigue as well as giving us a glance of the future.i can't wait to read the next book.he is also a very cool guy who WILL answer you if you write he has responded and helped me more than he knows!!
Thank you again sir Holmes!!
D.W.
Omg Mr.Holmes has made each book in this series better and more full of
Mystery and intrigue as well as giving us a glance of the future.i can't wait to read the next book.he is also a very cool guy who WILL answer you if you write he has responded and helped me more than he knows!!
Thank you again sir Holmes!!
D.W.
November 19, 2021
Still Strong
Intrigue, action, interesting characters…a throwback to the days where we dreamt of heroes. I’m not naive as to the world’s realities but this series reminds me of what we humans, despite our inherent flaws, could be: a positive force should we choose a favorable, virtuous path.
Intrigue, action, interesting characters…a throwback to the days where we dreamt of heroes. I’m not naive as to the world’s realities but this series reminds me of what we humans, despite our inherent flaws, could be: a positive force should we choose a favorable, virtuous path.
June 9, 2022
I haven't been leaving reviews because I wanted to finish the story arc first, now. . .
I can say my piece. This has all the earmarks of a proper space navy book. Adding in the politics rather than making it a human versus alien book was delightful. The writing is smooth and the story has a great flow. This is a very easy review for a well deserved five stars.
I can say my piece. This has all the earmarks of a proper space navy book. Adding in the politics rather than making it a human versus alien book was delightful. The writing is smooth and the story has a great flow. This is a very easy review for a well deserved five stars.
June 8, 2017
Science Fiction for grown ups!
Mature writing - excellent story line in the spirit of David Weber. Believable - realistic in terms of technology and strategy - good read. Looking much forward to the next installments.
Mature writing - excellent story line in the spirit of David Weber. Believable - realistic in terms of technology and strategy - good read. Looking much forward to the next installments.
June 11, 2017
Loved it
From the main characters to the main story line, particularly keeping it centred around earth and the different colonies associaed with it. I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
From the main characters to the main story line, particularly keeping it centred around earth and the different colonies associaed with it. I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
June 12, 2017
Empire Rising is right!
Capt Somerville really shows how much he has matured into a great officer in this fourth book and D.J. Holmes shows how to write a compelling, action-packed, fast paced thrill ride of a novel and series! Can't wait for book 5!!!
Capt Somerville really shows how much he has matured into a great officer in this fourth book and D.J. Holmes shows how to write a compelling, action-packed, fast paced thrill ride of a novel and series! Can't wait for book 5!!!
August 27, 2017
Up with the best, not just the rest
Action, intrigue, and riveting storylines. I'd put this series of books up with the best. Looking forward to reading more in this literary universe. It has so much potential
Action, intrigue, and riveting storylines. I'd put this series of books up with the best. Looking forward to reading more in this literary universe. It has so much potential
December 23, 2017
Fun bunch of books!
Can't wait for the next book in this series! They have all been great! I love that he is developing the characters from the first book. Keep it up! Just try and write faster! I hate waiting for the next book!😀
Can't wait for the next book in this series! They have all been great! I love that he is developing the characters from the first book. Keep it up! Just try and write faster! I hate waiting for the next book!😀
February 10, 2018
Astonishing good read
These past four books in my opinion bring to the reader everything you can ask for. Action, Suspense, Romance and the Next book! You can't go wrong reading D. J. Holmes
These past four books in my opinion bring to the reader everything you can ask for. Action, Suspense, Romance and the Next book! You can't go wrong reading D. J. Holmes
May 25, 2018
Superb
This is an awesome series. Bismarck has moved to space. I liked India vs the British although far fetched but believable. Can't wait to read next book. Superior work Mr. Holmes.
This is an awesome series. Bismarck has moved to space. I liked India vs the British although far fetched but believable. Can't wait to read next book. Superior work Mr. Holmes.
June 27, 2019
Could not put it down
Just as good as the earlier books. Looking forward to the next. More late nights I expect. Looking forward to being surprised by the twists and turns in the plot.
Just as good as the earlier books. Looking forward to the next. More late nights I expect. Looking forward to being surprised by the twists and turns in the plot.
August 4, 2019
Book four
Mistakes: I found one. Then should be Them. Easy to spot. Doesn't really hurt the story.
Plot: Politics, lots of guerilla warfare, space battles, and some light romance.
Characters: The MC continues to grow. We say good bye to some likable supporting characters.
8/10
Mistakes: I found one. Then should be Them. Easy to spot. Doesn't really hurt the story.
Plot: Politics, lots of guerilla warfare, space battles, and some light romance.
Characters: The MC continues to grow. We say good bye to some likable supporting characters.
8/10
March 2, 2020
Praiseworthy
I’m am really enjoying this series, this book was longer than expected but the depth of research into naval traditions, strategy and political maneuvering was exceptional. Looking forward to next book.
I’m am really enjoying this series, this book was longer than expected but the depth of research into naval traditions, strategy and political maneuvering was exceptional. Looking forward to next book.
June 9, 2022
Demonstrates the true traditions and brave courage of all navies
The author continues to develop his characters and bring in new material for each officer. He shows them as both human and military.
The author continues to develop his characters and bring in new material for each officer. He shows them as both human and military.
September 3, 2025
the series keeps getting better and better
I am fully invested in this series. I had originally bought book one, then book 2. After I finished book 2 I bought books 3 through 7.
Now I just bought the remaining books.
This series has become one of my core series.
I am fully invested in this series. I had originally bought book one, then book 2. After I finished book 2 I bought books 3 through 7.
Now I just bought the remaining books.
This series has become one of my core series.
May 25, 2017
A great book.
It a great addition to the series with ample fleet action. Looking forward to the next book an hope there will be many more in this series.
It a great addition to the series with ample fleet action. Looking forward to the next book an hope there will be many more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews