What do you think?
Rate this book
The Falling Empires #5
Retribution
After two bloody years of war…
… America has united for one common cause.
The global conspiracy to dismantle the country is finally exposed. The perpetrators of these heinous acts are being hunted down and dealt with by JSOC and the CIA Special Activities Division.
Knowing the war is lost, the Chinese begin to implement a complete scorched earth policy across large swaths of America. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California are becoming complete wasteslands. A genocide of biblical proportions is taking place and the death toll climbs into the millions.
America responds with unparalled wrath as it unleashes a new superweapon.
The countries of Britain, Poland, Romania, Columbia, Japan, and India join America in waging total war on China.
The time for retribution is now. America will not be denied its pound of flesh.
If you love fast-paced action and political intrigue, you’ll love this fifth and final installment of the Falling Empires Series.
Get it now.
The Falling Empires Series is best read in order, as each book builds upon the previous work. The reading order is as
Book Rigged
Book Peacekeepers
Book Invasion
Book Vengeance
Book Retribution
… America has united for one common cause.
The global conspiracy to dismantle the country is finally exposed. The perpetrators of these heinous acts are being hunted down and dealt with by JSOC and the CIA Special Activities Division.
Knowing the war is lost, the Chinese begin to implement a complete scorched earth policy across large swaths of America. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California are becoming complete wasteslands. A genocide of biblical proportions is taking place and the death toll climbs into the millions.
America responds with unparalled wrath as it unleashes a new superweapon.
The countries of Britain, Poland, Romania, Columbia, Japan, and India join America in waging total war on China.
The time for retribution is now. America will not be denied its pound of flesh.
If you love fast-paced action and political intrigue, you’ll love this fifth and final installment of the Falling Empires Series.
Get it now.
The Falling Empires Series is best read in order, as each book builds upon the previous work. The reading order is as
Book Rigged
Book Peacekeepers
Book Invasion
Book Vengeance
Book Retribution
535 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2020
897 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 13, 2021
A quite awful polemic. If you are into the self-righteous demonizing of an entire nation then this book does indeed deserve 5 stars. If you wish to read and consider a balanced insight into the way all governments (including your own) use extremism to promote political agendas alongside an admittedly thrilling plotline... well, "there is nothing to see here, just move along". The authors have talent - just wish they would apply it in a better way.
April 11, 2021
Let me start off by saying that I am a huge fan of political thrillers. Also, I have read all 5 books in this series. This review applies to the whole series.
With any good political thriller there is a fine line between a believable story and going over the top. Unfortunately, James Rosone crosses that line.
The first book, Rigged, starts off with all of the elements of a good political thriller that was frighteningly prophetic. The book was written in 2018 and the president, called Jonathan Sachs in this series, was an obvious depiction of a toned down Donald Trump. When reelection time comes there is strong and incontrovertible evidence that the election was rigged by forces outside of the United States.
Sound familiar?
President Sachs, after showing the evidence, decides to reject the results of the election to the point where he wants a do-over. Of course, his opponent refuses to accept that. Now a U.N. so-called peacekeeping force, several European countries, China, and even Canada comes to the aid of the challenger to the point of a military invasion of the United States...only China has other motives.
All is good up to that point. Then we have 4 and a half books of military battle after military battle after military battle...repleat with all of the military acronyms and talk that only an experienced Marine might understand. In the process, everything imaginable gets thrown into the story to the point of absurd.
How many times do you need to hear a description of someone's head becoming a red mist of blood and brain matter? How many times do we need to hear that someone, while thinking, "blew out air as if he were blowing a smoke ring?"
Frankly, this series would have worked better as maybe two or three books. We got the message as to how bad the military situation was.
The last book finally got us back to the political thriller with a few more things tossed into the mix.
Mr. Rosone would have benefited by the advise of a good publisher rather than self-publishing.
With any good political thriller there is a fine line between a believable story and going over the top. Unfortunately, James Rosone crosses that line.
The first book, Rigged, starts off with all of the elements of a good political thriller that was frighteningly prophetic. The book was written in 2018 and the president, called Jonathan Sachs in this series, was an obvious depiction of a toned down Donald Trump. When reelection time comes there is strong and incontrovertible evidence that the election was rigged by forces outside of the United States.
Sound familiar?
President Sachs, after showing the evidence, decides to reject the results of the election to the point where he wants a do-over. Of course, his opponent refuses to accept that. Now a U.N. so-called peacekeeping force, several European countries, China, and even Canada comes to the aid of the challenger to the point of a military invasion of the United States...only China has other motives.
All is good up to that point. Then we have 4 and a half books of military battle after military battle after military battle...repleat with all of the military acronyms and talk that only an experienced Marine might understand. In the process, everything imaginable gets thrown into the story to the point of absurd.
How many times do you need to hear a description of someone's head becoming a red mist of blood and brain matter? How many times do we need to hear that someone, while thinking, "blew out air as if he were blowing a smoke ring?"
Frankly, this series would have worked better as maybe two or three books. We got the message as to how bad the military situation was.
The last book finally got us back to the political thriller with a few more things tossed into the mix.
Mr. Rosone would have benefited by the advise of a good publisher rather than self-publishing.
May 7, 2021
This is the fifth and final instalment of a very long 5-part book. It cannot be read as a stand-alone. The book started as an interesting political thriller in part 1, Rigged, but then morphed into mainly military fiction in later parts. There are some advantages to this, since the authors are good at action writing, but mediocre at character, dialogue and settings, and clumsy at exposition.
Unfortunately, I was more interested in the political dimensions and many of those plot points were left inadequately or implausibly resolved (over-hyped arsenal ships, China, Central America, Thule). The conclusion is weak and feels rushed and incomplete. The authors tell us what happened to many characters in an epilogue, rather than showing us. Their examples of the good deeds of the new government trot out leftist cliches like “first female President”, “sustainable” this and that, and “high speed rail”. Gag! Apparently, World War III with nuclear weapons is worth it if you get high speed rail.
This was a disappointing conclusion to a very promising start.
Unfortunately, I was more interested in the political dimensions and many of those plot points were left inadequately or implausibly resolved (over-hyped arsenal ships, China, Central America, Thule). The conclusion is weak and feels rushed and incomplete. The authors tell us what happened to many characters in an epilogue, rather than showing us. Their examples of the good deeds of the new government trot out leftist cliches like “first female President”, “sustainable” this and that, and “high speed rail”. Gag! Apparently, World War III with nuclear weapons is worth it if you get high speed rail.
This was a disappointing conclusion to a very promising start.
December 12, 2020
WTF You promised it would be over, you absolutely promised after volume 4. Yeah, this was better, since it had more real humans, mean-spirited, vindictive, vicious, sadistic for the most part, but at least human. Then bingo, bango, the book ends with a cliff-hanger, with bombers filled with nuclear bombs which may or may not bomb China. (Sorry about the spoiler.)
So it was China the whole time? I'm sorry, but s trade war cannot result in civil war with virtually every country in the West involved. What about the middle East? It's clear Mr. Rosone was a particular world view, which affects his political and social views. I respect his right to have them, although my world view is much different. But what about a balanced presentation, showing each side as humans? Go read Harry Turtledove, the absolute master of alternative history.
So it was China the whole time? I'm sorry, but s trade war cannot result in civil war with virtually every country in the West involved. What about the middle East? It's clear Mr. Rosone was a particular world view, which affects his political and social views. I respect his right to have them, although my world view is much different. But what about a balanced presentation, showing each side as humans? Go read Harry Turtledove, the absolute master of alternative history.
June 4, 2025
Great end to the series
I genuinely enjoy this series, its really well researched and both the political and military parts are exciting and interesting and well written in their own right, the characters are brilliant to get behind and you do feel shick at the loss of someone you read about for so long, all in all am excellent series that doesnt use ridiculous over use of AI tech as filler but remains grounded and believable, literally the only downside is when allies do join such as the British forces they are often glossed over even though they have a close support history, this is also more of a negative in the authors other series as it seems to be a bias against the British that makes his other series end quite flat but the falling empire series is definitely re-readable
I genuinely enjoy this series, its really well researched and both the political and military parts are exciting and interesting and well written in their own right, the characters are brilliant to get behind and you do feel shick at the loss of someone you read about for so long, all in all am excellent series that doesnt use ridiculous over use of AI tech as filler but remains grounded and believable, literally the only downside is when allies do join such as the British forces they are often glossed over even though they have a close support history, this is also more of a negative in the authors other series as it seems to be a bias against the British that makes his other series end quite flat but the falling empire series is definitely re-readable
June 20, 2020
Retribution. James Rosone , more days Watson
America has been in a civil war for three years. A war started and largely financed by an extremely powerful organization called the Thule Society. Influential members from around the world. Members of governments, corporations. Their hands are in all the world's pies. Their goal, world domination as they see fit. America has been invaded by China and a dozen different countries helping to topple our government. The loss of American lives was monumental as well as basic infrastructure we take for granted. Many of the members of the Thule Society were hunted down and eliminated. The remaining members are closely monitored. This was an amazing five part series which I enjoyed immensely. My highest recommendation.
America has been in a civil war for three years. A war started and largely financed by an extremely powerful organization called the Thule Society. Influential members from around the world. Members of governments, corporations. Their hands are in all the world's pies. Their goal, world domination as they see fit. America has been invaded by China and a dozen different countries helping to topple our government. The loss of American lives was monumental as well as basic infrastructure we take for granted. Many of the members of the Thule Society were hunted down and eliminated. The remaining members are closely monitored. This was an amazing five part series which I enjoyed immensely. My highest recommendation.
June 15, 2021
Fascinating possibilities of modern politics/war
Certainly could have been drawn from the headlines of the real 2020 election. Democrats will reject this book because of the similarities of the Trump election irregularities. Republicans most likely embrace it for the same reasons. But I think a better view is how the book demonstrated HOW REAL ELECTION FRAUD COULD ACTUALLY BE ACCOMPLISHED. It really illuminated the possibilities! Both democrats and republicans should seek real reform in this regard. Being a retired Naval Officer, I found the military narrative believable and authentic. I also learned a lot about modern military capabilities. Wow ….amazing. I really enjoyed all five books.
Certainly could have been drawn from the headlines of the real 2020 election. Democrats will reject this book because of the similarities of the Trump election irregularities. Republicans most likely embrace it for the same reasons. But I think a better view is how the book demonstrated HOW REAL ELECTION FRAUD COULD ACTUALLY BE ACCOMPLISHED. It really illuminated the possibilities! Both democrats and republicans should seek real reform in this regard. Being a retired Naval Officer, I found the military narrative believable and authentic. I also learned a lot about modern military capabilities. Wow ….amazing. I really enjoyed all five books.
December 2, 2020
Excellent
Very good reading. It should wake readers up to something that could happen. If you have followed former President Obama, he has made more comments on political policies then any other former President. Former President Clinton and his wife should both be in jail, but that will never happen. We have a two tier system in the country, one for the elite, and one for the rest of us. I beg anyone to show me where in our U.S. Constitution that it is allowed. Wake up America.
Very good reading. It should wake readers up to something that could happen. If you have followed former President Obama, he has made more comments on political policies then any other former President. Former President Clinton and his wife should both be in jail, but that will never happen. We have a two tier system in the country, one for the elite, and one for the rest of us. I beg anyone to show me where in our U.S. Constitution that it is allowed. Wake up America.
June 4, 2020
End of an Era
Just finished Retribution. What a ride. I realise that the story arc has finished.
But a little sad to say goodbye to all of the characters.
Don't want to say much more for spoilers sake but throughout the series the story was
plausible and the new technology, out of thid world.
Would have liked to have seen Wagner mob get total comeuppance.
Seth Miller now needs a standalone book.
Just finished Retribution. What a ride. I realise that the story arc has finished.
But a little sad to say goodbye to all of the characters.
Don't want to say much more for spoilers sake but throughout the series the story was
plausible and the new technology, out of thid world.
Would have liked to have seen Wagner mob get total comeuppance.
Seth Miller now needs a standalone book.
June 5, 2020
I simply love the series written by James Rosone and Miranda Watson, they are great reading in every way possible! I cannot wait until their next series come out (The Monroe Doctrine and The Space Force series). From the beginning of the series, they capture my attention and leave me wanting more of the story. Even with this series ending, I wanted more of the story and was disappointed that it was the end. I can't point to a single thing that I would've wanted different, except wanting more.
June 10, 2020
All Good Things..........
As they say, all good things must come to an end. This is what came to mind as I was reading of what became of the books central characters. Characters that I cared about. Characters that have helped make this series so interesting and believable. Bravo. A job well done. Now on to an entirely new series beginning with "Monroe". Things just keep getting better and better.
As they say, all good things must come to an end. This is what came to mind as I was reading of what became of the books central characters. Characters that I cared about. Characters that have helped make this series so interesting and believable. Bravo. A job well done. Now on to an entirely new series beginning with "Monroe". Things just keep getting better and better.
September 8, 2020
Great Series
This book contains enough military jargon to keep us Vets very intrigued from the beginning. Thankfully we as a nation have been rebuilding our military since 2016...this book, this fight, is all too real for many of us that worry about our families and our nation. "Elections have consequences" POTUS Obama famously said...thankfully we can alter, alleviate, and arm up for the Negative Consequences unleashed on us....
This book contains enough military jargon to keep us Vets very intrigued from the beginning. Thankfully we as a nation have been rebuilding our military since 2016...this book, this fight, is all too real for many of us that worry about our families and our nation. "Elections have consequences" POTUS Obama famously said...thankfully we can alter, alleviate, and arm up for the Negative Consequences unleashed on us....
July 22, 2022
Great adventure
Other than some slants toward right-wing political views, it is an excellent choice for military action. The authors would like to pretend that the left will destroy our nation, but recent events have proven that that the right has and is currently trying to undermine our democratic form of government. They have gone so far as to try a coup to overthrow an election they clearly lost, even with the help of a foreign government.
Other than some slants toward right-wing political views, it is an excellent choice for military action. The authors would like to pretend that the left will destroy our nation, but recent events have proven that that the right has and is currently trying to undermine our democratic form of government. They have gone so far as to try a coup to overthrow an election they clearly lost, even with the help of a foreign government.
May 4, 2022
Finished the fifth and final book of the series. This was an action packed series and paralleled real political events the last several years. I was kind of disappointed in the ending; the ending left quite a few unanswered questions. Other than grammatical errors every so often, this series is worth reading especially if one follows current events.
July 6, 2022
Best Series I Have read in a LONG TIME!
I binge read this series back to back, book by book and thoroughly enjoyed every single page in every book!As a widow of a Delta Forces veteran, the sheer scope of knowledge in this series was unbelievable! My congrats, kudos and sincere appreciation is extended to a specially motivated team of wr
I binge read this series back to back, book by book and thoroughly enjoyed every single page in every book!As a widow of a Delta Forces veteran, the sheer scope of knowledge in this series was unbelievable! My congrats, kudos and sincere appreciation is extended to a specially motivated team of wr
November 13, 2022
This is the fifth and final installment of a very long 5-part book. It cannot be read as a stand-alone. From the beginning of the series, they capture my attention -- one simply must disbelieve or life in the USA can't go on like it has. This final part completes an arc of plot that is one possibility of the last election's outcome. Beware.
December 29, 2023
Outstanding series
this entire 5 book series is well written, very true to life as witnessed events happening in the USA today yesterday and tomorrow
. I think this should be mandatory reading for everyone. Story is so true to life as being very very scary and sad. I loved the entire stories.
this entire 5 book series is well written, very true to life as witnessed events happening in the USA today yesterday and tomorrow
. I think this should be mandatory reading for everyone. Story is so true to life as being very very scary and sad. I loved the entire stories.
June 14, 2024
Like listening to a blockbuster film!
I loved every part of it. This last book wrapped up everything in a unique way. The whole series was terrific! I couldn't wait to start the next book. I don't usually listen to a lot of military stories, but this/these stories were riveting! The narrator was the best I've ever heard! So many voices and accents done flawlessly.
I loved every part of it. This last book wrapped up everything in a unique way. The whole series was terrific! I couldn't wait to start the next book. I don't usually listen to a lot of military stories, but this/these stories were riveting! The narrator was the best I've ever heard! So many voices and accents done flawlessly.
June 4, 2020
Great read
Suspenseful all the way through. Never know what is coming next. Plenty of action. Makes you appreciate the Country we live in more each day. Things could always change suddenly.
Suspenseful all the way through. Never know what is coming next. Plenty of action. Makes you appreciate the Country we live in more each day. Things could always change suddenly.
June 13, 2020
The Falling Empire Series
Very well written series with enough specific military detail to make the scenario seem plausible. I really enjoyed the way the authors developed the characters' personalities throughout the series.
Very well written series with enough specific military detail to make the scenario seem plausible. I really enjoyed the way the authors developed the characters' personalities throughout the series.
June 29, 2020
A good ending
While not has good action wise compared to the previous books it does a good job of rounding out the end of the war. I like the epilogue where we learn the fate of some of the characters, a really nice touch.
While not has good action wise compared to the previous books it does a good job of rounding out the end of the war. I like the epilogue where we learn the fate of some of the characters, a really nice touch.
September 8, 2020
Thought provoking
I am really glad that this series is a work of fiction - or at least, I hope it is and remains so! From the first volume, the tension and excitement builds and doesn't stop building until the last few pages of the final book in the series. Well worth reading.
I am really glad that this series is a work of fiction - or at least, I hope it is and remains so! From the first volume, the tension and excitement builds and doesn't stop building until the last few pages of the final book in the series. Well worth reading.
September 23, 2020
What a great series
I have read the entire series with baited breath. The unfolding drama keeps you wanting for more and you simply cannot put the book down. Well done!!! I have recommended this series to my family members since the story line is relatable in today's world.
I have read the entire series with baited breath. The unfolding drama keeps you wanting for more and you simply cannot put the book down. Well done!!! I have recommended this series to my family members since the story line is relatable in today's world.
September 28, 2020
A great series
The story could be plausible. I'd love to see the country come together like this but obviously not from something like this. I enjoy James and Miranda's writings and think someone who likes alternative history scenarios would love this series.
The story could be plausible. I'd love to see the country come together like this but obviously not from something like this. I enjoy James and Miranda's writings and think someone who likes alternative history scenarios would love this series.
October 5, 2020
Cracking Series
Now I’ve finally finished the series it’s been a great ride. Thanks for great action, believable characters and an I believe plot. Looking forward to the next series
Now I’ve finally finished the series it’s been a great ride. Thanks for great action, believable characters and an I believe plot. Looking forward to the next series
November 25, 2020
Retribution
Excellent end to the series with a believable follow-up to all the action and the concept of rebuild began. Good summary for the key surviving participants, that was the cherry on the top.
Excellent end to the series with a believable follow-up to all the action and the concept of rebuild began. Good summary for the key surviving participants, that was the cherry on the top.
February 13, 2022
a good read
A good conclusion to a good series. The whole series was an enjoyable read, it clearly illustrates the the potential result of the political polarization gripping this country intermixed with a healthy dose of conspiracy based fiction.
A good conclusion to a good series. The whole series was an enjoyable read, it clearly illustrates the the potential result of the political polarization gripping this country intermixed with a healthy dose of conspiracy based fiction.
August 8, 2022
With the fracturing of the PRC, the US is able to get those Chinese troops on American soil to surrender and agree to go back to China. It's going to take a long while to get the country back on its' feet. But all will be good in the end.
November 7, 2022
Good read
Extremely well written. Brought out some of my experiences. It was a good reminder to me that PTSD injuries are real. I thank the author for that. I separated from law enforcement 45 years ago and PTSD is something that I co m tend with every day.
Extremely well written. Brought out some of my experiences. It was a good reminder to me that PTSD injuries are real. I thank the author for that. I separated from law enforcement 45 years ago and PTSD is something that I co m tend with every day.
September 19, 2024
Another first rate series from the authors
Another first rate series from the authors.
I had read the next series “Monroe Doctrine “ previously. I encourage everyone to read that.
Falling Empires is great. Hence five stars. That said I liked Monroe Doctrine even more.
Another first rate series from the authors.
I had read the next series “Monroe Doctrine “ previously. I encourage everyone to read that.
Falling Empires is great. Hence five stars. That said I liked Monroe Doctrine even more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews