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Fallen Empire
The Irish Brigade: A Fallen Empire Novel
What’s a soldier to do when the war is over? When he’s only known conflict his whole life? Since time immemorial the solution has been to find another war, this time for pay. Whoever has the credits and wins the high bid gets the experienced fighter. Sometimes, though, the money isn't enough to cover the price. In the tradition of Hammer's Slammers and Falkenberg's Legion, a new universe of mercenaries and warfare takes place in the ruins of an alien empire.
The fighting is done for now and the alien Grausians who ruled over the Terran worlds have withdrawn from known space after a devastating civil war. In their wake the formerly subject races have fought themselves to a standstill and a negotiated armistice, leaving tens of thousands of veterans out of work and hundreds of planets in the lawless DMZ.
Captain Iona Keely ended the war as a veteran soldier with an Honorable Discharge from the Terran Union Marine Corps, a useless degree in 20th Century Old Earth Culture and no job. When her old boss, Colonel Meagher, catches up to her at a job fair he makes her an offer she can't refuse and soon finds herself the Commander of Bravo Company, The Irish Brigade, Hibernia Arms LLC. Her first mission drops her on Holcomb IV, up to her neck in intrigue, sweat and blood. Along the way she picks up a new recruit, an alien Grausian who is trying to understand being nobility in an empire that doesn't exist anymore.
An exciting new storyline and shared universe from two time Dragon finalist and author of the best selling "Irregular Scout Team One" series.
The fighting is done for now and the alien Grausians who ruled over the Terran worlds have withdrawn from known space after a devastating civil war. In their wake the formerly subject races have fought themselves to a standstill and a negotiated armistice, leaving tens of thousands of veterans out of work and hundreds of planets in the lawless DMZ.
Captain Iona Keely ended the war as a veteran soldier with an Honorable Discharge from the Terran Union Marine Corps, a useless degree in 20th Century Old Earth Culture and no job. When her old boss, Colonel Meagher, catches up to her at a job fair he makes her an offer she can't refuse and soon finds herself the Commander of Bravo Company, The Irish Brigade, Hibernia Arms LLC. Her first mission drops her on Holcomb IV, up to her neck in intrigue, sweat and blood. Along the way she picks up a new recruit, an alien Grausian who is trying to understand being nobility in an empire that doesn't exist anymore.
An exciting new storyline and shared universe from two time Dragon finalist and author of the best selling "Irregular Scout Team One" series.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2020
About the author
J.F. Holmes
83 books77 followersJ.F. Holmes is a retired Army Senior Noncomissioned Officer, having served for 22 years in both the Regular Army and Army National Guard. During that time, he served as everything from an artillery section leader to a member of a Division level planning staff, with tours in Cuba and Iraq, as well as responding to the terrorists attacks in NYC on 9-11.
From 2010 to 2014 he wrote the immensely popular military cartoon strip, "Power Point Ranger", poking fun at military life in the tradition of Beetle Bailey and Willy & Joe.
His books range from Military Sci-Fi to Space Opera to Detective to Fantasy, with a lot in between, and in 2017 two are finalists for the prestigious Dragon Awards. As of August 2017, Mr. Holmes has eighteen books and two novellas published.
Feel free to join Irregular Scout Team One on Facebook, and get a chance to influence the course and plot of his next book!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15294...
From 2010 to 2014 he wrote the immensely popular military cartoon strip, "Power Point Ranger", poking fun at military life in the tradition of Beetle Bailey and Willy & Joe.
His books range from Military Sci-Fi to Space Opera to Detective to Fantasy, with a lot in between, and in 2017 two are finalists for the prestigious Dragon Awards. As of August 2017, Mr. Holmes has eighteen books and two novellas published.
Feel free to join Irregular Scout Team One on Facebook, and get a chance to influence the course and plot of his next book!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15294...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 13, 2021
Welcome to a new universe
Ok, I purchased with some trepidation, and was immediately thrust into a new universe that while a tad assumptive at times managed to hook me. Read appendix at back 1st if u just need to know.
tight well worded action and lots of it, no boring "Billy grew up in a farm" background. Just action, plot line development and solid if slow character evolution. There are many characters, a lot going on in this multi species universe and a touch of Roman nostalgia here. For once Humans are the underdog, they are fractious and military contractors are the order of the day. I'm looking forward to more.
Ok, I purchased with some trepidation, and was immediately thrust into a new universe that while a tad assumptive at times managed to hook me. Read appendix at back 1st if u just need to know.
tight well worded action and lots of it, no boring "Billy grew up in a farm" background. Just action, plot line development and solid if slow character evolution. There are many characters, a lot going on in this multi species universe and a touch of Roman nostalgia here. For once Humans are the underdog, they are fractious and military contractors are the order of the day. I'm looking forward to more.
December 28, 2020
Not your average Sci Fi
While many authors focus on large explosions and gratuitous violence to capture your attention, J.F. Holmes focuses on telling the story. Characters are there to fuel the story, so you see everything from their eyes. You laugh, cry, celebrate, and mourn with everyone from the C.O. to the junior enlisted. You will be left wanting to turn the page, even when the book is finished.
While many authors focus on large explosions and gratuitous violence to capture your attention, J.F. Holmes focuses on telling the story. Characters are there to fuel the story, so you see everything from their eyes. You laugh, cry, celebrate, and mourn with everyone from the C.O. to the junior enlisted. You will be left wanting to turn the page, even when the book is finished.
March 13, 2021
I only read 68%, then I stopped because I felt bored. I think I felt bored because I could not empathize with the characters. They felt a bit thin and archetypical. I think I would have liked the book better when I was a teen (many many years ago).
April 7, 2023
The Irish Brigade was an action-packed standalone novel set in a well-established and thought out universe.
Set after the collapse of the Old Empire, various factions vie for control in the aftermath of their war of liberation. In the demilitarised zones set up between the various powers, mercenary companies eke out a living, taking bids from various governments and corporations. A Charee attempt to seize a world the Irish Brigade have been contracted to protect sets them up for one hell of a showdown.
The author's military experience really shines through in his writing style. The story was fascinating and the characters and their motivations crisp. Definitely interested in reading more books set in this universe.
Set after the collapse of the Old Empire, various factions vie for control in the aftermath of their war of liberation. In the demilitarised zones set up between the various powers, mercenary companies eke out a living, taking bids from various governments and corporations. A Charee attempt to seize a world the Irish Brigade have been contracted to protect sets them up for one hell of a showdown.
The author's military experience really shines through in his writing style. The story was fascinating and the characters and their motivations crisp. Definitely interested in reading more books set in this universe.
September 28, 2021
A good new Sci-Fi mercenary series
The word mercenary often evokes a serious bad connotation of murder for hire and feckless soldiers. J.
F. Homes Irish Brigade are certainly brutally efficient killers. Their leaders learned the lessons history offered to anyone willing to pay attention. There is a lot to like about this, hopefully first of many, story of warriors in a new age of possibilities presented in the power vacuum after the fall of a star spanning empire.
The word mercenary often evokes a serious bad connotation of murder for hire and feckless soldiers. J.
F. Homes Irish Brigade are certainly brutally efficient killers. Their leaders learned the lessons history offered to anyone willing to pay attention. There is a lot to like about this, hopefully first of many, story of warriors in a new age of possibilities presented in the power vacuum after the fall of a star spanning empire.
February 21, 2022
A very unusual book!!
Very technical on military details. Lots of action. High tech military space opera. Almost all action is in space. Well developed characters are very believable and are either good guys or very bad guys. Some are a little of each, they are mercenaries, after all. Some are highly prejudiced, i.e. humans only or other species. A very good, well written space opera. Highly recommended.
Very technical on military details. Lots of action. High tech military space opera. Almost all action is in space. Well developed characters are very believable and are either good guys or very bad guys. Some are a little of each, they are mercenaries, after all. Some are highly prejudiced, i.e. humans only or other species. A very good, well written space opera. Highly recommended.
March 23, 2022
This is my first JF Holme book and... It's a mixed bag
It's got a pretty unique world with a interesting set of factions, some good dialogue and some interesting characters.
However the story feels a bit rushed on occassions and often feels like it jumps from one story to another, even when it is obvious that this is supposed to be one long story.
It's not a bad book but It's a rough first step.
It's got a pretty unique world with a interesting set of factions, some good dialogue and some interesting characters.
However the story feels a bit rushed on occassions and often feels like it jumps from one story to another, even when it is obvious that this is supposed to be one long story.
It's not a bad book but It's a rough first step.
December 26, 2020
If you want action, this is it
Another worthy effort by Mr. Holmes. Straight up near future action with just enough world building to support the storyline.
Looking forward to more.
Another worthy effort by Mr. Holmes. Straight up near future action with just enough world building to support the storyline.
Looking forward to more.
January 8, 2021
Fast paced and thoroughly entertaining.
In-depth and believable characters that you can identify with. Realistic scenarios with surprising plot twists. The author has created a really great universe. I look forward to the next in the series.
In-depth and believable characters that you can identify with. Realistic scenarios with surprising plot twists. The author has created a really great universe. I look forward to the next in the series.
January 15, 2021
A good start
I have been of fan of Mr Holmes for a long while and I am truly amazed at what he has started. That being said damn it man the worst part of this book was that it was to short. As always keep em coming from all the authors at Cannon.
I have been of fan of Mr Holmes for a long while and I am truly amazed at what he has started. That being said damn it man the worst part of this book was that it was to short. As always keep em coming from all the authors at Cannon.
April 10, 2021
Ramp it up time
Have to slow myself down and wait for more . Really do enjoy the characters and their interactions as they become a team. Almost as if you were in the ranks from day one. Great read and definitely want more. Thanks.
Have to slow myself down and wait for more . Really do enjoy the characters and their interactions as they become a team. Almost as if you were in the ranks from day one. Great read and definitely want more. Thanks.
May 18, 2021
Really good story
This book was very good with great characters and development. The story is fast paced and has really good elements. I attend to get the whole series. I recommend that you read this book.
This book was very good with great characters and development. The story is fast paced and has really good elements. I attend to get the whole series. I recommend that you read this book.
March 3, 2022
Intense
Sometimes enraging as the scene elicits righteous outrage against the supposed heros, then the scene develops further and understanding dawn's. Staring the next in series immediately.
Sometimes enraging as the scene elicits righteous outrage against the supposed heros, then the scene develops further and understanding dawn's. Staring the next in series immediately.
July 6, 2024
Convincing story
I could totally see the story being straight from someone's personal memoirs. Excellent world building, And a wonderfully constructed set of military battles complete with chaos and confusion.
I could totally see the story being straight from someone's personal memoirs. Excellent world building, And a wonderfully constructed set of military battles complete with chaos and confusion.
January 11, 2026
Didn’t expect this one to hook me so fast. The zero-G combat is some of the best I’ve read—soldiers literally cartwheeling through a space station as it decompresses. Dropped my TBR and went straight into Book Two. Highly recommended for fans of action-heavy military sci-fi.
Read
December 29, 2020A good book.
If you like shoot them up and scfi. You will like this book. I enjoyed this book, and can't wait for the next one.
If you like shoot them up and scfi. You will like this book. I enjoyed this book, and can't wait for the next one.
December 30, 2020
Another great book from Cannon Publishing!
J.F. Holmes brings his readers another fast paved and wickedly entertaining book. This a great read for fans of both military and sci-fi fiction.
J.F. Holmes brings his readers another fast paved and wickedly entertaining book. This a great read for fans of both military and sci-fi fiction.
January 11, 2021
Great novel
Great first novel for the Fallen Empire world. The author wraps you into the characters and intrigue of multiple species. I look forward to the next one.
Great first novel for the Fallen Empire world. The author wraps you into the characters and intrigue of multiple species. I look forward to the next one.
January 23, 2021
GREAT START
Great first book! Looking forward to reading more in this series. Character development was excellent and story line was well thought out.
Great first book! Looking forward to reading more in this series. Character development was excellent and story line was well thought out.
May 26, 2021
Sure thing.
I love the idea's here. Every time there is what appears to be a cliche a twist details it. Interesting universe here looking forward to more.
I love the idea's here. Every time there is what appears to be a cliche a twist details it. Interesting universe here looking forward to more.
August 5, 2021
Excellent book
It was well written. Didn't get overly bogged down in details, kept a good pace. If you like combat scenes this book is for you.
It was well written. Didn't get overly bogged down in details, kept a good pace. If you like combat scenes this book is for you.
August 14, 2021
Good book
A classic military sci-fi story in the vain of Jerry Pournell
and Piper's best. Read the Mercenary and The Space Vikings for comparison.
A classic military sci-fi story in the vain of Jerry Pournell
and Piper's best. Read the Mercenary and The Space Vikings for comparison.
April 10, 2022
okay, impressed.
Not bad, an interesting take on humans and non-humans in the future after an galactic spanning empire collapses. Sequels to possibly gollow…
Not bad, an interesting take on humans and non-humans in the future after an galactic spanning empire collapses. Sequels to possibly gollow…
May 15, 2022
Good Read
Enjoyed it. Got all three books and hope there will be more. Aliens and Humans working together. If only we humans could get along now.
Enjoyed it. Got all three books and hope there will be more. Aliens and Humans working together. If only we humans could get along now.
February 4, 2025
very good
Complex word that builds naturally.
Solid editing, both technical and for story flow.
Good characters, I look forward to seeing them develop.
Overall Worth reading.
Complex word that builds naturally.
Solid editing, both technical and for story flow.
Good characters, I look forward to seeing them develop.
Overall Worth reading.
May 14, 2025
Great read!
Lots and lots of politics which kind of get in the way of the fighting, but it settles down and gets into so killing which is what I"m here for.
Lots and lots of politics which kind of get in the way of the fighting, but it settles down and gets into so killing which is what I"m here for.
July 12, 2024
This is a great read, it takes a minute to catch up to what is going on. This is basically an intergalactic mercenary company, think Blackwater, operating on multiple planetary systems on a contract basis. Humans and xenomorphs or aliens are integrated into this force. There has been a 15 year civil war that has just wrapped up and mercenaries are hired by various planets to act as a military force for them if they are not allowed by treaty to have one. The Irish brigade led by Col. Meager is hired by the Grausians to help them with security in their mining operations. They also agree to train up the Grandson of the Empress, Selene into a military officer serving in the Irish brigade. Ok so if you have read this far read the book you will enjoy it.
July 12, 2025
RECOMMENDED
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews