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Empire Rising #7
Mutineer
The Flex-aor have returned, putting in motion a chain of events that will thrust humanity into a galactic war, the scale of which no human has seen before. Banished in all but name, James’ political enemies have assigned him to the protection of humanity’s colonial frontier as a ploy to rid themselves of the hero of the Siege of Earth. Though meant to keep him out of the way, they have unwittingly plunged James into the midst of events that may shape humanity’s’ future for centuries to come. For behind the Flex-aor, emerging from the shadows, is a new enemy with a strength no one on Earth had imagined possible.
With humanity suddenly thrust into the galactic limelight, James’ career and reputation hangs in the balance. For he cannot protect the people he has sworn to serve and at the same time obey his political overlords. To protect humanity, he may have to give up everything he has spent his life building and even then, it may not be enough.
With humanity suddenly thrust into the galactic limelight, James’ career and reputation hangs in the balance. For he cannot protect the people he has sworn to serve and at the same time obey his political overlords. To protect humanity, he may have to give up everything he has spent his life building and even then, it may not be enough.
530 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 8, 2019
I really enjoy the characters in this series. It is an interesting universe that Holmes has created as well. My favorite part of each of the "Empire Rising" books has been the foreshadowing of each chapter with excerpts from "Empire Rising - pub. 3002" I wonder if Holmes has that entire book written for later release, or if he just makes it up along with the story. Either way, putting all of those quotes together as a final book would make an interesting read I think.
Back to the story. There was a LOT going on in this book. I usually chastise authors in reviews for stretching one book out into two or even three without really completing any of them. This is the opposite. This easily could have been two very good books with just a bit more fleshing out of details or 'behind the scenes' action. The final battle with the Karachnids did seem a bit overdrawn, but that is only in comparison to the overall pace of the book. Not perfect, but four very solid stars.
Back to the story. There was a LOT going on in this book. I usually chastise authors in reviews for stretching one book out into two or even three without really completing any of them. This is the opposite. This easily could have been two very good books with just a bit more fleshing out of details or 'behind the scenes' action. The final battle with the Karachnids did seem a bit overdrawn, but that is only in comparison to the overall pace of the book. Not perfect, but four very solid stars.
December 11, 2019
great read
Another excellent episode in Empire Rising,combat,betrayal,first contact it's got it all,the one question I find my self repeatedly asking is that James Somerville is undeniably a superb tactician and leader but how can somebody with his abilities be totally oblivious to his situation with regards the UN,he is delusional if he thinks his position will change and quite why he bothers soldiering on is beyond me,Haven is a far better future than an earth controlled by petty minded politicians who like our representatives today are only interested in furthering their own agenda.
Another excellent episode in Empire Rising,combat,betrayal,first contact it's got it all,the one question I find my self repeatedly asking is that James Somerville is undeniably a superb tactician and leader but how can somebody with his abilities be totally oblivious to his situation with regards the UN,he is delusional if he thinks his position will change and quite why he bothers soldiering on is beyond me,Haven is a far better future than an earth controlled by petty minded politicians who like our representatives today are only interested in furthering their own agenda.
October 10, 2020
Politics! If every politician were eaten by an alien horde, the world and galaxy would be much better off. They are so far removed from what is happening to their supposed constituents that it’s ridiculous we give them such power. Vice Admiral James Somerville, former Supreme Commander of all Earth Forces, has been relegated to command of the Outer Defense Fleet in system X-38. There he was to ensure the Flex-aor did not spring a surprise attack against Earth or any of it’s colonies. He was doing the job as he saw best being the on-site commander.
Meanwhile, back on good ole Earth, politicians were stirring up trouble. While Vice Admiral Somerville was sending reports back of his mission, they were getting very upset that he left system X-38. But, this was actually only a seed for them to grow a whole litany of charges agains Vice Admiral Somerville while he wasn’t any where near to defend himself. It seems that the United Nations Military Tribunal had a lot of power over the Earth’s consolidated space forces. The Admirals and Government Representatives on this Tribunal were all losers who had lost some prestige to Admiral Somerville when they attempted to attack Haven or join the Russian invasion forces. Admirals from Brazil, Argentina, and India were on the Tribunal and their de facto leader was a Indian Representative named Jalesh Kapoor. She had a very extreme grudge against Somerville for what he did to the Indians during their war with Haven. She was attempting to rail-road Admiral Somerville out of the UN Navy!
So, while that mess was getting stirred, Admiral Somerville was finding some significant things during this military exploits. While on patrol in one other out systems from X-38, his fleet ran across an unknown fleet of many very fast starships. It turns out that this fleet was a contingent from the Varanni Trade Alliance which consisted of 12 alien civilizations, one of which was the Crain who commanded this current fleet. James was shocked to say the least. Earth had long thought themselves to be alone in the galaxy. Now they were to find out that the galaxy was actually quite crowded. While he soon learned that Earths technology wasn’t necessarily lower than the Crain, there were things they had technoloy-wise that he knew would make good trade deals between the two civilization. And to thing there were 12 other civilizations with different and even better technology, well, the Earth was going to be very busy in the near future.
Right now, Admiral Somerville and the Crain Admiral Ya’sia had agreed to combine their fleets and attack the Flex-aor at their homeworld. If they could damage then enough, especially their ship yards, it might delay any future attacks by this species for a long time. What they found was a whole lot of trouble, but nothing that couldn’t be dealt with later. But, suddenly, a gigantic starship had shown up on Admiral Somervilles scanners coming straight for the combined fleet. It was soon found to be a dreadnaught of the Varanni, a very advanced race that had formed the Varanni Trade Alliance. They came to recall Admiral Ya’sia of the Crain due to another enemy that was slowly advancing into Trade Alliance systems. This new enemy had to be stopped or all civilizations were doomed. Admiral Somerville decided that he needed to be part of this new war since he would be anyway if the Trade Alliance wasn’t successful. Despite not knowing the humans that well, the Varanni began immediately helping to upgrade Admiral Somerville’s fleet ships. New technolgoy was coming to the Earth and very soon.
Again, meanwhile, back on Earth, the UN Military Tribunal had decided that Vice Admiral Somerville was to be relieved of command of the Outer Defense Fleet and to return home for a courts martial. They said he was derelict in his duty when he left system X-38 and further attacked the Flex-aor. They had no knowledge of how successful he was nor of his discovery of many alien civilizations near Earth that were more than willing to share their technology. Acting as stupid politicians they were, they ultimately and rudely slammed the door on the Varanni trade delegation even thought they were warned that to do so would put them facing this new very technologically advanced enemy on its own!
It looks like the Earth is doomed unless someone can stop the rampant stupidity brought on by the UN Military Tribunal. Vice Admiral James Somerville has been branded a traitor and mutineer, but he’s returning to Earth with his fleet. This next book should be very, very interesting!
While this book was long, it almost seems like two books in one. What’s going on with Admiral Somerville where he’s at is one complete story while the idiocy back on Earth is another. Still the author puts them together very well and I’ll certainly continue reading this exciting series.
Meanwhile, back on good ole Earth, politicians were stirring up trouble. While Vice Admiral Somerville was sending reports back of his mission, they were getting very upset that he left system X-38. But, this was actually only a seed for them to grow a whole litany of charges agains Vice Admiral Somerville while he wasn’t any where near to defend himself. It seems that the United Nations Military Tribunal had a lot of power over the Earth’s consolidated space forces. The Admirals and Government Representatives on this Tribunal were all losers who had lost some prestige to Admiral Somerville when they attempted to attack Haven or join the Russian invasion forces. Admirals from Brazil, Argentina, and India were on the Tribunal and their de facto leader was a Indian Representative named Jalesh Kapoor. She had a very extreme grudge against Somerville for what he did to the Indians during their war with Haven. She was attempting to rail-road Admiral Somerville out of the UN Navy!
So, while that mess was getting stirred, Admiral Somerville was finding some significant things during this military exploits. While on patrol in one other out systems from X-38, his fleet ran across an unknown fleet of many very fast starships. It turns out that this fleet was a contingent from the Varanni Trade Alliance which consisted of 12 alien civilizations, one of which was the Crain who commanded this current fleet. James was shocked to say the least. Earth had long thought themselves to be alone in the galaxy. Now they were to find out that the galaxy was actually quite crowded. While he soon learned that Earths technology wasn’t necessarily lower than the Crain, there were things they had technoloy-wise that he knew would make good trade deals between the two civilization. And to thing there were 12 other civilizations with different and even better technology, well, the Earth was going to be very busy in the near future.
Right now, Admiral Somerville and the Crain Admiral Ya’sia had agreed to combine their fleets and attack the Flex-aor at their homeworld. If they could damage then enough, especially their ship yards, it might delay any future attacks by this species for a long time. What they found was a whole lot of trouble, but nothing that couldn’t be dealt with later. But, suddenly, a gigantic starship had shown up on Admiral Somervilles scanners coming straight for the combined fleet. It was soon found to be a dreadnaught of the Varanni, a very advanced race that had formed the Varanni Trade Alliance. They came to recall Admiral Ya’sia of the Crain due to another enemy that was slowly advancing into Trade Alliance systems. This new enemy had to be stopped or all civilizations were doomed. Admiral Somerville decided that he needed to be part of this new war since he would be anyway if the Trade Alliance wasn’t successful. Despite not knowing the humans that well, the Varanni began immediately helping to upgrade Admiral Somerville’s fleet ships. New technolgoy was coming to the Earth and very soon.
Again, meanwhile, back on Earth, the UN Military Tribunal had decided that Vice Admiral Somerville was to be relieved of command of the Outer Defense Fleet and to return home for a courts martial. They said he was derelict in his duty when he left system X-38 and further attacked the Flex-aor. They had no knowledge of how successful he was nor of his discovery of many alien civilizations near Earth that were more than willing to share their technology. Acting as stupid politicians they were, they ultimately and rudely slammed the door on the Varanni trade delegation even thought they were warned that to do so would put them facing this new very technologically advanced enemy on its own!
It looks like the Earth is doomed unless someone can stop the rampant stupidity brought on by the UN Military Tribunal. Vice Admiral James Somerville has been branded a traitor and mutineer, but he’s returning to Earth with his fleet. This next book should be very, very interesting!
While this book was long, it almost seems like two books in one. What’s going on with Admiral Somerville where he’s at is one complete story while the idiocy back on Earth is another. Still the author puts them together very well and I’ll certainly continue reading this exciting series.
April 7, 2024
Another Rip-roaring Space Opera, although I was quite annoyed with the first half of this book, a lot of what happens is based on the author ignoring what he had written in earlier books and making James and his crew stupid beyond belief.
Why when deciding whether to attack one of the Flex-aor's industrial worlds didn't anybody stop and think how many worlds do they actually inhabit and just how big is their navy. Has James forgotten how many ships attacked the American colonies? And he knew this was just one of many raids by the Flex-aor. Talk about ’Poking the Bear’ without think of the consequences.
It gets worse as the story progresses, within days the Flex-aor bring in thousands of reinforcements, he knows that this would take Humans months to pull in this many ships, surely this gives him an idea just how big is the Flex-aor navy. At least there were some interesting battles and tactics, which kept me reading and the second half was less irritating, except for the typical behaviour of self-centred politicians.
Why when deciding whether to attack one of the Flex-aor's industrial worlds didn't anybody stop and think how many worlds do they actually inhabit and just how big is their navy. Has James forgotten how many ships attacked the American colonies? And he knew this was just one of many raids by the Flex-aor. Talk about ’Poking the Bear’ without think of the consequences.
It gets worse as the story progresses, within days the Flex-aor bring in thousands of reinforcements, he knows that this would take Humans months to pull in this many ships, surely this gives him an idea just how big is the Flex-aor navy. At least there were some interesting battles and tactics, which kept me reading and the second half was less irritating, except for the typical behaviour of self-centred politicians.
December 2, 2019
pretty good book, one of my favorite series on amazon. there is One thing that is bothering me alot, when the admirals from the minor powers are playing there little power games what are the major powers doing? dont tell me that they didnt notice. what are the americans, french, chinese, russian doing? kinda hard to believe that when that indian guy koopar was insulting the alien diplomat, an obviously more advanced and powerfull race, that nobody alteast tried stopping him. unless i am just miss remembering things and that the Indians where not a second rate power. rambling done for now
February 18, 2022
good book, fast paste plenty of action as well as twists and turns in the plot. Very entertaining
Good book, fast paced, plenty of action. Still liking the development of the empire and James Somerville‘s rise and development in his career. Good space combat if that’s your thing could use a bit more ground combat an action as far as I’m concerned. Going on to read the next book because the twist interns an intricate plot lines of the story are very well done. Makes you keep on wanting to turn the page. I know I have read parts of the series and I’m glad I rediscovered it.
Good book, fast paced, plenty of action. Still liking the development of the empire and James Somerville‘s rise and development in his career. Good space combat if that’s your thing could use a bit more ground combat an action as far as I’m concerned. Going on to read the next book because the twist interns an intricate plot lines of the story are very well done. Makes you keep on wanting to turn the page. I know I have read parts of the series and I’m glad I rediscovered it.
October 27, 2025
Strong idiot ball ending to set up future plot.
The idea that a universally renowned war hero who saved humanity multiple times can overnight be slandered as a blood thirsty traitor and liar by elected officials overnight with 0% protest from the population is annoying. With no build up to some earth wide totalitarian mind control program this is really out of the blue.
It's a very decent sci fi series outherwise. good relationships and military writing, although a bit procedural at times.
The idea that a universally renowned war hero who saved humanity multiple times can overnight be slandered as a blood thirsty traitor and liar by elected officials overnight with 0% protest from the population is annoying. With no build up to some earth wide totalitarian mind control program this is really out of the blue.
It's a very decent sci fi series outherwise. good relationships and military writing, although a bit procedural at times.
December 18, 2019
A really good book
As always D. J. Holmes has written a very good book. It is full of space battles and intrigue. These elements work together to keep you up late into the night. You want to read more and more to find out what is going to happen next.
Too make the book even better it is clean and has no profanity in it that I can recall. If I could I would give it one more star for keeping it so clean and profanity free.
As always D. J. Holmes has written a very good book. It is full of space battles and intrigue. These elements work together to keep you up late into the night. You want to read more and more to find out what is going to happen next.
Too make the book even better it is clean and has no profanity in it that I can recall. If I could I would give it one more star for keeping it so clean and profanity free.
May 23, 2025
Great read.
This book had a little bit of everything from old alien threats to totally new aliens that are now in the picture with even more advanced technology. That's ok because James and his fleet have met some friends that have some pretty advanced technology themselves but if Earth's higher ups in the military don't start to think about war instead of revenge they could blow it all for everyone.
This book had a little bit of everything from old alien threats to totally new aliens that are now in the picture with even more advanced technology. That's ok because James and his fleet have met some friends that have some pretty advanced technology themselves but if Earth's higher ups in the military don't start to think about war instead of revenge they could blow it all for everyone.
December 31, 2019
Stiff upper lip
Churchill was always one of my favorite historical leaders he presented the best of the indomitable spirit of the British people during WW2 Fairfax does him proud who would be represented by Stalin ,Mussolini, and Mao need I say anything else. My favorite plagiarism is learn from history don' t repeat it
Churchill was always one of my favorite historical leaders he presented the best of the indomitable spirit of the British people during WW2 Fairfax does him proud who would be represented by Stalin ,Mussolini, and Mao need I say anything else. My favorite plagiarism is learn from history don' t repeat it
January 23, 2020
Still a gripping story!
Once again I found it difficult to put the book down,but I have to sleep sometimes!
The twists and turns woven into the plot kept me enthralled all the way through the story.
Perhaps worryingly the self interest, and blinkered attitudes displayed by the politicians is reflected in today's world.
Once again I found it difficult to put the book down,but I have to sleep sometimes!
The twists and turns woven into the plot kept me enthralled all the way through the story.
Perhaps worryingly the self interest, and blinkered attitudes displayed by the politicians is reflected in today's world.
February 18, 2020
The empire is rising
I’ve read every novel in the series, and they are very well thought out and organized. Each chapter opens with an excerpt from empire rising, and throughout all the novels you get snippets of what has transpired. Not to spoil the fun and all, but you’ll have to read the book to figure out which war we are headed into next. It is worth the read.
I’ve read every novel in the series, and they are very well thought out and organized. Each chapter opens with an excerpt from empire rising, and throughout all the novels you get snippets of what has transpired. Not to spoil the fun and all, but you’ll have to read the book to figure out which war we are headed into next. It is worth the read.
February 27, 2020
Robert's Review and Comments
Intrique factor is going to maximum, I shake my head at Earth's behavior. I have no like for the UN in real life and I am definitely having similar feelings reading about them here. Go Duke Somerville, I am anxious to see your next moves. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Intrique factor is going to maximum, I shake my head at Earth's behavior. I have no like for the UN in real life and I am definitely having similar feelings reading about them here. Go Duke Somerville, I am anxious to see your next moves. Thanks for a GoodRead.
November 15, 2020
Brilliantly written plot and story
Outstandingly brilliant quality and interesting links to the past and present I have enjoyed every single book of this series so far and the plot and story link between all the seven I have read to date, the tactics used in conjunction with the story that unfolds makes for chilling reading
Outstandingly brilliant quality and interesting links to the past and present I have enjoyed every single book of this series so far and the plot and story link between all the seven I have read to date, the tactics used in conjunction with the story that unfolds makes for chilling reading
February 21, 2021
Another great entry
Normally when these space opera series get to this point, the minutia of politics takes away from the story. However, in this case only the broad strokes are covered so it supports the story rather than takes away from it. The petty short sighted politics of the UN bears too much resemblance to current democrats to make fun reading.
Normally when these space opera series get to this point, the minutia of politics takes away from the story. However, in this case only the broad strokes are covered so it supports the story rather than takes away from it. The petty short sighted politics of the UN bears too much resemblance to current democrats to make fun reading.
March 23, 2022
So I apparently skipped this book due to me not paying attention and a mistake on kindle where they suggested number 8 in the series as the "next book in series".
Props to the authors for the way they wrote number 8. Other than mild confusion for the first few chapters, I didn't even know I skipped this till I went to download book 9 😅
Props to the authors for the way they wrote number 8. Other than mild confusion for the first few chapters, I didn't even know I skipped this till I went to download book 9 😅
November 26, 2019
The writer's treatment of some subjects, such as politics and romance, can be heavy handed / unsubtle / unsophisticated at times. If you can get past that, this is otherwise a good military science fiction series bordering on / evolving into Space Opera.
December 9, 2019
A Great Science Fiction story! A really good blend of all the best elements. I enjoyed it as an option on Kindle unlimited. Looking forward to see how events unfold when the series continues. Has some of the components of a Capt Pike forming an alliance with the Klingons to fight the Borg.
December 10, 2019
Enthralling
Pretty dang good. Sorry it ended and really want to see what happens next. Long time between books and took a little while to get into the story again but once you become reacquainted with the characters and storyline it was really hard to put down.
Pretty dang good. Sorry it ended and really want to see what happens next. Long time between books and took a little while to get into the story again but once you become reacquainted with the characters and storyline it was really hard to put down.
January 12, 2020
Mariner Empire rising
Stumbled across this series of books what a great find one of the best series I have read highly recommend this series of books all of them are great and leave you wanting more
Stumbled across this series of books what a great find one of the best series I have read highly recommend this series of books all of them are great and leave you wanting more
June 13, 2022
This was disappointing.
The actions taken by politicians and various others have always been rather accurate, if somewhat distasteful. That added to the overall feel of realism the story portrayed. This is the first book where those actions feel forced to simply advance the plot.
The actions taken by politicians and various others have always been rather accurate, if somewhat distasteful. That added to the overall feel of realism the story portrayed. This is the first book where those actions feel forced to simply advance the plot.
May 2, 2023
It just keeps getting better!
I am loving this series! Lots of politics, massive fleet space battles, does it get any better? Now there's a more despicable foe to fight, not to mention betrayal...
I am loving this series! Lots of politics, massive fleet space battles, does it get any better? Now there's a more despicable foe to fight, not to mention betrayal...
November 24, 2019
Great addition to the series
This was a great addition to the series. Summerville makes more friends and enemy's and I can wait for the next one.
This was a great addition to the series. Summerville makes more friends and enemy's and I can wait for the next one.
November 27, 2019
One of the best
This keeps being one of the BEST series of military SciFi ever written.
Please hurry up with the next book.
This keeps being one of the BEST series of military SciFi ever written.
Please hurry up with the next book.
November 27, 2019
Excellent
Enjoyable storyline. I can't wait for the next book in the series. My only criticism is I have to wait too long for the next one.
Enjoyable storyline. I can't wait for the next book in the series. My only criticism is I have to wait too long for the next one.
December 7, 2019
It's hard to come into the middle of a series of books and "get it" but Mutineer captured me. I look forward to book 8.
December 7, 2019
Great series aka Bismarck and real politics. Loved it.
December 12, 2019
A very good read.
That mutineers shows how one zealous group can take people to dreaded futures. Or stupidity rules our future and it is hard to change.
That mutineers shows how one zealous group can take people to dreaded futures. Or stupidity rules our future and it is hard to change.
December 24, 2019
Excellent
A very good instalment. I can not wait for the next one. This series is highly recommended. Ten out of ten
A very good instalment. I can not wait for the next one. This series is highly recommended. Ten out of ten
April 25, 2020
Awesome
Amazing series for any military sci-fi fan! DJ Holmes knows how to develop great char was characters, storylines, and subplots!
Amazing series for any military sci-fi fan! DJ Holmes knows how to develop great char was characters, storylines, and subplots!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews