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Empire Rising #5
Firestorm
Four peaceful years have passed since the liberation of Haven. Captain James Somerville has taken his command, the heavy cruiser Titan, to Earth for a much-needed refit. As he is there, shocking news arrives from the American colonies. Unknown ships have attacked a remote colony. Nuclear missiles have devastated the planet’s surface leaving almost no survivors. Suddenly, the human nations find themselves thrust into a war for the very survival of their species. Old rivalries must be set aside if this new threat is to be confronted. Once again James finds himself thrust into the midst of battle. This time, the stakes are as high as they can get.
Firestorm, book five in the Empire Rising series continues to tell the story of James Somerville and the rise of the Empire.
Firestorm, book five in the Empire Rising series continues to tell the story of James Somerville and the rise of the Empire.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2018
359 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 14, 2018
Dang yo.
I am telling you straight up. Holmes work is fantastic all his technical and science stuff is so accurately told I feel like I'm reading a book that is fact from the future . I usually find multiple flaws in the science this far into a series. Not so with DJ. Furthermore when I got to about the second or third dial chapter I simply couldn't put it down. I tried ilmao...within 3 minutes I was reading furiously again. And I had to re-read he last two chapters like 3 times. Why? Just because. I was like ..... "No way".
Special note!
To D.J. Holmes....what're'ya doing?? No, go back in to your office please and finish the next er book. Lol. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying
That we just just simply mUSt know what happens next
I am telling you straight up. Holmes work is fantastic all his technical and science stuff is so accurately told I feel like I'm reading a book that is fact from the future . I usually find multiple flaws in the science this far into a series. Not so with DJ. Furthermore when I got to about the second or third dial chapter I simply couldn't put it down. I tried ilmao...within 3 minutes I was reading furiously again. And I had to re-read he last two chapters like 3 times. Why? Just because. I was like ..... "No way".
Special note!
To D.J. Holmes....what're'ya doing?? No, go back in to your office please and finish the next er book. Lol. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying
That we just just simply mUSt know what happens next
May 9, 2018
Still entertaining
Still good, but have liked the other books in the series more. Reading the space combat scenes makes me feel like I'm watching a math competition, just a bunch of boring numbers, the storyline is still good, the ground combat and character interaction is entertaining, but the fleet engagements, which should be the highlight, are sadly the least interesting parts of the book. I don't remember that being the case in the earlier books, still enough going on to keep me interested in the series, but this is not the best entry in this series.
Still good, but have liked the other books in the series more. Reading the space combat scenes makes me feel like I'm watching a math competition, just a bunch of boring numbers, the storyline is still good, the ground combat and character interaction is entertaining, but the fleet engagements, which should be the highlight, are sadly the least interesting parts of the book. I don't remember that being the case in the earlier books, still enough going on to keep me interested in the series, but this is not the best entry in this series.
May 13, 2018
Good book over all, but like much military SF the character development and interaction is weak and the dialogue stilted.
June 5, 2018
Great series!
Love the series! Great action, a good bit of real physics, changing tactics, and some political intrigue make this series hard to put down.
Love the series! Great action, a good bit of real physics, changing tactics, and some political intrigue make this series hard to put down.
May 22, 2018
Another great book
Once again D.J. has given us another great book to read. A new enemy has appeared, and it has one objective to kill. But the British Fleet with others are not going to just roll over. They take the fight to them, but when it looks like they will return home having won the first set of battles. Another uses this time to attack earth.
Once again D.J. has given us another great book to read. A new enemy has appeared, and it has one objective to kill. But the British Fleet with others are not going to just roll over. They take the fight to them, but when it looks like they will return home having won the first set of battles. Another uses this time to attack earth.
May 11, 2018
I really wanted to give this book five stars, but in the end I just couldn't do it. DJ Holmes has shown great skill in the series of balancing interesting characters and action filled sequences. The interesting characters are still here, but the battle scenes are just too lengthy. That aren't poorly done by any means, but the balance between character development and action is entirely of of whack in this one. Still good, fun and interesting. Holmes has created an interesting universe and filled it with fascinating characters. He just missed the mark by a little bit here.
September 12, 2020
Well, for supposedly going back on a new mission to Haven, things have really taken an unexpected turn. Word has come down that an unknown alien fleet has devastated an American colony. Reports are that the planet was attacked with nuclear weapons from space and there is very little alive on a planet formerly with four million inhabitants!
Flag Captain James Somerville had been on leave while his ship, the Titan, was ungoing extensive overhaul. Those repairs were about done so it was time to see his uncle First Space Lord Somerville for his next assignment. He found out that he was going back to Haven which was as expected since his wife was a key political figure at Haven and she expected his return. He was also going to carry Commodore Hamilton with him. Commodore Hamilton was to replace the current British envoy to Haven. So this appeared to be a very mundane mission and James was looking forward to reuniting with his wife.
He also had to find a new First Lieutenant. His search focused on a former Lieutenant who, surprisingly, wasn’t assigned to any active ships. So, James tracked him down only to find out that the Lieutenant had run into some trouble, not of his making, with his former CO. James still wanted Lieutenant Sergey Romanov as his First Lieutenant (XO - Executive Officer). While he was talking with Lt. Romanov, both received an urgent message to report back to their ship. They later attend an all-hands briefing by Admiral Somerville which explained just how much their world had changed.
When word finally reached Earth about the attack on the American colony and the destruction the aliens did, there was concern among the other nations about their own colonies. So, most of the nations agreed that they needed to stop these aliens immediately before they came for other colonies or even advanced on Earth. Nothing was known about these aliens. Where they came from, why they were attacking and how large a fleet(s) did they have.
Was this new threat going to be the end of human civilization or was a long war just about to get started? You’ll find out as you read the book. There are some great space battle scenes and one really good ground action to the latter part of the book. I have enjoyed this series so far and it’s really gotten better since the beginning. I don’t know if the author planned it this way, but he’s on a route now to vastly expand the series. Good reading!
Flag Captain James Somerville had been on leave while his ship, the Titan, was ungoing extensive overhaul. Those repairs were about done so it was time to see his uncle First Space Lord Somerville for his next assignment. He found out that he was going back to Haven which was as expected since his wife was a key political figure at Haven and she expected his return. He was also going to carry Commodore Hamilton with him. Commodore Hamilton was to replace the current British envoy to Haven. So this appeared to be a very mundane mission and James was looking forward to reuniting with his wife.
He also had to find a new First Lieutenant. His search focused on a former Lieutenant who, surprisingly, wasn’t assigned to any active ships. So, James tracked him down only to find out that the Lieutenant had run into some trouble, not of his making, with his former CO. James still wanted Lieutenant Sergey Romanov as his First Lieutenant (XO - Executive Officer). While he was talking with Lt. Romanov, both received an urgent message to report back to their ship. They later attend an all-hands briefing by Admiral Somerville which explained just how much their world had changed.
When word finally reached Earth about the attack on the American colony and the destruction the aliens did, there was concern among the other nations about their own colonies. So, most of the nations agreed that they needed to stop these aliens immediately before they came for other colonies or even advanced on Earth. Nothing was known about these aliens. Where they came from, why they were attacking and how large a fleet(s) did they have.
Was this new threat going to be the end of human civilization or was a long war just about to get started? You’ll find out as you read the book. There are some great space battle scenes and one really good ground action to the latter part of the book. I have enjoyed this series so far and it’s really gotten better since the beginning. I don’t know if the author planned it this way, but he’s on a route now to vastly expand the series. Good reading!
June 23, 2022
Still an excellent continuation of the adventures of James Sommerville.
One of the main things that I enjoy about this series, and indeed this book, is how it handles its characters. The author is not afraid to let some of the loved supporting characters die but also introduces new characters. I found that many of these new characters were easy to root for.
One thing that must be understood is that writing space battles is difficult. D.J. Homes does a good job, and one of the particulars that I enjoy, which to my experience is uncommon, is that he acknowledges the length of time between events, and he uses it well. One of the main criticisms of this book I had was that though the battles are just getting bigger and bigger, there feels to be little difference between them and the smaller ones. Simply bigger numbers.
However, one of the things that I very much enjoy is the tactics and the political manoeuvring, is an enjoyable distraction.
While this series is still very much a hero book, I still find it quite enjoyable and excited to see the result of the story
One of the main things that I enjoy about this series, and indeed this book, is how it handles its characters. The author is not afraid to let some of the loved supporting characters die but also introduces new characters. I found that many of these new characters were easy to root for.
One thing that must be understood is that writing space battles is difficult. D.J. Homes does a good job, and one of the particulars that I enjoy, which to my experience is uncommon, is that he acknowledges the length of time between events, and he uses it well. One of the main criticisms of this book I had was that though the battles are just getting bigger and bigger, there feels to be little difference between them and the smaller ones. Simply bigger numbers.
However, one of the things that I very much enjoy is the tactics and the political manoeuvring, is an enjoyable distraction.
While this series is still very much a hero book, I still find it quite enjoyable and excited to see the result of the story
August 18, 2018
26th Century Hornblower Gold
Without wishing to undermine DJ Holmes with my reference to CS Forester, Holmes' series so far has utterly gripped me from page 1. Full of adventure, action and intensity my only frustration would be the occasional repetition of some text of explanation that run throughout the individual books. Whilst I accept this may need to occur for readers to renew their understanding of the storyline between breaks or to enable new readers to start anywhere in the series for those binge readers amongst us it can only serve as a filler for that page that with just a slightly different explanation from the author would not be disappointing to see throughout. Thank you DJ Holmes and I look forward to you next book in the series. Kindest regards. Steve Squire, Dover, UK
Without wishing to undermine DJ Holmes with my reference to CS Forester, Holmes' series so far has utterly gripped me from page 1. Full of adventure, action and intensity my only frustration would be the occasional repetition of some text of explanation that run throughout the individual books. Whilst I accept this may need to occur for readers to renew their understanding of the storyline between breaks or to enable new readers to start anywhere in the series for those binge readers amongst us it can only serve as a filler for that page that with just a slightly different explanation from the author would not be disappointing to see throughout. Thank you DJ Holmes and I look forward to you next book in the series. Kindest regards. Steve Squire, Dover, UK
February 17, 2022
good book too many human losses.
I still don’t understand why I did not review the first four books of the series. I enjoy the space battles, the ground combat, the action and intrigue. I love how the main protagonist is growing throughout the series even though I did not want to be on a ship that he commands. He seems to lose too many chips from underneath him.g maybe the other reason I did not review it is because I didn’t like all the losses that the humans were suffering. It just made me sad And seem like quite a bit of sadness. I feel the humans need a break as far as technology and wins. I will go on and read the next book in this series even though I know it is complete. Won’t skip to the end but will continue on since the series is continuing on. Good series read it.
I still don’t understand why I did not review the first four books of the series. I enjoy the space battles, the ground combat, the action and intrigue. I love how the main protagonist is growing throughout the series even though I did not want to be on a ship that he commands. He seems to lose too many chips from underneath him.g maybe the other reason I did not review it is because I didn’t like all the losses that the humans were suffering. It just made me sad And seem like quite a bit of sadness. I feel the humans need a break as far as technology and wins. I will go on and read the next book in this series even though I know it is complete. Won’t skip to the end but will continue on since the series is continuing on. Good series read it.
March 19, 2022
(79%)B+ | Good
While still good quality I found aspects of the book lacking. But, on the other hand, the majority of this book is really good, with good pacing and plot development. My biggest issue with this particular installment is a (albeit) minor continuity error. Where DJ Holmes refers to Endeavor, which was previously under our MC James, command, as a frigate. When in reality it is a Cruiser.
*** Minor Spoilers from here forward***
My other issue with this book is the appalling tactics used by the allied fleet in the beginning of the book. I understand the need to protect the colony world, but just sitting there weathering Salvo after Salvo of missiles while not doing anything to shoot back is just foolish.
While still good quality I found aspects of the book lacking. But, on the other hand, the majority of this book is really good, with good pacing and plot development. My biggest issue with this particular installment is a (albeit) minor continuity error. Where DJ Holmes refers to Endeavor, which was previously under our MC James, command, as a frigate. When in reality it is a Cruiser.
*** Minor Spoilers from here forward***
My other issue with this book is the appalling tactics used by the allied fleet in the beginning of the book. I understand the need to protect the colony world, but just sitting there weathering Salvo after Salvo of missiles while not doing anything to shoot back is just foolish.
November 2, 2018
More of the same (a good thing)
Holmes' keeps the interest up in this fifth installment of early Empire history. You can clearly hear the British accents as the world braces for alien warfare. It's time, though, for Holmes to update the battle scenes: New weaponry and ships, plus technology that shows imagination is needed at this point. Plus, the British monopoly on the plotline is getting boring. New blood would help greatly. Don't get me wrong, you'll enjoy the book and should buy it. Yet, it's time, D.J., To move ahead with the story and characters before you risk the boredom of your readers.
Holmes' keeps the interest up in this fifth installment of early Empire history. You can clearly hear the British accents as the world braces for alien warfare. It's time, though, for Holmes to update the battle scenes: New weaponry and ships, plus technology that shows imagination is needed at this point. Plus, the British monopoly on the plotline is getting boring. New blood would help greatly. Don't get me wrong, you'll enjoy the book and should buy it. Yet, it's time, D.J., To move ahead with the story and characters before you risk the boredom of your readers.
August 6, 2019
Book five
Mistakes: I found one.
Plot: Alien invasion, space battles, and ground action. I did find it funny that the British are the most powerful of the human spacefaring nations. I can get behind their ships being better, since they made alien trade contact first. However, being an American, I found the lack of augmented soldiers laughable and think that in this universe American defenses around out colonies would be a lot harder to get through.
Characters: Some heroic last stands of likable side characters.
7/10
Mistakes: I found one.
Plot: Alien invasion, space battles, and ground action. I did find it funny that the British are the most powerful of the human spacefaring nations. I can get behind their ships being better, since they made alien trade contact first. However, being an American, I found the lack of augmented soldiers laughable and think that in this universe American defenses around out colonies would be a lot harder to get through.
Characters: Some heroic last stands of likable side characters.
7/10
April 7, 2020
Another great story!
This author continues to tell a great story with interesting characters and well thought out combat depictions. In a sea of mediocre sf writers DJ Holmes is an island of entertaining reading. On the other hand, some additional attention to details and editing would serve the author well. For example, I die a little inside each time “too” is used incorrectly (often). That is a small thing, though, in comparison to the overall high quality of the storytelling.
This author continues to tell a great story with interesting characters and well thought out combat depictions. In a sea of mediocre sf writers DJ Holmes is an island of entertaining reading. On the other hand, some additional attention to details and editing would serve the author well. For example, I die a little inside each time “too” is used incorrectly (often). That is a small thing, though, in comparison to the overall high quality of the storytelling.
May 26, 2018
Great addition to the series
Nice continuation of the series. I like the protagonists settling into a fleet command point of view, giving a broader view of the overall plot. Also glad we didn't have to put up with as much mopeyness regarding lost crew and ships and perceptions of failure. If you've already read the first 4 books, no reason to stop now.
Nice continuation of the series. I like the protagonists settling into a fleet command point of view, giving a broader view of the overall plot. Also glad we didn't have to put up with as much mopeyness regarding lost crew and ships and perceptions of failure. If you've already read the first 4 books, no reason to stop now.
June 13, 2018
Good read.
Space battles, space drama and space politics. Keeps you engaged on many levels.
On a side note, whoever is proofreading and editing needs to pay closer attention. At one point you named a certain ship as American and then at another part referred to it as British. I had to review a couple of chapters to clear up my confusion.
Other than that,
Bravo!
Space battles, space drama and space politics. Keeps you engaged on many levels.
On a side note, whoever is proofreading and editing needs to pay closer attention. At one point you named a certain ship as American and then at another part referred to it as British. I had to review a couple of chapters to clear up my confusion.
Other than that,
Bravo!
February 14, 2021
Well done
This series has several parts that make you think of other franchises, which I think indicates a job well done. If a cloaked ship sneaking around makes you think of trek, big space battles of wars, and ground combat of troopers, you are reading a well thought out and written book.
This series has several parts that make you think of other franchises, which I think indicates a job well done. If a cloaked ship sneaking around makes you think of trek, big space battles of wars, and ground combat of troopers, you are reading a well thought out and written book.
June 12, 2022
Strong characters with a strong sense of duty
Another well-written book. Having served in the military for many years, the thought of duty honor corps is ingrained into my thinking. The officers and Men of these units remind me of the people I served with and know in the military. DJ Holmes develop strong characters with a sense of duty and honor.
Another well-written book. Having served in the military for many years, the thought of duty honor corps is ingrained into my thinking. The officers and Men of these units remind me of the people I served with and know in the military. DJ Holmes develop strong characters with a sense of duty and honor.
April 5, 2024
I definitely like these books, but I really wish the author was more consistent, instead of twisting things just because he couldn’t think of a better way of making the story go where he wanted.
Also even though he tries to include novel tactics, which I appreciate, too many of the battles end up in just a big slug-fest with unsustainable casualties.
Also even though he tries to include novel tactics, which I appreciate, too many of the battles end up in just a big slug-fest with unsustainable casualties.
May 13, 2025
Great read.
This was a great read with lots of space and on planet fighting. The book was nonstop action and they were out numbered and in some parts the invaders technology was better and in some not so much . There was plenty of action to go around . The book was nonstop from start to finish.
This was a great read with lots of space and on planet fighting. The book was nonstop action and they were out numbered and in some parts the invaders technology was better and in some not so much . There was plenty of action to go around . The book was nonstop from start to finish.
June 2, 2018
Great read
Horatio Hornblower meets Star Trek. Well written with likable characters. One of the best series I’ve read in a while. Can’t wait to read more about Somerville’s adventures.
Horatio Hornblower meets Star Trek. Well written with likable characters. One of the best series I’ve read in a while. Can’t wait to read more about Somerville’s adventures.
July 17, 2018
Very good
Battles were fun and an epic read. Definitely can’t wait for more. Really enjoyed and interested by the different ships capabilities and descriptions particularly of the new battleships, but the descriptions of the battleships were a bit lacking.
Battles were fun and an epic read. Definitely can’t wait for more. Really enjoyed and interested by the different ships capabilities and descriptions particularly of the new battleships, but the descriptions of the battleships were a bit lacking.
February 15, 2020
Robert's Review and Comments
Man, just when you think you have the upper hand and you can plan to kill all the alien scum. The Russians getting froggy and attack your home base . Gird up your loins folks and let's have at them Russkis. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Man, just when you think you have the upper hand and you can plan to kill all the alien scum. The Russians getting froggy and attack your home base . Gird up your loins folks and let's have at them Russkis. Thanks for a GoodRead.
October 13, 2020
Brilliant as always
Bolitho in space! Great space faring yarn written with a nod to the naval heroes of the past. Immensely enjoying all the books in this series so far, very hard to put down. Highly recommended.
Bolitho in space! Great space faring yarn written with a nod to the naval heroes of the past. Immensely enjoying all the books in this series so far, very hard to put down. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2021
Once More Into The Breech.......
Another good addition to the excellent series. Although some of the space battles can become tedious and frustrating ,the level of action is mostly continuous and the ground combat is always intense. On to the next book
Another good addition to the excellent series. Although some of the space battles can become tedious and frustrating ,the level of action is mostly continuous and the ground combat is always intense. On to the next book
May 17, 2024
Believable future drama
Many of the works of fiction we read today we're written pre 2018 yet and time and again Ukraine was the stage upon they were set so why not space wars in the future.
Many of the works of fiction we read today we're written pre 2018 yet and time and again Ukraine was the stage upon they were set so why not space wars in the future.
April 30, 2018
Page turner
Another good read. A few irritating editorial blemishes, but they didn’t spoil what was a fast paced story. Looking forward to the next part.
Another good read. A few irritating editorial blemishes, but they didn’t spoil what was a fast paced story. Looking forward to the next part.
May 3, 2018
Brilliant
Have really enjoyed the series so far and hope there will be more! Totally recommended reads! Well done Mr holmes!!
Have really enjoyed the series so far and hope there will be more! Totally recommended reads! Well done Mr holmes!!
June 25, 2018
Another great book in the saga
Having followed the rise of the main characters of the story since the beginning...I was pleased to read another excellent episode
Having followed the rise of the main characters of the story since the beginning...I was pleased to read another excellent episode
August 6, 2018
Great continuation to the series
Another enjoyable installment with what feel like real people developing in their lives and careers. Look forward to the next one!
Another enjoyable installment with what feel like real people developing in their lives and careers. Look forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews