What do you think?
Rate this book
Empire Rising #14
The Burden of Command
For twenty years Humanity has enjoyed an uneasy peace after the Battle of Gayla and the death of the Karacknid Imperator. His death caused the Karacknid Empire to collapse into a bitter civil war. Yet Emperor Somerville is certain the peace will not last. Tanaka-lan is one of three contenders left vying for the title of Imperator, and James knows that if he wins, the flames of war will ignite once again.
The Human Empire has not squandered the respite it was given. Fleets have been rebuilt and defenses put in place. Yet a new generation of Imperial citizens has grown up who have known only peace. They are growing restless with the burden of Imperial taxes, and secession is on the lips of many. Just when it seems the Karacknid civil war is coming to an end, James is confronted by the prospect that his own Empire may fall to infighting and divisions. Faced with threats from within and without, he and Christine must rely on a new cadre of Imperial naval officers to keep the peace. Officers who must learn for themselves the true Burden of Command.
The Human Empire has not squandered the respite it was given. Fleets have been rebuilt and defenses put in place. Yet a new generation of Imperial citizens has grown up who have known only peace. They are growing restless with the burden of Imperial taxes, and secession is on the lips of many. Just when it seems the Karacknid civil war is coming to an end, James is confronted by the prospect that his own Empire may fall to infighting and divisions. Faced with threats from within and without, he and Christine must rely on a new cadre of Imperial naval officers to keep the peace. Officers who must learn for themselves the true Burden of Command.
557 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2022
234 people are currently reading
25 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 35 reviews
December 21, 2023
Continue's to satisfy
An amazing series that continues to satisfy. Keeping my attention until the end. only 4 more books until the finish
An amazing series that continues to satisfy. Keeping my attention until the end. only 4 more books until the finish
May 24, 2023
Ok, this is a long running series. I think it possibly should have ended with book 13, but here's book 14 already. It's now twenty years since the last action with the Karacknids. Peace has reigned throughout the human empire while the Karacknids have been fighting their internal civil war. They are, fortunately, still at it with at least three warlords still fighting for the position of Imperator. It is feared by the humans, that once the civil war is settled, the Karacknids will once again turn towards conquering all of humanity.
Emperor James and Empress Christine Somerville have been busy doing what married couples do and that is having children! Their children are growing up fast and starting upon careers of their own. Their two eldest are already part of the military with Jonathan serving in the Navy on a starship far away from the northern borders defending against a Karacknid invasion. He's relatively save or at least his parents thing so at this time. Their next youngest, daughter Georgia, has a nack for flying and is now a fleet fighter pilot serving with a fleet patrolling the southern borders of the empire. It is hoped that neither of their children will ever come in harms way, but that is the wish of every parent no matter who they are. Most wishes don't come true!
While the Karacknids have been busy fighting each other, Emperor and Admiral James Somerville has been trying to build a new fleet capable of standing toe-to-toe with anything the Karacknids might through at them in the future. He knows that future will come, just not when. So, he has had the Empire busy building military starships by the thousands. They are not yet there and that has him worried. He needs to push his shipbuilding industrial base harder to complete more ships and get them into the fleet. Most all of the Empire's industrial might is located in the southern sphere far away from the Karacknid borders. They were spared much of the devastation that even Earth underwent during the last war. But now, those same planets are causing a problem of their own.
There is a movement among a number of the souther planets that wants to succeed from the Empire. They feel they are under an unfair tax burden and want to manage their own affairs. Yet, it is clear that they alone couldn't stand against any type of aggressive alien civilization, but most of the leaders of these worlds don't believe such an attack will ever come. So they have told the Emperor and Empress they are succeeding! Not asked or requested, the told them they were leaving. Strangely, there is no provision for an kind of succession from the Empire in the existing constitution.
Obviously, James and Christine aren't going to let them just walk away. They have invested untold billions on these planets building vast orbiting industrial complexes above these planets. The Empire cannot afford to just let them leave because they want to. It would make a devastating blow to their preparations for another Karacknid invastion. Additionally, it's not know if the people of these planets really want to succeed. There doesn't seem to have been any kind of votes taken by the supposed leaders of each planet to show that succession is that popular. And it actually appears this may only be a scheme by a powerful industrialist to gain more power and wealth all for himself. So how is the Empire going to stop this successsionist movement?
Well, remember the Flex-aor? They are still around although, they are supposed to be contained on their home planet with Empire starships watching over them. But, that's just not the case. Oh, and by the way, the Flex-aor are located along the southern borders of the Empire right near where the successionist planets are located.
Meanwhile, the eldest son of James and Christine has been managing his Naval career, as short as it has been, under an assumed name. He goes by Jake Jackson and no one knows he's the son of the Emperor and Empress and the heir to the thrown. So how safe can he really be considering his Captain will use him just like any other weapon in her fleet?
Pretty interesting story although young Somerville makes some pretty dumb moves but comes out pretty well even doing so. And his parents find out that they can no longer protect their children any more than any other parent in the Empire. They are going to have to fight as they have been trained.
Believe it or not, this series isn't finished, although I think it should be. Book 15, "Into the Breach" is available on Amazon and I'm adding it to my reading list.
Emperor James and Empress Christine Somerville have been busy doing what married couples do and that is having children! Their children are growing up fast and starting upon careers of their own. Their two eldest are already part of the military with Jonathan serving in the Navy on a starship far away from the northern borders defending against a Karacknid invasion. He's relatively save or at least his parents thing so at this time. Their next youngest, daughter Georgia, has a nack for flying and is now a fleet fighter pilot serving with a fleet patrolling the southern borders of the empire. It is hoped that neither of their children will ever come in harms way, but that is the wish of every parent no matter who they are. Most wishes don't come true!
While the Karacknids have been busy fighting each other, Emperor and Admiral James Somerville has been trying to build a new fleet capable of standing toe-to-toe with anything the Karacknids might through at them in the future. He knows that future will come, just not when. So, he has had the Empire busy building military starships by the thousands. They are not yet there and that has him worried. He needs to push his shipbuilding industrial base harder to complete more ships and get them into the fleet. Most all of the Empire's industrial might is located in the southern sphere far away from the Karacknid borders. They were spared much of the devastation that even Earth underwent during the last war. But now, those same planets are causing a problem of their own.
There is a movement among a number of the souther planets that wants to succeed from the Empire. They feel they are under an unfair tax burden and want to manage their own affairs. Yet, it is clear that they alone couldn't stand against any type of aggressive alien civilization, but most of the leaders of these worlds don't believe such an attack will ever come. So they have told the Emperor and Empress they are succeeding! Not asked or requested, the told them they were leaving. Strangely, there is no provision for an kind of succession from the Empire in the existing constitution.
Obviously, James and Christine aren't going to let them just walk away. They have invested untold billions on these planets building vast orbiting industrial complexes above these planets. The Empire cannot afford to just let them leave because they want to. It would make a devastating blow to their preparations for another Karacknid invastion. Additionally, it's not know if the people of these planets really want to succeed. There doesn't seem to have been any kind of votes taken by the supposed leaders of each planet to show that succession is that popular. And it actually appears this may only be a scheme by a powerful industrialist to gain more power and wealth all for himself. So how is the Empire going to stop this successsionist movement?
Well, remember the Flex-aor? They are still around although, they are supposed to be contained on their home planet with Empire starships watching over them. But, that's just not the case. Oh, and by the way, the Flex-aor are located along the southern borders of the Empire right near where the successionist planets are located.
Meanwhile, the eldest son of James and Christine has been managing his Naval career, as short as it has been, under an assumed name. He goes by Jake Jackson and no one knows he's the son of the Emperor and Empress and the heir to the thrown. So how safe can he really be considering his Captain will use him just like any other weapon in her fleet?
Pretty interesting story although young Somerville makes some pretty dumb moves but comes out pretty well even doing so. And his parents find out that they can no longer protect their children any more than any other parent in the Empire. They are going to have to fight as they have been trained.
Believe it or not, this series isn't finished, although I think it should be. Book 15, "Into the Breach" is available on Amazon and I'm adding it to my reading list.
May 26, 2022
This books is a great piece of military science fiction. It is the 14th book in the Empire Rising series by D. J. Holmes. The entire series has been very good. As with most series there have been some ups and downs but the majority of the books in the series have been staying at four stars or above.
I did feel a bit worried in the first third of the book since there was a lot of politics and scheming going on. Something that I absolutely despise. Especially the kind of bullshit where left wing politicians wants to divert money from the defense of, in this case, humanity so they can buy more votes at home. Politicians that are, as always, too bloody stupid to realize that just because the enemy is not knocking on the doorstep at this very moment it doesn’t mean that the danger is not there.
Of course they are quickly proven wrong the hard way. As is always the case with the left wing politicians they are also not really doing what they are doing for “the people” but for their own benefit so the initial scheming are truly despicable.
What saves the book is for one thing that these asshats are not left around to fester for too long and for another thing that they way they are dealt with allows the main characters to shine when it comes to the moral high ground as well as their competence as military commanders.
The book is very well written with good story, excellent characters and good military strategies and action. It is one thing that I have liked in every book in the series. The quality of the writing is perhaps even more impressing when you take into account that it is not exactly a lightweight volume. The book weighs in at 557 pages which is quite above the average for novels today. It is not unusual for this writer though. The previous book in the series had a whooping 746 pages. Fortunately, unlike another famous author I know, this author doesn’t fill the story with endless dialogue and talk, talk, talk. It is a well balanced book.
The book is really the first book in a new story arc in the Empire Rising universe. Once the first crisis is averted and the political asshats have been dealt with there are some discoveries by our heroic main protagonist which leads to an unexpected twist and… Well, I don’t want to spoil the story but let’s just say that a rather large load of waste products was just dumped onto a rather large fan. The Karacknids are not the only race out there after all.
The journey that the book takes us on is filled with very likable characters (asshat politicians excluded of course), mysteries, discoveries and lots of action ranging from simple boarding operations, marine operations to large scale naval battles.
This is how military science fiction and space opera should be. The only gripe I have is that now I probably have to wait quite a while for the next one in the series. Especially in view of the fact that these are not exactly small novellas and, I would assume, takes some time to write.
I did feel a bit worried in the first third of the book since there was a lot of politics and scheming going on. Something that I absolutely despise. Especially the kind of bullshit where left wing politicians wants to divert money from the defense of, in this case, humanity so they can buy more votes at home. Politicians that are, as always, too bloody stupid to realize that just because the enemy is not knocking on the doorstep at this very moment it doesn’t mean that the danger is not there.
Of course they are quickly proven wrong the hard way. As is always the case with the left wing politicians they are also not really doing what they are doing for “the people” but for their own benefit so the initial scheming are truly despicable.
What saves the book is for one thing that these asshats are not left around to fester for too long and for another thing that they way they are dealt with allows the main characters to shine when it comes to the moral high ground as well as their competence as military commanders.
The book is very well written with good story, excellent characters and good military strategies and action. It is one thing that I have liked in every book in the series. The quality of the writing is perhaps even more impressing when you take into account that it is not exactly a lightweight volume. The book weighs in at 557 pages which is quite above the average for novels today. It is not unusual for this writer though. The previous book in the series had a whooping 746 pages. Fortunately, unlike another famous author I know, this author doesn’t fill the story with endless dialogue and talk, talk, talk. It is a well balanced book.
The book is really the first book in a new story arc in the Empire Rising universe. Once the first crisis is averted and the political asshats have been dealt with there are some discoveries by our heroic main protagonist which leads to an unexpected twist and… Well, I don’t want to spoil the story but let’s just say that a rather large load of waste products was just dumped onto a rather large fan. The Karacknids are not the only race out there after all.
The journey that the book takes us on is filled with very likable characters (asshat politicians excluded of course), mysteries, discoveries and lots of action ranging from simple boarding operations, marine operations to large scale naval battles.
This is how military science fiction and space opera should be. The only gripe I have is that now I probably have to wait quite a while for the next one in the series. Especially in view of the fact that these are not exactly small novellas and, I would assume, takes some time to write.
June 4, 2022
superb book and series (just wait a few more books before you start reading series to delay disappointment this you have to wait for next book to be written before you can read next one!)
Been on this earth for 44 years and counting and read a fair few books and series. This author is at the top of his game. Read first 5 books and in this series a few years ago and decided to wait a few more years before continuing, so stopped for the only reason that sensed there were a lot more books to come and wanted a decent amount to be written before continued as were so good didn’t want to only have one book at a time to read. Was not disappointed. Completely rewarded. I have twin babies aged 2 and sometimes think what books I’ll recommend them to read when they of an age to appreciate books and to give them an insight to what books their old man really enjoys. This series will be at the top of that list of books. Great character development, plot twists, good battle descriptions, foresightful deep planning on multi-book storyline arcs, just a thoroughly thoroughly professional job. Only slight criticism of this book and series is that, as common with space marine / space navy type books, here there is always a bigger foe to fight after you tamed the last one, which can be tiresome. Although here, transition from last for to next done well, and never mind that pattern is a enough like life to not really matter.
Been on this earth for 44 years and counting and read a fair few books and series. This author is at the top of his game. Read first 5 books and in this series a few years ago and decided to wait a few more years before continuing, so stopped for the only reason that sensed there were a lot more books to come and wanted a decent amount to be written before continued as were so good didn’t want to only have one book at a time to read. Was not disappointed. Completely rewarded. I have twin babies aged 2 and sometimes think what books I’ll recommend them to read when they of an age to appreciate books and to give them an insight to what books their old man really enjoys. This series will be at the top of that list of books. Great character development, plot twists, good battle descriptions, foresightful deep planning on multi-book storyline arcs, just a thoroughly thoroughly professional job. Only slight criticism of this book and series is that, as common with space marine / space navy type books, here there is always a bigger foe to fight after you tamed the last one, which can be tiresome. Although here, transition from last for to next done well, and never mind that pattern is a enough like life to not really matter.
April 21, 2024
I almost decided to give up on this series, but I hoped the author would take the opportunity to do a reset and go back to the early books and to some extent this did happen for a while with Jonathon’s story.
However there was still the problem of the author forgetting what he had already written, why after 20yrs of development and incorporating all the technology of their different allies, are the imperial ships and weapon systems worse than they were after defeating the Karacknids?
Unfortunately by the end of the book we were back to a story dominated by ‘numbers’, with the ’More is Better’ syndrome. Plus not only are the Karacknids still a threat, but we have the return of previously vanquished foe and a brand new group of aliens that are manipulating everybody.
The author is also moving into the realms of fantasy with mind control over millions of miles and shape shifting aliens.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
However there was still the problem of the author forgetting what he had already written, why after 20yrs of development and incorporating all the technology of their different allies, are the imperial ships and weapon systems worse than they were after defeating the Karacknids?
Unfortunately by the end of the book we were back to a story dominated by ‘numbers’, with the ’More is Better’ syndrome. Plus not only are the Karacknids still a threat, but we have the return of previously vanquished foe and a brand new group of aliens that are manipulating everybody.
The author is also moving into the realms of fantasy with mind control over millions of miles and shape shifting aliens.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
September 23, 2025
great series flawed by typos and editing errors
It’s book 14, if you are this far along, you are not likely to be reading reviews.
It’s a solid series, but it desperately needs an editor to fix, typos, grammar, and the meanings of words.
Floating space mines can be seeding in an area, it is unlikely a commander would ever cede them to their enemy however.
The problems are never major, just enough to pull me out of the story and make me lose my train of thought.
The problems are however consistent, no single book in the series so far has not had an error of some sort.
In book 14 an enemy ship is described as a destroyer and a freighter on the same page.
Good series, the author does well to maintain believable stories that build suspense, it just has these let downs.
It’s book 14, if you are this far along, you are not likely to be reading reviews.
It’s a solid series, but it desperately needs an editor to fix, typos, grammar, and the meanings of words.
Floating space mines can be seeding in an area, it is unlikely a commander would ever cede them to their enemy however.
The problems are never major, just enough to pull me out of the story and make me lose my train of thought.
The problems are however consistent, no single book in the series so far has not had an error of some sort.
In book 14 an enemy ship is described as a destroyer and a freighter on the same page.
Good series, the author does well to maintain believable stories that build suspense, it just has these let downs.
May 31, 2022
Burden of Command never lessen
This time includes a certain family members going into deep exploration and finding out the truth about the hated enemy is over or will rekindle?
Oh boy boy, this book got me so revved up just like every one of the other Empire Rising's installment. Iknow some people would think this serie too long but did people ever think that the Star Trek was too long with eeach new tv serie? each new movie? No. I beg of you, dear reader. Just emjoy the ride of Empire Rising. You just might learn a thing or two in these books.
Thanks, DJ Holmes for an amazing book. New chapter in the Sommervuile's life.
This time includes a certain family members going into deep exploration and finding out the truth about the hated enemy is over or will rekindle?
Oh boy boy, this book got me so revved up just like every one of the other Empire Rising's installment. Iknow some people would think this serie too long but did people ever think that the Star Trek was too long with eeach new tv serie? each new movie? No. I beg of you, dear reader. Just emjoy the ride of Empire Rising. You just might learn a thing or two in these books.
Thanks, DJ Holmes for an amazing book. New chapter in the Sommervuile's life.
August 21, 2022
The book has potential and is a strong opening to the next chapter of this series but so many little flaws took me out of it. There was one paragraph where a semi main character has their name spelt 3 different ways. That lack of attention to detail is disappointing. Also there are war math issues that never add up. Fleet numbers change at will as if we can’t add the math up ourselves. While it doesn’t affect the story these type of things pull me out of the reading
May 29, 2022
Very well written novel. Lots of suspense and new characters while others
continue to mature and evolve. Now all kinds of new combatants are entering
the story. What's next??
Only complaint is that some times that the character thoughts and past
memories dragged on for pages and became mundane.
continue to mature and evolve. Now all kinds of new combatants are entering
the story. What's next??
Only complaint is that some times that the character thoughts and past
memories dragged on for pages and became mundane.
June 1, 2022
Continued Excellence
New and old threats for the humanity. I would think with all of their allies' technology married together, humanity would have an even greater tech advantage now than even the Karacknids. This is a minor gripe for me. I greatly enjoyed the book and the entire series to date. Highly recommended for military sci-fi fans.
New and old threats for the humanity. I would think with all of their allies' technology married together, humanity would have an even greater tech advantage now than even the Karacknids. This is a minor gripe for me. I greatly enjoyed the book and the entire series to date. Highly recommended for military sci-fi fans.
July 4, 2022
the story goes on, and more is revealed
We see the next generation of the imperial family come into their own
Old enemies come back
New enemies are hinted at
Then the hidden (to this point) puppet masters make an appearance at the end
Great pace, great characters and a continuing great story
We see the next generation of the imperial family come into their own
Old enemies come back
New enemies are hinted at
Then the hidden (to this point) puppet masters make an appearance at the end
Great pace, great characters and a continuing great story
August 11, 2022
You strong characters are being introduced all the time
The burden of command. One of the toughest things about military commander or any leader is the responsibilities they have for their people leadership isn't about making Lori for yourself but being able to do the best for your people.
The burden of command. One of the toughest things about military commander or any leader is the responsibilities they have for their people leadership isn't about making Lori for yourself but being able to do the best for your people.
February 25, 2023
and yet another great one
This has been a very well written storyline from the start. Am always eagerly awaiting the next book. Just wish more time was spent on editing and proofreading before publication. So irritating to have so many errors and misspellings to have to read past. Please, set some standards for your work.
This has been a very well written storyline from the start. Am always eagerly awaiting the next book. Just wish more time was spent on editing and proofreading before publication. So irritating to have so many errors and misspellings to have to read past. Please, set some standards for your work.
July 6, 2025
Good read.
This book was full of excitement , a lot happened in this one . The Earth's colonies have found that a once powerful enemy that they were watching is more powerful then they thought and that they were not watching them close enough and they found out that they might have even more enemies out there than they thought . Have to wait and see.
This book was full of excitement , a lot happened in this one . The Earth's colonies have found that a once powerful enemy that they were watching is more powerful then they thought and that they were not watching them close enough and they found out that they might have even more enemies out there than they thought . Have to wait and see.
May 28, 2022
greatest series
This pains me when Amazon does not do it’s job of tracking my likes. Almost missed this books release and spent every second reading this book over doing my daily routine. 5 out 5 stars just perfect
This pains me when Amazon does not do it’s job of tracking my likes. Almost missed this books release and spent every second reading this book over doing my daily routine. 5 out 5 stars just perfect
May 29, 2022
The Action Keeps Going
Each book in the series keeps getting better and better. The twist at the end was very unexpected but set up the future of the series moving forward.
Solid character development of the existing characters and we'll thought out new characters.
Each book in the series keeps getting better and better. The twist at the end was very unexpected but set up the future of the series moving forward.
Solid character development of the existing characters and we'll thought out new characters.
June 7, 2022
a new series
I was afraid it would disappoint me but both the revival of an old enemy, the internal struggles, but mostly the appearance of a new entity has made this a very promising start of the new series.
I was afraid it would disappoint me but both the revival of an old enemy, the internal struggles, but mostly the appearance of a new entity has made this a very promising start of the new series.
June 10, 2022
Excellent addition to the series.
Excellent addition to the series technology growth cast growth and shadowy enemies every thing a reader could want .
One star missed because nothing is perfect .
Roll on the next one looking forward to it .
Excellent addition to the series technology growth cast growth and shadowy enemies every thing a reader could want .
One star missed because nothing is perfect .
Roll on the next one looking forward to it .
June 30, 2022
Continue On
Another exiting read. One could be forgiven for thinking that 14 books in you'd become bored but no. Each book is as refreshing as the previous one with new twists and turns. Keep it going.
Another exiting read. One could be forgiven for thinking that 14 books in you'd become bored but no. Each book is as refreshing as the previous one with new twists and turns. Keep it going.
January 6, 2023
Never a chore.
Great pace,always a cracking read with a whole host of excellent characters good and bad with enough plot surprises to satisfy even Sherlock,always leaves you looking forward with anticipation for the next episode............next Saturday 9pm or so.
Great pace,always a cracking read with a whole host of excellent characters good and bad with enough plot surprises to satisfy even Sherlock,always leaves you looking forward with anticipation for the next episode............next Saturday 9pm or so.
April 20, 2023
Good continuation of the series
This seemed like a good transition book that introduced and expanded on several characters who will play significant roles in future books. It also set the stage for additional plots and alien encounters.
This seemed like a good transition book that introduced and expanded on several characters who will play significant roles in future books. It also set the stage for additional plots and alien encounters.
March 12, 2024
Exciting even after 14 books!!!
Every time finishing Empire Rising books I think all has been said and each plot twist has been dealt with, but still the author brings up something fresh and interesting. Cannot wait to start the next book!
Every time finishing Empire Rising books I think all has been said and each plot twist has been dealt with, but still the author brings up something fresh and interesting. Cannot wait to start the next book!
June 3, 2022
Far reaching
Great read, can't wait for the next installment, seems D. J. HAS A never ending saga for us. Incredible vision to create this all.
Great read, can't wait for the next installment, seems D. J. HAS A never ending saga for us. Incredible vision to create this all.
June 3, 2022
Excellent story......I'm thrilled and very impressed.
June 4, 2022
Very good read
This book moves along at a very good pace. Sometimes you are running just to keep up.
I really recommend the whole series they are all very good
This book moves along at a very good pace. Sometimes you are running just to keep up.
I really recommend the whole series they are all very good
Read
June 12, 2022Very enjoyable.
Am enjoying this series of books from 1 to 14, looking forward to number 15. It was good to see the next generation of the Somervilles expanding the storyline.
Am enjoying this series of books from 1 to 14, looking forward to number 15. It was good to see the next generation of the Somervilles expanding the storyline.
June 16, 2022
Excellent.
The final, even if not so completely unexpected do put a nice turn on the series. Can't wait for the next one.
The final, even if not so completely unexpected do put a nice turn on the series. Can't wait for the next one.
July 18, 2022
Another great book
The story arc gets deeper and the various threads are starting to combine.
Well worth a read and a solid addition to the series
The story arc gets deeper and the various threads are starting to combine.
Well worth a read and a solid addition to the series
July 25, 2022
love this series
I love this series please keep them coming. I cannot put the series down each time a new book comes out
I love this series please keep them coming. I cannot put the series down each time a new book comes out
August 9, 2022
wow here we go again
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the ocean of space, all sorts of new threats appear. I love, love, love this series.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the ocean of space, all sorts of new threats appear. I love, love, love this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews