What do you think?
Rate this book
The final fight for control of humanity begins now.
The United Terran Federation is on the brink of collapse after a devastating attack by the Eastern Star Alliance that has left four planets depopulated and uninhabitable. Terrified member worlds are fleeing from the Federation and the remnant of their once-mighty fleet has retreated to the last place they are welcome: Earth.
Out of options and time, the Federation turns to Admiral Jackson Wolfe and his new superweapon that could be the key to turning the tide of the war in their favor. Admiral Wolfe knows that no matter what, the fate of humanity will be decided in the coming battle.
Empire is the final book in the bestselling Black Fleet Saga.
The United Terran Federation is on the brink of collapse after a devastating attack by the Eastern Star Alliance that has left four planets depopulated and uninhabitable. Terrified member worlds are fleeing from the Federation and the remnant of their once-mighty fleet has retreated to the last place they are welcome: Earth.
Out of options and time, the Federation turns to Admiral Jackson Wolfe and his new superweapon that could be the key to turning the tide of the war in their favor. Admiral Wolfe knows that no matter what, the fate of humanity will be decided in the coming battle.
Empire is the final book in the bestselling Black Fleet Saga.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2022
306 people are currently reading
180 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 76 reviews
March 5, 2024
A truncated ending
The Unity uses the Abyss to ensure their final victory over the various remaining factions of humanity. Can Jackson Wolfe overcome this after the underhanded & vicious attacks that have taken place which have turned entire worlds into unimaginable devastation that murdered billions of innocent people?
The Unity uses the Abyss to ensure their final victory over the various remaining factions of humanity. Can Jackson Wolfe overcome this after the underhanded & vicious attacks that have taken place which have turned entire worlds into unimaginable devastation that murdered billions of innocent people?
December 21, 2024
And to us science fiction genre book lovers - a new hero is born. His name is Joshua Dalzelle. Why? He had the guts to actually bring a series to an end. I have started so many space sagas that then continue into perpetuity with what appears to be an attempt to make all their car payments. I am a fan of Joshua Dalzelle's writing - he is able to bring life to the characters he writes about and there is the intermix of human strengths and frailties with technology, including the evolution of AI and the inevitable moral questions that come with the application of AI into realms such as warfare.
I loved this series - he's not afraid to make bold moves with his characters (I'm trying very hard not to do spoilers so this is a very generalized review because I think you should read and enjoy this series). He adds so many little details that sometimes have me wondering if he somehow traveled to the time and places he writes about. Details about the starships that make me appreciate how well thought out the ships - strengths and weaknesses, some of the logistical things, operational items - without bogging us down into the theory behind why this or that may or may not work. It's just outright story and adventure.
I truly respect Mr. Dalzelle's decision to make this a story arc and bring to a conclusion. So much so I decided last night when I finished this book that I would write a long overdue review of this author and his skill. Thank you for the amazing adventure, sir - well done.
I loved this series - he's not afraid to make bold moves with his characters (I'm trying very hard not to do spoilers so this is a very generalized review because I think you should read and enjoy this series). He adds so many little details that sometimes have me wondering if he somehow traveled to the time and places he writes about. Details about the starships that make me appreciate how well thought out the ships - strengths and weaknesses, some of the logistical things, operational items - without bogging us down into the theory behind why this or that may or may not work. It's just outright story and adventure.
I truly respect Mr. Dalzelle's decision to make this a story arc and bring to a conclusion. So much so I decided last night when I finished this book that I would write a long overdue review of this author and his skill. Thank you for the amazing adventure, sir - well done.
March 17, 2022
Good Series, Weak Ending
The series beginning boasted alien invasion destroying humanity. And the first two trilogies lived up to this. However, the last trilogy was nothing more than two human political factions battling it out. The good news is that the science behind the battles and living in space are quite solid. Not the best…but certainly within reason. However, I bit into this series expecting the wonder of alien races and the problems they pose…not to see which humans win the political game. Still, the final trilogy was at least good at what it did…so it just squeaked by 4 stars.
The series beginning boasted alien invasion destroying humanity. And the first two trilogies lived up to this. However, the last trilogy was nothing more than two human political factions battling it out. The good news is that the science behind the battles and living in space are quite solid. Not the best…but certainly within reason. However, I bit into this series expecting the wonder of alien races and the problems they pose…not to see which humans win the political game. Still, the final trilogy was at least good at what it did…so it just squeaked by 4 stars.
December 11, 2022
Great characters and a strong ending. Too many series with great potential fail to deliver or a rushed to an unsatisfactory conclusion. Not this nine book series. The best science fiction series I've read focused on space combat.
The characters are interesting and complicated, but are fallible and believable. The plots and story is also interesting and plausible for the most part. The space combat action is superb.
I obviously really enjoyed these books and my hat off to the author. If I was to offer any constructive criticism it would be that this vision of the future is unimaginative and the least belieavable aspect. Despite being set in a future of an interstellar human empire it seems that politics, culture and what it means to be a human being has not changed at all. Sure the technology is more advanced, but it has not really changed society or how people live their lives.
The characters are interesting and complicated, but are fallible and believable. The plots and story is also interesting and plausible for the most part. The space combat action is superb.
I obviously really enjoyed these books and my hat off to the author. If I was to offer any constructive criticism it would be that this vision of the future is unimaginative and the least belieavable aspect. Despite being set in a future of an interstellar human empire it seems that politics, culture and what it means to be a human being has not changed at all. Sure the technology is more advanced, but it has not really changed society or how people live their lives.
September 21, 2024
A solid end to this trilogy of trilogies. The whole series was a bit uneven at times, but overall, I enjoyed following Wolf and the cast of characters and their space navy adventures against a variety of alien and human threats.
Overall, the series compares favorably to the earlier Honor Harrington books. Dalzelle manages some reasonable contrivances to keep Wolf involved in the shipboard action, rather than getting relegated to an outside political game. Kinda like how Kirk ends up back in the captain's chair in Star Trek 2 despite having been promoted to the Admiralty.
And, while it has epic space battles taking place across solar system sized battlescapes, it doesn't get bogged down in the minutiae of ship movements. This is another point where it compared favorably to Honor Harrington versus a few other space naval types books I've read.
Overall, the series compares favorably to the earlier Honor Harrington books. Dalzelle manages some reasonable contrivances to keep Wolf involved in the shipboard action, rather than getting relegated to an outside political game. Kinda like how Kirk ends up back in the captain's chair in Star Trek 2 despite having been promoted to the Admiralty.
And, while it has epic space battles taking place across solar system sized battlescapes, it doesn't get bogged down in the minutiae of ship movements. This is another point where it compared favorably to Honor Harrington versus a few other space naval types books I've read.
January 6, 2023
This is a fitting end to the 9 book Black Fleet Series. Captain Wolfe does what he needs to to bring humanity back together. It is full of space military action. The good guys win, and the bad guys get it in the end. This book was better than the previous book and did come to a satisfying conclusion. If space opera is your thing, I recommend this author.
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
July 25, 2023
I can’t say I enjoyed the book, and the other eight titles in the Black Fleet saga, but it was basically interesting if a little over the top. This genre encourages authors to lay waste to vast numbers of humanity for no real gain in the story.
I feel there too much repetition, caused by the author trying to enable a standalone book to be read in context of previous books. Too many characters are introduced with little relevance. What happened to Trapp, for instance? Editing is a problem, as I found too many inappropriate words, although they were spelt correctly. Overall, I’m not really sorry I read the books. Everything turned out well at the end, except for a few billion people.
I feel there too much repetition, caused by the author trying to enable a standalone book to be read in context of previous books. Too many characters are introduced with little relevance. What happened to Trapp, for instance? Editing is a problem, as I found too many inappropriate words, although they were spelt correctly. Overall, I’m not really sorry I read the books. Everything turned out well at the end, except for a few billion people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2022
Hope with a unified ‘Empire!’
Joshua Dalzelle took a great saga and turned it into a fantastic Sci-fi series that concludes with ‘Empire.’ Along the way he developed great believable characters led by a simple man who rose to a position of power he did not want but like many great military leaders rose to achieve greatness by standing firm to an honor code that was truly admirable. He accomplished this surrounded by some of the best humanity has to offer coupled with futuristic science and of course luck. It’s a book anyone who enjoy’s great Sci-fi would love to read!
Joshua Dalzelle took a great saga and turned it into a fantastic Sci-fi series that concludes with ‘Empire.’ Along the way he developed great believable characters led by a simple man who rose to a position of power he did not want but like many great military leaders rose to achieve greatness by standing firm to an honor code that was truly admirable. He accomplished this surrounded by some of the best humanity has to offer coupled with futuristic science and of course luck. It’s a book anyone who enjoy’s great Sci-fi would love to read!
July 20, 2025
He did it again!
I have enjoyed all of Falzelle's books. And I have to say that "Empire" will always hold a special place in my heart. The descriptions or the battle actions were dead on and the author wasn't afraid to interject raw emotion into his work and does so, in my opinion, far better than most of today's SF writers . My wife and I ( who are both retired aerospace engineers ) especially loved the ending. So as I I have said in my prior reviews "Thank You" for the "Experience!"
I have enjoyed all of Falzelle's books. And I have to say that "Empire" will always hold a special place in my heart. The descriptions or the battle actions were dead on and the author wasn't afraid to interject raw emotion into his work and does so, in my opinion, far better than most of today's SF writers . My wife and I ( who are both retired aerospace engineers ) especially loved the ending. So as I I have said in my prior reviews "Thank You" for the "Experience!"
April 5, 2022
Have really enjoyed all 9 books in the Black Fleet series and this was a decent ending, though perhaps not as strong as some of the other books. It was a shame Pike and Celesta were sidelined so much and the final battle ended up feeling like a bit of an anticlimax. However, there were some genuinely shocking moments and a deserving ending for the characters, even if everything did seem to fall into place a little too neatly in the end.
June 2, 2022
4.5 stars
What an end to a saga that I have been invested in since picking up the first book! It is very bittersweet to see all of these characters for the last time and Mr. Dalzelle has done an incredible job with this story in my opinion. Really the only thing I have to say on the negative side is there are a few areas that the editor/proofreader was asleep at the wheel but that is a small complaint.
Thank you Joshua Dalzelle for the Blackfleet Saga!
What an end to a saga that I have been invested in since picking up the first book! It is very bittersweet to see all of these characters for the last time and Mr. Dalzelle has done an incredible job with this story in my opinion. Really the only thing I have to say on the negative side is there are a few areas that the editor/proofreader was asleep at the wheel but that is a small complaint.
Thank you Joshua Dalzelle for the Blackfleet Saga!
November 8, 2023
This trilogy has been well written. I very much enjoy Dalzelle's style, but did find this series to be so utterly bleak. I had to ask myself if I wanted to finish it because the behavior of almost everyone except the main protagonist is so severely disappointing. I am VERY much looking forward to returning to Omega Force when more of them come out. I always feel an order of magnitude more satisfied.
March 7, 2022
Solid ending
This book is a solid ending to a great series. It really does comes full circle. Though I have to say that earth, as I remember it from the first book, did seem more of a sh*thole than what it is made out to be now.
Dalzelle is a solid writer that knows how to construct compelling characters that the reader gets invested in.
This book is a solid ending to a great series. It really does comes full circle. Though I have to say that earth, as I remember it from the first book, did seem more of a sh*thole than what it is made out to be now.
Dalzelle is a solid writer that knows how to construct compelling characters that the reader gets invested in.
March 15, 2022
A series that all sci fi fans will love
The whole series is very well written with a great story and even better characters. To be honest, I found it hard to put the book down and will miss reading more of these characters. Thank you Mr Dalzelle for a great series and will be looking forward to reading more of your stories.
The whole series is very well written with a great story and even better characters. To be honest, I found it hard to put the book down and will miss reading more of these characters. Thank you Mr Dalzelle for a great series and will be looking forward to reading more of your stories.
March 17, 2022
A good finale.
A good ending to an excellent series. I say good, as there is no such thing as a excellent ending to an excellent series, as the ending itself cannot be excellent.
While I would like to see more of ADM Wolfe, I realize that anymore books would probably be seen as just a tack on to make more money. I am content with what I have read.
A good ending to an excellent series. I say good, as there is no such thing as a excellent ending to an excellent series, as the ending itself cannot be excellent.
While I would like to see more of ADM Wolfe, I realize that anymore books would probably be seen as just a tack on to make more money. I am content with what I have read.
March 23, 2022
excellent conclusion to the series.
Really good book it finished off with a bang. Started fast, finish fast, great space fleet action. Good mix of characters. If you haven’t read the series you should, at least you won’t have to wait for any of the books since the whole series is done. Don’t miss this one read it.
Really good book it finished off with a bang. Started fast, finish fast, great space fleet action. Good mix of characters. If you haven’t read the series you should, at least you won’t have to wait for any of the books since the whole series is done. Don’t miss this one read it.
March 27, 2022
Great book
I've read them all in order over several years. Really outstanding, Joshua Dalzelle has done an amazing job with this series. I will miss all the characters and their adventures. Looking forward to the next installments to OF and Marine. I so enjoy the authors stories,please keep writing such entertaining books.
I've read them all in order over several years. Really outstanding, Joshua Dalzelle has done an amazing job with this series. I will miss all the characters and their adventures. Looking forward to the next installments to OF and Marine. I so enjoy the authors stories,please keep writing such entertaining books.
April 26, 2022
A True Masterpiece!
The 3 series saga by Mr Dalzelle is a true literary masterpiece. Wolfe is brought to life in the mind of the reader in a way that makes you feel as though you really know him. A truly outstanding work of art by an author reminiscent of Heinlein. Bravo and well done!
The 3 series saga by Mr Dalzelle is a true literary masterpiece. Wolfe is brought to life in the mind of the reader in a way that makes you feel as though you really know him. A truly outstanding work of art by an author reminiscent of Heinlein. Bravo and well done!
April 26, 2022
The end of an era
I have looked forward and enjoyed ever book in the unification trilogy. I am so sad that it's at an end. But what a way to go, goodbye Jackson Wolff, it has been a pleasure to follow you. Who knows maybe one of your children will take up a new adventure.
Josh Danielle, i look forward to our next adventure in space.
I have looked forward and enjoyed ever book in the unification trilogy. I am so sad that it's at an end. But what a way to go, goodbye Jackson Wolff, it has been a pleasure to follow you. Who knows maybe one of your children will take up a new adventure.
Josh Danielle, i look forward to our next adventure in space.
September 12, 2022
One neck of a Series
I was going to write this long review about how amazing this series is and what a great job the author did but I decided to let you be the judge of that. Just read the first book in the series and a gar- ron- tee you will find out for yourself what a fine series this is. I gar- ron-tee it.
I was going to write this long review about how amazing this series is and what a great job the author did but I decided to let you be the judge of that. Just read the first book in the series and a gar- ron- tee you will find out for yourself what a fine series this is. I gar- ron-tee it.
May 31, 2023
Great read
Really enjoyed this series, read them straight through. Jackson Wolfe is the hero we all want to root for. I'm not looking for complex literature. I want a story to enjoy and a hero that pulls me into the tale. This series has that and more. Going to miss the journey, but it had to end eventually, thank you Joshua.
Really enjoyed this series, read them straight through. Jackson Wolfe is the hero we all want to root for. I'm not looking for complex literature. I want a story to enjoy and a hero that pulls me into the tale. This series has that and more. Going to miss the journey, but it had to end eventually, thank you Joshua.
July 18, 2024
This is the conclusion of an exciting trilogy. The entire series kept me turning pages! The characters are well developed, and very relatable. The storyline is outstanding, building in both speed and complexity. I highly recommend this series.
I've read several of Dalzelle's novels, and he's never disappointed me.
I've read several of Dalzelle's novels, and he's never disappointed me.
October 14, 2025
Really like the series, have some mixed feelings about the final book. A little too much of `a miracle happens` vs. a solid conclusion to the series.
These last three books are very dark - which is OK - but the ending feels forced and disingenuous in terms of why one side should win over another.
These last three books are very dark - which is OK - but the ending feels forced and disingenuous in terms of why one side should win over another.
March 4, 2022
Great read....
I really enjoyed this book. I've read all of the books in this series and enjoyed them all. I really liked the story line and the characters. I will miss this series. I just hope a new player will be in the future!
I really enjoyed this book. I've read all of the books in this series and enjoyed them all. I really liked the story line and the characters. I will miss this series. I just hope a new player will be in the future!
March 12, 2022
Admiral Jackson Wolfe continues the fight, as the enemy attacks from within leaving him isolated up against a bigger force with a new secret weapon. Another good story, that brings an end to the nine book series.
March 27, 2022
Glorious ending
Dalzelle really managed to tie up the threads in a, for lack of words, glorious way. im still sitting here half an hour after finishing the book, thinking of planet destroying impacts and whatnot. And dreaming of a day we can manipulate gravity.
Dalzelle really managed to tie up the threads in a, for lack of words, glorious way. im still sitting here half an hour after finishing the book, thinking of planet destroying impacts and whatnot. And dreaming of a day we can manipulate gravity.
April 16, 2022
Kept me on the edge of my seat until the end! Great Series Closer
I would love to have another trilogy, however this was the best time & ending for the final trilogy. Very well done.
I would love to have another trilogy, however this was the best time & ending for the final trilogy. Very well done.
April 30, 2022
An entertaining series
For being such a long series overall it would be reasonable to expect the odd one to be slightly below par; but non of them are, they just keep getting better.. A great series, engaging, interesting and well written.
For being such a long series overall it would be reasonable to expect the odd one to be slightly below par; but non of them are, they just keep getting better.. A great series, engaging, interesting and well written.
May 31, 2022
A satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, Empire wraps everything up in a neat little bow. There’s nothing exceptional here, but there’s also nothing too demanding - making it a light, enjoyable, read.
June 3, 2022
a fitting end to a great series
Josh has finished off a well written series, he had all the characters playing their parts the shocking assassination of a key figure was a surprise a great story to finish the trilogy.
Josh has finished off a well written series, he had all the characters playing their parts the shocking assassination of a key figure was a surprise a great story to finish the trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews