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Empire Rising #6
Siege of Earth
The Flex-aor invasion fleets have been stopped, but at great cost. Human colonies lie in ruins, fleets have been decimated and the economies of the major space powers have been stretched to breaking point. Yet one nation stands unaffected. Hidden behind their borders, the Russian Space Federation is stronger than ever. Still enraged by the harsh peace terms forced upon them more than thirty years ago, the Federation sees its chance for revenge. Led by an Admiral with the tactical capabilities to rival any from the Allied space powers, the Russians have only one goal in mind; humanity’s homeworld will be theirs.
With the swiftness of the Russian attack, James, Suzanna, Lightfoot and many others find themselves isolated and cut off from one another. Worse, they are surrounded by allies that may no longer be trustworthy. Forced to fight with whatever forces they can muster, victory seems all but impossible.
Once again, the stakes are as high as they can get, for defeat would see the homeworld they sacrificed so much to protect falling under a new Russian tyranny. And if Earth falls, so too will the British Star Kingdom.
Also includes free novella Stand into Danger. The prequel novella to the Empire Rising series that tells the story of the first Russian-Allied war.
With the swiftness of the Russian attack, James, Suzanna, Lightfoot and many others find themselves isolated and cut off from one another. Worse, they are surrounded by allies that may no longer be trustworthy. Forced to fight with whatever forces they can muster, victory seems all but impossible.
Once again, the stakes are as high as they can get, for defeat would see the homeworld they sacrificed so much to protect falling under a new Russian tyranny. And if Earth falls, so too will the British Star Kingdom.
Also includes free novella Stand into Danger. The prequel novella to the Empire Rising series that tells the story of the first Russian-Allied war.
720 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 10, 2022
keeps getting better
I found it again, maybe even more than before, difficult to put the book away when I had to make diner or had to walk the dog.
I believe the way the characters get more depth and new players enter the field and add to the rich palette, getting better and better.
Normally I switch to another writer or series before going to the next book, however I’m now in number 4 in a row. Will most likely start with book 7 when I finish this feedback.
I found it again, maybe even more than before, difficult to put the book away when I had to make diner or had to walk the dog.
I believe the way the characters get more depth and new players enter the field and add to the rich palette, getting better and better.
Normally I switch to another writer or series before going to the next book, however I’m now in number 4 in a row. Will most likely start with book 7 when I finish this feedback.
August 14, 2019
Good continuation of the series
Like where this book is going. Like the foreshadowing. I am aiming for the last couple of books with bated breath.
Like where this book is going. Like the foreshadowing. I am aiming for the last couple of books with bated breath.
January 18, 2024
A good read.
Holmes is good at fast paced action and character development. It's always a pleasure to see the characters become more 3 dimensional. On the other hand, the series continues to have problems with the astrophysics. And punctuation. But, all in all, It's captivating and entertaining. I strongly recommend the series. Just don't worry too much about the laws of physics, and ignore the hundreds of comma faults.
Holmes is good at fast paced action and character development. It's always a pleasure to see the characters become more 3 dimensional. On the other hand, the series continues to have problems with the astrophysics. And punctuation. But, all in all, It's captivating and entertaining. I strongly recommend the series. Just don't worry too much about the laws of physics, and ignore the hundreds of comma faults.
September 24, 2020
We continue with HMS Titan and Acting Rear Admiral James Somerville, commander of half of the Combined Fleet. That total fleet, under the command of Admiral Cunningham, had just been ordered to head back to Earth. This would be a long and difficult journey given what they knew about the Russians and their attacks of systems approaching Earth. While they knew Russian Admiral Koroylov aboard the RSFS Ekaterian had not yet attacked Earth, he was very close to doing so which meant the Combined Fleet had to get there as soon as possible with as many ships as they could gather.
Admiral Koroylov knew the Combined Fleet was headed his way, but wasn’t too worried. He still out gunned the entire allied naval forces, but the arrival of the Combined Fleet would set his conquering of Earth back a few weeks if not months. So, he went to meet the Combined Fleet and offer a special deal to some of it’s members. The Brazilians, Argentinians, and Indians all had various histories with the other allies, especially the Americans, Brits, Chinese, and Japanese. They were part of the Combined Fleet only because their ships were necessary to met and defeat the current alien invasion. Yet, Korolyov didn’t think this allied alliance was that strong and was going to offer some peace incentives to the Brazilians, Argentinians, and Indians if they would switch sides and join him! Unfortunately for the Combined Fleet, these traitors did just that will still in the middle of the Combined Fleet. That battle lasted only a little while, but it devastated a number of starships and further weakened the Combined Fleet. Admiral Cunningham also died when his command starship was destroyed. That place Acting Rear Admiral James Somerville as the new commander of what was left of the Combined Fleet.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, the political scene was becoming a mess. The Russians had set up a blockade of Earth and food was becoming scarce. Admiral Jonathan Somerville, First Space Lord of Britain, had been put in charge of all Earth forces in order to have a consolidated front against the Russian fleet. Somerville was beefing up all the planets stationary defenses and making sure all missiles were stockpiled where needed. He also was keeping an eye on the Brazilians, Argentinians and Indians as he did not trust the one bit.
The original plan to defend Earth if an alien civilization were to attack (Plan Kappa), was to being pushed towards execution by the United Nations. Yet, considering the very meger number of starships available to the nations of Earth after they had sent the best to the Combine Fleet, wasn’t going to be enough firepower to defeat the Russian Admiral. So, Admiral Somerville convinced his Prime Minister and King to refuse to participate in Plan Kappa, even though they had previously been part of the forces when the plan was originally drawn up. Still, those countries except Britian and the Americans did form up and head out towards Mars to fight the Russian fleet. It did not go well for them.
Suzanna Somerville, wife of Acting Rear Admiral James Somerville and Governor to Haven was still on Earth, but wanted to go back to Haven to try and enlist some help for Earth. Because of the Russian blockage, she was forbidden to leave by Admiral Somerville, yet she went anyway. Her intent was not only to asks the Havenites for help, but also the Vestarians and Kulreans for aid. She’d do this if only she could some how slip through the Russian blockade!
Theres a lot of stuff going on in this book. A lot of things happen, some very quickly, while others happen over time. You’ll follow the progress of the Combined Fleet all the way to Earth and then read about the almost destruction of Earth when the Russians attack. It gets pretty intense there for a while.
Just a side note. There is a short novella at the end of this book so if you’re reading and thinking you have a ways to go in the book, you’ll find it ending much quicker. I belived on my Kindle Paperwhite I was at about 80% through the book when the primary story ended. I’m not a fan of short stories so I didn’t read it, but it’s about Admiral Jonathan Somervilles exploits when he was younger. Gives some more background to the characters if you need that. Still, I’m more interested in how the next book reads after this one ending surprisingly!
Admiral Koroylov knew the Combined Fleet was headed his way, but wasn’t too worried. He still out gunned the entire allied naval forces, but the arrival of the Combined Fleet would set his conquering of Earth back a few weeks if not months. So, he went to meet the Combined Fleet and offer a special deal to some of it’s members. The Brazilians, Argentinians, and Indians all had various histories with the other allies, especially the Americans, Brits, Chinese, and Japanese. They were part of the Combined Fleet only because their ships were necessary to met and defeat the current alien invasion. Yet, Korolyov didn’t think this allied alliance was that strong and was going to offer some peace incentives to the Brazilians, Argentinians, and Indians if they would switch sides and join him! Unfortunately for the Combined Fleet, these traitors did just that will still in the middle of the Combined Fleet. That battle lasted only a little while, but it devastated a number of starships and further weakened the Combined Fleet. Admiral Cunningham also died when his command starship was destroyed. That place Acting Rear Admiral James Somerville as the new commander of what was left of the Combined Fleet.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, the political scene was becoming a mess. The Russians had set up a blockade of Earth and food was becoming scarce. Admiral Jonathan Somerville, First Space Lord of Britain, had been put in charge of all Earth forces in order to have a consolidated front against the Russian fleet. Somerville was beefing up all the planets stationary defenses and making sure all missiles were stockpiled where needed. He also was keeping an eye on the Brazilians, Argentinians and Indians as he did not trust the one bit.
The original plan to defend Earth if an alien civilization were to attack (Plan Kappa), was to being pushed towards execution by the United Nations. Yet, considering the very meger number of starships available to the nations of Earth after they had sent the best to the Combine Fleet, wasn’t going to be enough firepower to defeat the Russian Admiral. So, Admiral Somerville convinced his Prime Minister and King to refuse to participate in Plan Kappa, even though they had previously been part of the forces when the plan was originally drawn up. Still, those countries except Britian and the Americans did form up and head out towards Mars to fight the Russian fleet. It did not go well for them.
Suzanna Somerville, wife of Acting Rear Admiral James Somerville and Governor to Haven was still on Earth, but wanted to go back to Haven to try and enlist some help for Earth. Because of the Russian blockage, she was forbidden to leave by Admiral Somerville, yet she went anyway. Her intent was not only to asks the Havenites for help, but also the Vestarians and Kulreans for aid. She’d do this if only she could some how slip through the Russian blockade!
Theres a lot of stuff going on in this book. A lot of things happen, some very quickly, while others happen over time. You’ll follow the progress of the Combined Fleet all the way to Earth and then read about the almost destruction of Earth when the Russians attack. It gets pretty intense there for a while.
Just a side note. There is a short novella at the end of this book so if you’re reading and thinking you have a ways to go in the book, you’ll find it ending much quicker. I belived on my Kindle Paperwhite I was at about 80% through the book when the primary story ended. I’m not a fan of short stories so I didn’t read it, but it’s about Admiral Jonathan Somervilles exploits when he was younger. Gives some more background to the characters if you need that. Still, I’m more interested in how the next book reads after this one ending surprisingly!
June 29, 2019
Really good
Could have used a few pages telling what has gone before to reintroduce the the storyline before the book began, it took about a quarter of the book to really get into the story and actually remember everything that was going on, other than that and if you are just finishing the previous books then this probably wasn't an issue, but once it got going it was really good, lots of action and tension, just really good.
Could have used a few pages telling what has gone before to reintroduce the the storyline before the book began, it took about a quarter of the book to really get into the story and actually remember everything that was going on, other than that and if you are just finishing the previous books then this probably wasn't an issue, but once it got going it was really good, lots of action and tension, just really good.
February 24, 2020
Robert's Review and Comments
Continued to develop the storyline and fleshed out the primary characters. I am looking forward to the evolution of the Somerville family. I really enjoyed the flashback about Admiral Somerville's adventures during the first Russian war. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Continued to develop the storyline and fleshed out the primary characters. I am looking forward to the evolution of the Somerville family. I really enjoyed the flashback about Admiral Somerville's adventures during the first Russian war. Thanks for a GoodRead.
November 30, 2021
Good book, poor grammar
Another great sci fi book in this series. My only complaint is that the editor seems not to have used Microsoft Word as many sentences are stopped mid thought and commas are interchanged with periods regularly. This makes for sloppy awkward reading at times. Still worth the read.
Another great sci fi book in this series. My only complaint is that the editor seems not to have used Microsoft Word as many sentences are stopped mid thought and commas are interchanged with periods regularly. This makes for sloppy awkward reading at times. Still worth the read.
February 15, 2020
Epic
This series is well thought out, and detailed. I have enjoyed reading every book in this series, and I am eagerly awaiting the next. If you want an epic military sci-fi adventure then this entire series is your cup of tea(English pun intended)
This series is well thought out, and detailed. I have enjoyed reading every book in this series, and I am eagerly awaiting the next. If you want an epic military sci-fi adventure then this entire series is your cup of tea(English pun intended)
July 17, 2021
Good series
If you like hard scifi that isn't totally devoid of storyline this is a good one. Still, one rehash is a good as another unless you just really love hard sci-fi aliens and battling, which i do. Thank you.
If you like hard scifi that isn't totally devoid of storyline this is a good one. Still, one rehash is a good as another unless you just really love hard sci-fi aliens and battling, which i do. Thank you.
March 15, 2022
Why?
Great story, great character's why the need to try to fill book with unwanted prequels. I would have happily read a designated one but not forced into one.
Well written very enjoyable series, just why?
Great story, great character's why the need to try to fill book with unwanted prequels. I would have happily read a designated one but not forced into one.
Well written very enjoyable series, just why?
March 21, 2022
(75%)B | Acceptable
The majority of this book had the same quality that I have come to expect in this series. However the last 10% did far more harm than good. Once we cross a certain point it feels all semblance of pacing just falls apart and the author is trying to rush to the conclusion.
The majority of this book had the same quality that I have come to expect in this series. However the last 10% did far more harm than good. Once we cross a certain point it feels all semblance of pacing just falls apart and the author is trying to rush to the conclusion.
April 27, 2024
Good story marred by spelling and grammar
A pretty decent story with good cast and characterisation, but sadly spoiled by at least one spelling mistake on every page and poor grammar
A pretty decent story with good cast and characterisation, but sadly spoiled by at least one spelling mistake on every page and poor grammar
September 8, 2025
this was an amazing ride.
So many twists and turns. What an amazing ending. So many possibilities I can see for all the characters here. Has me wondering and hoping what might happen. Can’t believe I waited so long to start this series.
So many twists and turns. What an amazing ending. So many possibilities I can see for all the characters here. Has me wondering and hoping what might happen. Can’t believe I waited so long to start this series.
August 26, 2019
Very good book.
This a good book and a fun read. It also doesn't have any profanity that I can remember which only makes it better.
This a good book and a fun read. It also doesn't have any profanity that I can remember which only makes it better.
February 26, 2022
The more I read this series..the better it gets. I grew up reading the stories of Hornblower and that is what this series reminds me of in so many ways.
December 16, 2022
great book
I liked this book very much. Can not wait to read more in this series.
Really kept you on you toes.
I liked this book very much. Can not wait to read more in this series.
Really kept you on you toes.
August 13, 2019
Overall this is good military science fiction. I have to say that I was somewhat pissed off by the huge cliffhanger ending of the last book in the series. That book was great and then the author kind of ruined it for me with that ending.
Well at least the Russians got a good ass whooping in this one. I really like the main character and a lot of the characters surrounding him. The military action is great and there plenty of it. Both in space and in more confined environments. Overall the story and the writing is quite good despite me having some gripes about it. It's also not exactly a light weight volume either weighing in at over 600 pages according to Amazon and 720 pages according to my Calibre plugin.
The one thing that I really do not like is the abundance of asswipe politicians. I know that politicians, both in real life and in books, are a plague on humanity. Selfish assholes with only the bare minimum of intelligence to pass for sentient beings. But their utter stupidity and how they put themselves and their political agenda before the survival of the free world and even before humanity's survival is really beyond all reasoning. To me this drags down the book quite a lot.
I do like the author's stab at the totally incompetent UN though.
I really hope that the name of the series, Empire Rising, hints at said asswipes sooner or later are going to be given the retirement they so well deserve. Nevertheless, the book is still a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me. It could even have been a five star one with a bit less soap opera politics in it.
Well at least the Russians got a good ass whooping in this one. I really like the main character and a lot of the characters surrounding him. The military action is great and there plenty of it. Both in space and in more confined environments. Overall the story and the writing is quite good despite me having some gripes about it. It's also not exactly a light weight volume either weighing in at over 600 pages according to Amazon and 720 pages according to my Calibre plugin.
The one thing that I really do not like is the abundance of asswipe politicians. I know that politicians, both in real life and in books, are a plague on humanity. Selfish assholes with only the bare minimum of intelligence to pass for sentient beings. But their utter stupidity and how they put themselves and their political agenda before the survival of the free world and even before humanity's survival is really beyond all reasoning. To me this drags down the book quite a lot.
I do like the author's stab at the totally incompetent UN though.
I really hope that the name of the series, Empire Rising, hints at said asswipes sooner or later are going to be given the retirement they so well deserve. Nevertheless, the book is still a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me. It could even have been a five star one with a bit less soap opera politics in it.
July 28, 2020
Phenomenal book in a great series. Among the most riveting, page turning, and suspenseful space opera I’ve read since Asimov and the Blood on the Stars Series.
I’m a history student who reads a lot of analysis, opinions, and comments of historians describing actual historical events and battles. And let me tell you, Holmes historical analysis at the start of every chapter is exactly what you’d expect from a real historian chronicling the rise of the Human Empire.
More than that, as a literary tool, the historiography forces the reader to think of the long standing (400+) year consequences of every action and decision taken by the protagonists and other notable characters. It also allows the reader to develop theories, suspicious, and get hints as to what the next part of the book / series will entail.
If you’re someone who likes space ship / space opera / military science fiction book, pick up this series immediately.
If your a history buff who loves understanding military commanders through a historical lens, pick up this series because it’s the closest thing to a fictional historical analysis of military combat you will ever find.
Over all 10/10 just read the book already.
Update: 9 months later. Reread the book and it is still among my favorite in the series, top 10 books I’ve read period, and still highly recommend you read it AND the series!!!
I’m a history student who reads a lot of analysis, opinions, and comments of historians describing actual historical events and battles. And let me tell you, Holmes historical analysis at the start of every chapter is exactly what you’d expect from a real historian chronicling the rise of the Human Empire.
More than that, as a literary tool, the historiography forces the reader to think of the long standing (400+) year consequences of every action and decision taken by the protagonists and other notable characters. It also allows the reader to develop theories, suspicious, and get hints as to what the next part of the book / series will entail.
If you’re someone who likes space ship / space opera / military science fiction book, pick up this series immediately.
If your a history buff who loves understanding military commanders through a historical lens, pick up this series because it’s the closest thing to a fictional historical analysis of military combat you will ever find.
Over all 10/10 just read the book already.
Update: 9 months later. Reread the book and it is still among my favorite in the series, top 10 books I’ve read period, and still highly recommend you read it AND the series!!!
June 26, 2019
Four and a half stars. My only regret is that this book took me by surprise. It has been so long, I probably should have reread the last book before diving into this one. That said, reading the previous book was not essential to enjoying this one.
This book continues the the story of the "end of the First Galactic Expansion" that is the backdrop of all the Empire Rising series. Just when things are starting to look up after heading off an alien invasion, the Russians who have been secluded for decades decide to attack and try to retake the home world.
Lots of well paced action, interesting characters with depth, and a universe that has a believable balance to it. I just hope I don't have to wait two years for the next installment.
This book continues the the story of the "end of the First Galactic Expansion" that is the backdrop of all the Empire Rising series. Just when things are starting to look up after heading off an alien invasion, the Russians who have been secluded for decades decide to attack and try to retake the home world.
Lots of well paced action, interesting characters with depth, and a universe that has a believable balance to it. I just hope I don't have to wait two years for the next installment.
August 20, 2019
I’m a fan of this series and this book wasn’t the Best but I gave it five stars because everyone else was super harsh.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews