What do you think?
Rate this book
Empire's Corps #16
Favour the Bold
An all-new story of The Empire’s Corps!
Earth has fallen. The Core Worlds have collapsed into chaos. War is breaking out everywhere as planetary governments declare independence, entire sectors slip out of contact and warlords battle for power. The remnants of the once-great Empire are tearing themselves apart.
In the shadows, the Terran Marine Corps works to save what little they can to preserve civilisation and build a better tomorrow. But powerful factions are competing with them, determined to establish their own order. If they cannot be stopped, if the marines cannot hold the line, the galaxy will fall into a new dark age. And there may only be one chance to nip their scheme in the bud.
Does fortune favour the bold? The marines are about to find out.
Earth has fallen. The Core Worlds have collapsed into chaos. War is breaking out everywhere as planetary governments declare independence, entire sectors slip out of contact and warlords battle for power. The remnants of the once-great Empire are tearing themselves apart.
In the shadows, the Terran Marine Corps works to save what little they can to preserve civilisation and build a better tomorrow. But powerful factions are competing with them, determined to establish their own order. If they cannot be stopped, if the marines cannot hold the line, the galaxy will fall into a new dark age. And there may only be one chance to nip their scheme in the bud.
Does fortune favour the bold? The marines are about to find out.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
193 people are currently reading
90 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 54 reviews
December 3, 2025
For the first time since the beginning of the series, this book follows the remainder of the Marine Corps in the immediate aftermath of the collapse of Earth. The Corps is attempting to grab resources and stand up a rump Imperial government in the midst of chaos.
The majority of the book covers a ground campaign to conquer a world governed by a corporate autocracy. But of course nothing is simple.
The combat scenes, which comprise the majority of the book, are written fairly well, though much of the action is seen through the eyes of the defenders, which limits the reader's understanding of the Corps's tactics.
There is some solid character work for the two main protagonists, a special forces operator and a young defending soldier who shows unexpected talent for battle. Most of the rest of the cast are spear carriers. Interestingly, the primary antagonists aren't the usual cartoonish villains, which is a bit unusual in this series.
As is typical for this series, this book has a very didactic tone. Nuttall clearly wants convey a specific political view. If I disagreed strongly with the attitudes expressed, I would dislike the series. As it is, the sentiments are not a plus for the series, but they don't really bother me.
If you don't mind the political diatribes at the beginning of each chapter, this is quite entertaining.
The majority of the book covers a ground campaign to conquer a world governed by a corporate autocracy. But of course nothing is simple.
The combat scenes, which comprise the majority of the book, are written fairly well, though much of the action is seen through the eyes of the defenders, which limits the reader's understanding of the Corps's tactics.
There is some solid character work for the two main protagonists, a special forces operator and a young defending soldier who shows unexpected talent for battle. Most of the rest of the cast are spear carriers. Interestingly, the primary antagonists aren't the usual cartoonish villains, which is a bit unusual in this series.
As is typical for this series, this book has a very didactic tone. Nuttall clearly wants convey a specific political view. If I disagreed strongly with the attitudes expressed, I would dislike the series. As it is, the sentiments are not a plus for the series, but they don't really bother me.
If you don't mind the political diatribes at the beginning of each chapter, this is quite entertaining.
July 16, 2020
Nuttall Just Keeps Getting Better
As I wrote in my title, Christopher just keeps getting better. No joke. I've been reading Christopher's work since "The Empire's Corps" first came out. He was a tad rough back then but he was already a very good writer. The intervening years have only seen him grow. Yeah, he spells his words like a Brit (probably because he is) and it sounds a bit odd to my (very) American ears but he spins a ripping good yarn. And, I have to admit, his basic philosophy, is one with which I wholeheartedly agree. If you're into all things politically correct, Nuttall is NOT for you. But if you are somewhat of a conservative,he's your man.
As I wrote in my title, Christopher just keeps getting better. No joke. I've been reading Christopher's work since "The Empire's Corps" first came out. He was a tad rough back then but he was already a very good writer. The intervening years have only seen him grow. Yeah, he spells his words like a Brit (probably because he is) and it sounds a bit odd to my (very) American ears but he spins a ripping good yarn. And, I have to admit, his basic philosophy, is one with which I wholeheartedly agree. If you're into all things politically correct, Nuttall is NOT for you. But if you are somewhat of a conservative,he's your man.
February 24, 2020
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the latest empire’s corps but once again. It was an enjoyable romp through the countryside. Further fleshes out the downfall of the earth centric empire. Would like to see the other story lines to come together somewhere in the future. Can’t wait for the next book on this branch of the Terran marines story.
August 8, 2021
When the shit hits the fan
I just enjoy light space opera and the collapse of earth with the adventures of the Terran Marines is an interesting story. However it is just getting silly now. The author surely needs an editor with uncounted numbers of time the phrase “when the shit hits the fane” used, and the morality of the marines unfathomable and no better than the baddies.
I just enjoy light space opera and the collapse of earth with the adventures of the Terran Marines is an interesting story. However it is just getting silly now. The author surely needs an editor with uncounted numbers of time the phrase “when the shit hits the fane” used, and the morality of the marines unfathomable and no better than the baddies.
March 5, 2020
Great action story!
This story resonates with me on so many levels! I could not put it down!
Christopher has created a tale with multiple viewpoints and really made it work. All of the various threads came together to create a truly compelling tale.
This story resonates with me on so many levels! I could not put it down!
Christopher has created a tale with multiple viewpoints and really made it work. All of the various threads came together to create a truly compelling tale.
March 29, 2020
Another great installment in the Empire Corp series
I love the entire Empire Corp series. It isn't just a well written exciting space opera (which it is). It is a thoughtful and relevant commentary on our current world. I highly recommend the entire series.
I love the entire Empire Corp series. It isn't just a well written exciting space opera (which it is). It is a thoughtful and relevant commentary on our current world. I highly recommend the entire series.
August 2, 2020
A must read
Thank you again for another awesome book. I actually utilize many of your books when home schooling my kids. Some of the issues in our world today are hard to teach while trying to maintain the attention of teenagers. Your books help tremendously.
Thank you again for another awesome book. I actually utilize many of your books when home schooling my kids. Some of the issues in our world today are hard to teach while trying to maintain the attention of teenagers. Your books help tremendously.
September 20, 2020
Compulsive
This series hasn’t slackened in thrills since the first novel. I have really enjoyed how the series has followed one story arc of characters and then follows other story threads giving depth to the story.
This series hasn’t slackened in thrills since the first novel. I have really enjoyed how the series has followed one story arc of characters and then follows other story threads giving depth to the story.
October 28, 2020
Felt like it was half a book, looking at the next book it seems to continue the story, to me it felt like this and the next book was 1 book that was then padded out to fill out 2 books instead, there is no character development, no new background info or lore for the books universe.
February 12, 2021
Surprisingly engaging
A simply constructed but well thought out story. Hard to put down and fit well I to the overall world the author has created. Entire series is recommended. It's hard to agree with the points the author is making.
A simply constructed but well thought out story. Hard to put down and fit well I to the overall world the author has created. Entire series is recommended. It's hard to agree with the points the author is making.
May 27, 2021
A long series that’s worth the read.
It’s rather like Heinlein, in using a good story to get you to think about important issues. Highly recommend. Good science fiction is really about people. This is good SF.
It’s rather like Heinlein, in using a good story to get you to think about important issues. Highly recommend. Good science fiction is really about people. This is good SF.
August 17, 2023
Christopher Nuttall is among the best!
Certain authors are consistently good whatever they write. Christopher Nuttall is one of them. I am binge-reading this series. I will be sorry to see it end. My only consolation will be to see more from CGN!
Certain authors are consistently good whatever they write. Christopher Nuttall is one of them. I am binge-reading this series. I will be sorry to see it end. My only consolation will be to see more from CGN!
December 23, 2023
Fast paced and gripping
The Terrain Marines ride again. Stupid people do stupid things and end up getting people killed. Now we get to see if the Marines can get themselves out of the jam that they have worked themselves into.
The Terrain Marines ride again. Stupid people do stupid things and end up getting people killed. Now we get to see if the Marines can get themselves out of the jam that they have worked themselves into.
February 26, 2020
Good read, good series!
This series has consistently been better than I thought, I will keep reading books by this author, h is pretty good!
This series has consistently been better than I thought, I will keep reading books by this author, h is pretty good!
June 23, 2020
Spellbinding
The fine and tapestry of fiction continues without a hitch. This latest edition serves as a caution, and entertains superbly.
The fine and tapestry of fiction continues without a hitch. This latest edition serves as a caution, and entertains superbly.
June 23, 2020
Wow - Great Read!
One of the authors best! Great addition to the series and start of a new thread after the fall of Sol / the Empire.
One of the authors best! Great addition to the series and start of a new thread after the fall of Sol / the Empire.
July 14, 2020
Good series
Good books in an easy to read and believable world.
Have read many of Chris's books and all are gppd
Good books in an easy to read and believable world.
Have read many of Chris's books and all are gppd
July 17, 2020
Sad and dark view of the future
This author has a very dim view of the future. Wars, deadly selfishness, and egomaniacal rulers do not represent the future I want to live in.
This author has a very dim view of the future. Wars, deadly selfishness, and egomaniacal rulers do not represent the future I want to live in.
September 26, 2020
Another revalent storyline
Chris is a master of taking true to life reality and writing a story around it to make you think.
Chris is a master of taking true to life reality and writing a story around it to make you think.
Read
September 30, 2020Great story!
New Marines then the one from earlier stories. But very refreshing but familiar. Having read the series before good to see things still can get exciting.
New Marines then the one from earlier stories. But very refreshing but familiar. Having read the series before good to see things still can get exciting.
October 1, 2021
ok. Nice to read about what happened nearer to the core worlds but a bit too many repetitions...
August 12, 2022
Another great story
Like getting to the larger Corp story, with additional interesting characters! Also continue to enjoy the societal commentary in the post story comments.
Like getting to the larger Corp story, with additional interesting characters! Also continue to enjoy the societal commentary in the post story comments.
January 9, 2023
Loved this book great story and narration can’t wait to listen to the next book I highly recommend listening to this book and it’s a great book series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 27, 2023
The Empire has fallen and the Corps mounts its first operation after the collapse. Decent story although some obvious plot points. Still an enjoyable read for another chapter in this universe.
December 16, 2019
Keep up this line of the series!
Another great book from a great sci fi writer. I have wondered what the rest of the Corps has been up to after Earthfall. Please keep these books coming!
Another great book from a great sci fi writer. I have wondered what the rest of the Corps has been up to after Earthfall. Please keep these books coming!
November 28, 2019
The Ultimate Primer
These stories, The Empires Corps, are an incisive look into human social, moral and political systems. Each chapter, particularly in the earlier books, is headed by a synopsis that very succinctly and accurately aims up what is happening politically and socially in our world today! That is one of the reasons I particularly like this author! As for the stories themselves they are very well written with characters one can easily identify with! I liked the Pathfinder characters in particular, and the marines in general. But the author did not drop the ball on incidental characters either, and many of them become quite relevant to the story line! I highly recommend This series and this author to anyone who is looking for a good read that will stimulate the mind as well as massage your fantasies!
These stories, The Empires Corps, are an incisive look into human social, moral and political systems. Each chapter, particularly in the earlier books, is headed by a synopsis that very succinctly and accurately aims up what is happening politically and socially in our world today! That is one of the reasons I particularly like this author! As for the stories themselves they are very well written with characters one can easily identify with! I liked the Pathfinder characters in particular, and the marines in general. But the author did not drop the ball on incidental characters either, and many of them become quite relevant to the story line! I highly recommend This series and this author to anyone who is looking for a good read that will stimulate the mind as well as massage your fantasies!
November 24, 2019
Excellent Love the shift to Earthfall
Love the series. Rich in possibilities. The shift to what happens to the Marines and civilization near the Core is story that needs telling.
Love the series. Rich in possibilities. The shift to what happens to the Marines and civilization near the Core is story that needs telling.
November 21, 2019
Empire's Corps
Another excellent book in the 'Empire's Corps' series. It will be interesting to see how this Core Worlds story arc shapes up in comparison to the earlier 'Avalon' stories.
Another excellent book in the 'Empire's Corps' series. It will be interesting to see how this Core Worlds story arc shapes up in comparison to the earlier 'Avalon' stories.
November 14, 2019
Nuttall has done it again.
In the process of showing us where so much of what is happening in our society today may be taking us if we don't wake up to the dangers, Christopher Nuttall has produced a gripping tale that leaves one anxious for the next installment. The battle for Hameau, as seen through the eyes of Rachel Green and Haydn Steel on the one side, and Derek Frazer and Simon Morgan on the other side is a gripping one, but the real story is about the relationship between the inhabitants of Hameau and their government. As is the case with other Nuttall books, this is a wake-up call wrapped up in a well written adventure.
In the process of showing us where so much of what is happening in our society today may be taking us if we don't wake up to the dangers, Christopher Nuttall has produced a gripping tale that leaves one anxious for the next installment. The battle for Hameau, as seen through the eyes of Rachel Green and Haydn Steel on the one side, and Derek Frazer and Simon Morgan on the other side is a gripping one, but the real story is about the relationship between the inhabitants of Hameau and their government. As is the case with other Nuttall books, this is a wake-up call wrapped up in a well written adventure.
September 29, 2019
good read
I enjoy all the Empire Corp books,if fact as a kindle unlimited member they are about the only books I actually buy,the Terran Marine Corp has been planning for the collapse of the Empire for a considerable time but so have other parties who have much less benevolent intentions,I'd have liked more information on the marines plans but that may come,the book is complete in itself but is only part one of the story,I'm looking forward to part two.
I enjoy all the Empire Corp books,if fact as a kindle unlimited member they are about the only books I actually buy,the Terran Marine Corp has been planning for the collapse of the Empire for a considerable time but so have other parties who have much less benevolent intentions,I'd have liked more information on the marines plans but that may come,the book is complete in itself but is only part one of the story,I'm looking forward to part two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews