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Empire Rising #10
Imperial Command
Trapped behind enemy lines, the survivors of the raid on Jaranna have been forced to flee deeper into enemy territory. Behind them Karacknid fleets gather to exact revenge. With danger at every turn, Admiral Lightfoot must find a way to get his ships home or Earth will be left defenceless.
On Earth the Empire has been formed and is bringing the outlying colonies into its fold. Yet there are those who see themselves and not the Empire as the rightful rulers of Humanity. At the very moment when they should be preparing their people to face the Karacknids, James and Christine instead find themselves facing the threat of a civil war. If it spreads and Humanity’s strength consumes itself, the Empire will fall.
For their part, the Karacknids have not removed their sights from Earth. Even as the war along the Alliance border rages on, ships are on the move. For it is through Earth’s conquest the Karacknids’ believe the end of the war will come.
For those who have sworn to serve the Empire, everything hangs in the balance.
On Earth the Empire has been formed and is bringing the outlying colonies into its fold. Yet there are those who see themselves and not the Empire as the rightful rulers of Humanity. At the very moment when they should be preparing their people to face the Karacknids, James and Christine instead find themselves facing the threat of a civil war. If it spreads and Humanity’s strength consumes itself, the Empire will fall.
For their part, the Karacknids have not removed their sights from Earth. Even as the war along the Alliance border rages on, ships are on the move. For it is through Earth’s conquest the Karacknids’ believe the end of the war will come.
For those who have sworn to serve the Empire, everything hangs in the balance.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2020
300 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 23, 2021
Four and a half stars. The last book in this series was a solid conclusion to both the major and minor story arcs that Holmes had been building throughout the 'pre-Empire' stages. Now we enter life in the new Empire and things are taking off all over.
Earth has started to rebuild. There is new technology and many new allies but will they be enough. If the 'pre-Empire' part of this series was nine books, I'm hoping for at least twice that now. There is so much potential and so many great characters both human and alien that the possibilities seem endless.
Earth has started to rebuild. There is new technology and many new allies but will they be enough. If the 'pre-Empire' part of this series was nine books, I'm hoping for at least twice that now. There is so much potential and so many great characters both human and alien that the possibilities seem endless.
November 17, 2021
Well, things are pretty bad for the fledging Human Empire. Empress Christine has been trying to get the political side of their new empire setup, but she's finding some key resistance from New Delhi and its Indian colonies. It seems a dictator name Sai Culthrapori has taken control and is attempting to rule with an iron fist. He is dead-set against any of the Indian colonies joining the Empire. Rumor has it that Culthrapori is even killing his own people to put down the demonstrations and protest that have arisen due to his stand against joining the Empire.
So, Empress Christine has convinced Admiral James Somerville to go to New Delhi and find out what's going on and see if he can persuade Culthrapori to change his mind. That's going to be a tough assignment especially since James doesn't feel he has any qualifications as a politician. He's taking a small fleet with him and a large contingent of Marines since he's also heard rumors that Culthrapori has killed Imperial citizens during his quelling of the riots. That cannot be allowed to happen.
In the meantime, the Home Fleet is struggling to return to the Solar System. They successfully disrupted one Karacknid staging base and were on their way back when they came upon another one. Now they have knowledge that there are three such staging bases very near the Solar System. If the Karacknids can establish support bases this close to the Empire, then the Empire is doomed. The Karacknids can field thousands of ships from these three bases and easily overwhelm Earths forces. Admiral Lightfoot attempts to attack this new Karacknid supply base, but gets tricked terribly and looses a number of ships. He also gets injured and is going back to Earth in a coma. The Empire desperately needs his ships returned with the information he has learned.
Once Admiral Summerville has returned from New Delhi, he's confronted with the information from the Home Fleet. He has decided that their only recourse is to go on the offensive and attack all three Karacknid supply bases before they are reinforced with huge fleets of ships. His existing scouting reports indicates that the human fleets will only be outnumber about four to one during these attacks and that number is much greater for the largest of the three supply bases, but they cannot afford to let the Karacknids build up their forces without opposition this close to the Solar System. He convinces the other Admirals and Empress Christine that they much conduct three offensive operations against these three massive Karacknid bases and they must be done at about the same time. It is imperative that all three attacks must be successful. He tells Empress Christine, he soon to be bride, that he's going to either succeed in the attack he carries out or he's not coming back alive!
There is a lot happening in this book. I touched upon just some of the actions while not talking much about what's happening with Captain Kansas, Admiral Somervilles niece that he sent to the far reaches of the galaxy to find additional allies. She's trying to track down an elusive alien species that has successfully avoided the Karacknids for thousands of years. It would be absolutely wonderful if she could convince them to join with the Empire in their fight against the Karacknids.
The story certainly isn't over with this book. The Empire is about to become an actual entity with all of humanity joined together to fight a common enemy. This was a vision shared by just a few at the beginning of this story, but now it is coming to reality and it's an exciting time to be a human in the new Human Empire. Book 11, "Counterstrike" is already on my reading list. I suggest it be on yours too!
So, Empress Christine has convinced Admiral James Somerville to go to New Delhi and find out what's going on and see if he can persuade Culthrapori to change his mind. That's going to be a tough assignment especially since James doesn't feel he has any qualifications as a politician. He's taking a small fleet with him and a large contingent of Marines since he's also heard rumors that Culthrapori has killed Imperial citizens during his quelling of the riots. That cannot be allowed to happen.
In the meantime, the Home Fleet is struggling to return to the Solar System. They successfully disrupted one Karacknid staging base and were on their way back when they came upon another one. Now they have knowledge that there are three such staging bases very near the Solar System. If the Karacknids can establish support bases this close to the Empire, then the Empire is doomed. The Karacknids can field thousands of ships from these three bases and easily overwhelm Earths forces. Admiral Lightfoot attempts to attack this new Karacknid supply base, but gets tricked terribly and looses a number of ships. He also gets injured and is going back to Earth in a coma. The Empire desperately needs his ships returned with the information he has learned.
Once Admiral Summerville has returned from New Delhi, he's confronted with the information from the Home Fleet. He has decided that their only recourse is to go on the offensive and attack all three Karacknid supply bases before they are reinforced with huge fleets of ships. His existing scouting reports indicates that the human fleets will only be outnumber about four to one during these attacks and that number is much greater for the largest of the three supply bases, but they cannot afford to let the Karacknids build up their forces without opposition this close to the Solar System. He convinces the other Admirals and Empress Christine that they much conduct three offensive operations against these three massive Karacknid bases and they must be done at about the same time. It is imperative that all three attacks must be successful. He tells Empress Christine, he soon to be bride, that he's going to either succeed in the attack he carries out or he's not coming back alive!
There is a lot happening in this book. I touched upon just some of the actions while not talking much about what's happening with Captain Kansas, Admiral Somervilles niece that he sent to the far reaches of the galaxy to find additional allies. She's trying to track down an elusive alien species that has successfully avoided the Karacknids for thousands of years. It would be absolutely wonderful if she could convince them to join with the Empire in their fight against the Karacknids.
The story certainly isn't over with this book. The Empire is about to become an actual entity with all of humanity joined together to fight a common enemy. This was a vision shared by just a few at the beginning of this story, but now it is coming to reality and it's an exciting time to be a human in the new Human Empire. Book 11, "Counterstrike" is already on my reading list. I suggest it be on yours too!
February 3, 2021
To me, this is a great entry in the Empire Rising series. This series has, with the exception of one book, been consistently good with 4 out of 5 star ratings. This one I’m giving 5 out of 5.
The book has plenty of my favorite content, which is space combat between capital ships, and it is very well written. As the book blurb states, Admiral Lightfoot is stranded behind enemy lines and she has to fight her way back. A good chunk of the book is dedicated to this and it is very good indeed. I of course like that Admiral Lightfoot outmaneuvers and outfights the Karacknids at almost every turn.
Back home the Empire is formed and is struggling to rise out of the ashes from the first Karacknid invasion attempt. I cannot help but feeling quite content that the book, at the same time, firmly puts the old, useless UN on the scrapheap of history.
But of course there are always asshats trying to throw gravel into the machinery. In this series it is India that behaves like a 3rd world dictatorship with deluded ideas of world dominance. I’m not sure why the author picked India. China would have been a more logical choice as far as I am concerned.
Anyway, this leads to another set of action sequences although these are more of the rebel infiltration and ground pounding variety.
Then there is the part where Intrepid finally discovers a race that has stood against the Karachnids for a very long time. Well, stood against is perhaps not the right choice of words. Survived is perhaps a better word. Thus this discovery didn’t lead to the lets go kick some Aracknid ass that I had hoped for but it was nevertheless a good third story arc which also advanced the story.
More or less all of these three story arcs eventually leads up to the main showdown where the Empire finally takes the fight to the Aracknids. This gives us another set of great space combat sequences. It’s far from a decisive victory to end the war but at least it’s going in the right direction.
The book is very well written. The space combat is great and so are the characters, most of them which I quite like. Now I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in this series.
The book has plenty of my favorite content, which is space combat between capital ships, and it is very well written. As the book blurb states, Admiral Lightfoot is stranded behind enemy lines and she has to fight her way back. A good chunk of the book is dedicated to this and it is very good indeed. I of course like that Admiral Lightfoot outmaneuvers and outfights the Karacknids at almost every turn.
Back home the Empire is formed and is struggling to rise out of the ashes from the first Karacknid invasion attempt. I cannot help but feeling quite content that the book, at the same time, firmly puts the old, useless UN on the scrapheap of history.
But of course there are always asshats trying to throw gravel into the machinery. In this series it is India that behaves like a 3rd world dictatorship with deluded ideas of world dominance. I’m not sure why the author picked India. China would have been a more logical choice as far as I am concerned.
Anyway, this leads to another set of action sequences although these are more of the rebel infiltration and ground pounding variety.
Then there is the part where Intrepid finally discovers a race that has stood against the Karachnids for a very long time. Well, stood against is perhaps not the right choice of words. Survived is perhaps a better word. Thus this discovery didn’t lead to the lets go kick some Aracknid ass that I had hoped for but it was nevertheless a good third story arc which also advanced the story.
More or less all of these three story arcs eventually leads up to the main showdown where the Empire finally takes the fight to the Aracknids. This gives us another set of great space combat sequences. It’s far from a decisive victory to end the war but at least it’s going in the right direction.
The book is very well written. The space combat is great and so are the characters, most of them which I quite like. Now I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in this series.
October 28, 2025
James forgets that he loves Christine
With no development, within a few years James becomes a whiney bitch filled with resentment towards Christine who he used to love beyond reason. He forgets he carries around a joint momento of Suzanne's thistle and Christine's rose. All this talk earlier of leaving a place in his heart for her all this time, and now he can't even stand to be comforted by her. Ugghhh.
Otherwise, damn there really is no one close to James the author is not willing to kill off for the hell of it, yeah it's dramatic and means we can have yet another page of sobbing for lives lost, but it's not fun.
For duty! we shall be miserable! ...yay.
The writing is kinda repetitive by now and every battle, every enemy it's always a fight of morose earthlings fighting against the odds constantly. It'd be nice if not all villains were genocidal bugs or dumb deaf and blind 'politicians'.
Don't expect happily ever after here.
With no development, within a few years James becomes a whiney bitch filled with resentment towards Christine who he used to love beyond reason. He forgets he carries around a joint momento of Suzanne's thistle and Christine's rose. All this talk earlier of leaving a place in his heart for her all this time, and now he can't even stand to be comforted by her. Ugghhh.
Otherwise, damn there really is no one close to James the author is not willing to kill off for the hell of it, yeah it's dramatic and means we can have yet another page of sobbing for lives lost, but it's not fun.
For duty! we shall be miserable! ...yay.
The writing is kinda repetitive by now and every battle, every enemy it's always a fight of morose earthlings fighting against the odds constantly. It'd be nice if not all villains were genocidal bugs or dumb deaf and blind 'politicians'.
Don't expect happily ever after here.
March 28, 2022
(80%)A- | Solid
This is a solid addition to the empire rising series, however the editing, at least on the Kindle version, seems to be getting worse. Multiple spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, etc.
The plot is solid, and we get to see the war with the karacnids rage on. So far the character development has been very well done.
However, I personally felt this particular installment had a slight issue with pacing. A handful of times I was enthralled by whatever tense moment was happening but then the chapter would end and we would switch perspectives to a different View point. Effectively evaporating the tension and excitement that was built up
This is a solid addition to the empire rising series, however the editing, at least on the Kindle version, seems to be getting worse. Multiple spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, etc.
The plot is solid, and we get to see the war with the karacnids rage on. So far the character development has been very well done.
However, I personally felt this particular installment had a slight issue with pacing. A handful of times I was enthralled by whatever tense moment was happening but then the chapter would end and we would switch perspectives to a different View point. Effectively evaporating the tension and excitement that was built up
July 14, 2022
And again the characters develop an amazing ways right up to the last page.
DJ Holmes continues to amaze me in his development of the characters and the debt of their abilities grow and achieve results. He also shows the dedication to which the military people of our time at all times have sacrificed themselves for the better goal of humanity many times. This is one of the most exciting series I've ever read. It's actually pretty much coming up on the most exciting series I've ever read. Awesome job sir.
DJ Holmes continues to amaze me in his development of the characters and the debt of their abilities grow and achieve results. He also shows the dedication to which the military people of our time at all times have sacrificed themselves for the better goal of humanity many times. This is one of the most exciting series I've ever read. It's actually pretty much coming up on the most exciting series I've ever read. Awesome job sir.
December 19, 2020
Excellent book I was not expecting it to have many of its twist and turns especially about the Kalassai.
Any one who wants to read a great Sci-Fi book on empire building with great characters, excellent space battles and superb story telling should definitely read this entire series.
The book was so GOOD that I read it in under a single day and can hardly wait to read the next one!!!!
KEEP THEM COMINING MR. D.J.HOLMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any one who wants to read a great Sci-Fi book on empire building with great characters, excellent space battles and superb story telling should definitely read this entire series.
The book was so GOOD that I read it in under a single day and can hardly wait to read the next one!!!!
KEEP THEM COMINING MR. D.J.HOLMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 30, 2020
Interesting premise but...
I guess out of boredom but I red through book 9, book 10 was more of the same - serval problems with the plot - apparently (other than space ships) there’s been no other technological development in 400 years! Furthermore the strategic decisions make no sense - there are obvious choke points everywhere - yet they’re always fighting in open space or backed against a planet - and math on acceleration doesn’t work - lastly as an American, the weak foolish position this Brit paints the USA in is laughable. 😂
I guess out of boredom but I red through book 9, book 10 was more of the same - serval problems with the plot - apparently (other than space ships) there’s been no other technological development in 400 years! Furthermore the strategic decisions make no sense - there are obvious choke points everywhere - yet they’re always fighting in open space or backed against a planet - and math on acceleration doesn’t work - lastly as an American, the weak foolish position this Brit paints the USA in is laughable. 😂
April 23, 2021
Cracking read well paced full of full well rounded characters and carry on the adventures nicely keep going and I will keep reading . I've rated 5 stars as I've read it 3 times. 1st recommendation
Cracking read well paced full of full well rounded characters and carry on the adventures nicely keep going and I will keep reading . I've rated 5 stars as I've read it 3 times. 1st recommendation
Cracking read well paced full of full well rounded characters and carry on the adventures nicely keep going and I will keep reading . I've rated 5 stars as I've read it 3 times. 1st recommendation
December 25, 2020
Not as exciting as past books in the series, but it definitely picks up towards the end and gives me hope for the next few installments. Still cool to see the tides turn, but the Empire Rising tidbits since Book 1 kinda give away what’s going to happen with regards to the war. Still recommend reading the book! I’m looking forward to book 11!
February 22, 2022
Just finished the 10th book and it’s still going strong. A lot more players get to tell their own story and become more layered. Love the way the battles, both political as military are taking place. Actually I immediately opened book 11. I love it and shy away from the knowledge that I now have only 3 books left.
December 22, 2020
Awesome
Holmes never disappoints. I'd highly recommend this series to any fan of military Sci fi. An immense, indepth saga full of space battles and old fashioned heroism. Hat of to you Mr Holmes.
Holmes never disappoints. I'd highly recommend this series to any fan of military Sci fi. An immense, indepth saga full of space battles and old fashioned heroism. Hat of to you Mr Holmes.
December 28, 2020
Excellent Read!
I found this series a few months ago and read through them all in a matter of weeks. The characters are compelling and the story line is fast paced but easy to follow. All around an excellent read and I can't wait for the next one.
I found this series a few months ago and read through them all in a matter of weeks. The characters are compelling and the story line is fast paced but easy to follow. All around an excellent read and I can't wait for the next one.
January 20, 2021
Another awesome entry in the series
Another excellent entry in Holmes’ Empire Rising series. The book keeps you reading and does a great job of filtering out filler while hitting the plot points to advance the story
Another excellent entry in Holmes’ Empire Rising series. The book keeps you reading and does a great job of filtering out filler while hitting the plot points to advance the story
February 21, 2021
Reminds me of the politics of .my own country
I am glad James and Christine finally go together. I'm the future we may be faced with
H such N enemy. Book could be a primer for combat in spave
I am glad James and Christine finally go together. I'm the future we may be faced with
H such N enemy. Book could be a primer for combat in spave
February 28, 2021
One of the most inspiring storylines of my year
I love these types of books. The entire storyline pushed an expanding universe with hard work bad grit. Characters die. Exactly how a space faring empire is created.
I love these types of books. The entire storyline pushed an expanding universe with hard work bad grit. Characters die. Exactly how a space faring empire is created.
May 22, 2021
Loving it!
One of the best series I’ve read. Great characters that I want to know more and more about. Have #11 teed up and ready. The anticipation to see where the story goes is high. Start with book 1. You won’t be disappointed!
One of the best series I’ve read. Great characters that I want to know more and more about. Have #11 teed up and ready. The anticipation to see where the story goes is high. Start with book 1. You won’t be disappointed!
November 21, 2021
Wow!
I love this series! The characters are brave and honorable but not “inhumanly” so. There is sadness but commitment to eradicating their enemies. I’m not looking forward to the end.
I love this series! The characters are brave and honorable but not “inhumanly” so. There is sadness but commitment to eradicating their enemies. I’m not looking forward to the end.
January 15, 2022
Great series
Another good book in the series. Generally fast paced, gets a little slow sometimes with to much detail on characters feelings but it picks right back up. Can't wait to read the next book.
Another good book in the series. Generally fast paced, gets a little slow sometimes with to much detail on characters feelings but it picks right back up. Can't wait to read the next book.
July 21, 2022
The entire series has kept me in wrapt suspense and I am unable to put the books down. After this last book I am taking a short break before finishing the series. I highly recommend this compilation to any reader of sifi. It has been one of the best I have ever read.
May 15, 2023
Great series!
Great series! Evil aliens bent on ruling the Universe, brave humans and alien allies battling to the end! One word keeps popping up "whilst" new drinking game, every time you see it, take a drink!
Great series! Evil aliens bent on ruling the Universe, brave humans and alien allies battling to the end! One word keeps popping up "whilst" new drinking game, every time you see it, take a drink!
December 7, 2023
Great book
Avery fast paced read. We readers attended an Imperial wedding and Coronation. We also met the Males so and kicked some butt inside Karacknid borders. We also turned back an invasion, finally we met the heir. Don't pass this one up.
Avery fast paced read. We readers attended an Imperial wedding and Coronation. We also met the Males so and kicked some butt inside Karacknid borders. We also turned back an invasion, finally we met the heir. Don't pass this one up.
April 15, 2024
I’m afraid these books have lost some of their interest for me, the author feels he has to make each new battle bigger, or more cataclysmic, or both and the ridiculous last minute disasters have become the norm.
June 10, 2025
Good read.
This book fits the series well . There was a lot of action in the book both space battles and land battles plus they have found some new planets with some aliens that they hope will join in on their group of allies to help fight the highly numbered enemies.
This book fits the series well . There was a lot of action in the book both space battles and land battles plus they have found some new planets with some aliens that they hope will join in on their group of allies to help fight the highly numbered enemies.
September 14, 2025
the series and story climbs higher and higher
This is an amazing continuance of the arching storyline. Each book is better than the last. I keep looking back and the characters that were lost and looking forward to what is yet to come. Well done Mr Holmes.
This is an amazing continuance of the arching storyline. Each book is better than the last. I keep looking back and the characters that were lost and looking forward to what is yet to come. Well done Mr Holmes.
December 21, 2020
Best SciFy Military Series
This is another amazing installment in the best sci-fi series I have ever read. The character development and plot arks are captivating.
This is another amazing installment in the best sci-fi series I have ever read. The character development and plot arks are captivating.
December 21, 2020
Could not put it down
Had some issues with my wife :P. This series is so good that I will only add: please, do not even think of ending it, wife or not :)
Had some issues with my wife :P. This series is so good that I will only add: please, do not even think of ending it, wife or not :)
December 22, 2020
One of the best series
I have loved each book in the series. The tech is believable, the tactics exciting, and the characters become friends. Can't wait for the next book!
I have loved each book in the series. The tech is believable, the tactics exciting, and the characters become friends. Can't wait for the next book!
December 27, 2020
Great series
Another great addition to the series. Start from the beginning. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. A lot of edge of your seat action.
Another great addition to the series. Start from the beginning. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. A lot of edge of your seat action.
January 5, 2021
Yet another great book.
Another very good book in a very good series. Plenty of action and fleet actions in the the book. It is also clean with no profanity
Another very good book in a very good series. Plenty of action and fleet actions in the the book. It is also clean with no profanity
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews