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The Fae Wars: Onslaught
What would you do if America and the world were invaded tomorrow by a relentless and brutal enemy?In an alternate 2015, a US Army Special Forces Team, part of the legendary black ops unit "Delta", is in midtown Manhattan to take out a Chinese spy and his handlers, sending a message short of outright conflict. All goes smoothly until they find themselves in a full blown shooting war through the canyons of the City. Portals from another world have opened in Central Park, making a way for figures out of historical nightmare to invade. The Fae, creatures banished from Earth thousands of years ago and now only part of our legends, have returned with Dragon fire, spell and sword to conquer and take revenge.The first volume of The Fae Wars covers Team Three, G squadron, Special Forces Detachment (Delta) as they fight their way off Manhattan and then join the defense of the refugees as the Fae assault the bridges. The fabled 69th Infantry puts up an epic fight against superior weaponry and then the war descends into the asymmetric hell that the Delta Operators know so well. Along the way they find new allies and old powers that come to their aid.
305 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2021
325 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Holmes
77 books75 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 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 15, 2021
Surprisingly enjoyable modern military v fantasy mash-up
I liked the unusual premise of this story but it could easily have gone awry. Probably achieved by structuring the story more like scifi alien invasion apocalypse books (Note I'm normally a scifi reader rather than fantasy, your tastes may vary)
Fortunately the author navigates it well and creates an interesting story without relying on cheesy tropes. Characters behave realistically, even appropriately acknowledging and reacting to the bonkers sight of a magical fantasy army. It also doesn't fall into the traps of many fantasy novels in and over complicate the magic system or turn it into a simplistic MacGuffin that does what ever the plot needs. Instead while it remains mysterious and gradually explored (as it should) you still get a sense over time of its limitations too.
My only real complaint is the proof reading, a handful of small errors initially but about 3/4 in it becomes increasingly common. Fortunately it doesn't ruin the story as it's obvious what was intended as its generally single letters changing the word (eg as vs a, lightning vs lightening etc) and there was only one unimportant sentence where I had trouble understanding it.
Over all thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next instalment. Highly recommend.
I liked the unusual premise of this story but it could easily have gone awry. Probably achieved by structuring the story more like scifi alien invasion apocalypse books (Note I'm normally a scifi reader rather than fantasy, your tastes may vary)
Fortunately the author navigates it well and creates an interesting story without relying on cheesy tropes. Characters behave realistically, even appropriately acknowledging and reacting to the bonkers sight of a magical fantasy army. It also doesn't fall into the traps of many fantasy novels in and over complicate the magic system or turn it into a simplistic MacGuffin that does what ever the plot needs. Instead while it remains mysterious and gradually explored (as it should) you still get a sense over time of its limitations too.
My only real complaint is the proof reading, a handful of small errors initially but about 3/4 in it becomes increasingly common. Fortunately it doesn't ruin the story as it's obvious what was intended as its generally single letters changing the word (eg as vs a, lightning vs lightening etc) and there was only one unimportant sentence where I had trouble understanding it.
Over all thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next instalment. Highly recommend.
June 6, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: I wanted to rate this higher, but found to many mistakes.
Plot: This is an invasion story, but to me this was more. It's a story of hopeless last stands. It is also about fighting even though you are outnumbered and the enemies magic beats your tech. It's about fighting for freedom when all around others are willingly putting on the chains of slavery.
Characters: The MC could use some depth. It's like I know supporting characters better.
5/10
Mistakes: I wanted to rate this higher, but found to many mistakes.
Plot: This is an invasion story, but to me this was more. It's a story of hopeless last stands. It is also about fighting even though you are outnumbered and the enemies magic beats your tech. It's about fighting for freedom when all around others are willingly putting on the chains of slavery.
Characters: The MC could use some depth. It's like I know supporting characters better.
5/10
April 20, 2023
almost...
This would have gotten another star, maybe two, if only the author would have found a decent PROOF READER!!!! Missing words, wrong spellings, and just plain wrong word choices really interrupt the flow of the story.
This would have gotten another star, maybe two, if only the author would have found a decent PROOF READER!!!! Missing words, wrong spellings, and just plain wrong word choices really interrupt the flow of the story.
September 2, 2021
Needed a book from Kindle Unlimited for a challenge so picked this one. Looked pretty good and it is, so far. The Fae (elves, etc.) return to Earth to seek revenge for all past wounds - as perceived by them. They portal in all over the world with soldiers and are met with resistance. They have magic and not a lot a knowledge of technology, but are fast learners. We have technology and surprising magic has been around since the Fae left. Main character is Special Forces Major David Kincaid. He happened to be on an opp when the elves, orc, etc. first appeared and was tasked with defeating them. The battle is on. Elves seem to have won and at the end of the great chaotic book, the United States (to spare the people from further death and destruction) declared a ceasefire for all armed forces. They also are trying to enter into negotiations to move on. Time will tell what happens next. Major Kincaid is not one to give up easily. On to the next.
February 16, 2024
Good fast paced read but the part that suc...
The part that sucked was apparently nobody proof read this.
I enjoyed it, definitely a decent and visceral read but come on guys! ask a few friends to read this before you send it to print. To me reading a book is like a movie and if there’s misspelled words it feels like somebody started interrupting me in the middle of it. You have to stop and try to figure out exactly what context the misspelled word implies. It’s annoying enough that one would not want to purchase the next book because of this. I get it I’m not a writer but I am the guy that buys the books. I’m gonna try the next one but again if there’s misspelled words I am not going to really want to read the third or anything that’s published or written but you guys it’s just frustrating. Thanks for letting me vent
The part that sucked was apparently nobody proof read this.
I enjoyed it, definitely a decent and visceral read but come on guys! ask a few friends to read this before you send it to print. To me reading a book is like a movie and if there’s misspelled words it feels like somebody started interrupting me in the middle of it. You have to stop and try to figure out exactly what context the misspelled word implies. It’s annoying enough that one would not want to purchase the next book because of this. I get it I’m not a writer but I am the guy that buys the books. I’m gonna try the next one but again if there’s misspelled words I am not going to really want to read the third or anything that’s published or written but you guys it’s just frustrating. Thanks for letting me vent
June 8, 2023
4.5 stars. First off, you can tell that the author has some actual time-in, as this level of military depth you can't get from research.
Story is good, but don't get too attached to characters, since as in a real war, death comes randomly. One death fairly early on particularly bothered me, but it makes sense in the story. If I had a complaint related to that it would be that more time was allocated to this character for development than I feel there should have been considering their rapid exit, but that's an artistic choice.
That said, book two switches characters and locale completely, so this may be a one-and-done for me. That sort of thing derails any investment I have in the story, and there are a lot of other things to read.
Story is good, but don't get too attached to characters, since as in a real war, death comes randomly. One death fairly early on particularly bothered me, but it makes sense in the story. If I had a complaint related to that it would be that more time was allocated to this character for development than I feel there should have been considering their rapid exit, but that's an artistic choice.
That said, book two switches characters and locale completely, so this may be a one-and-done for me. That sort of thing derails any investment I have in the story, and there are a lot of other things to read.
February 17, 2022
Great military sci-fi!!
Different in that instead of aliens the foe is the Fae. A terrific storyline. A Delta team is caught in Manhattan when the Faeĺ invade, setting off a running war of insurgenence. Major David Kinkaid is the face of the resistance. With the help of a few NYPD cops, Russian mobsters and American Vets, they take on Fae, Orcs, dragons and Mages. Will they be successful or will they die like thousands already have? Will romance work it's way into war as it so often does? If you luv military sci-fi you will luv this book. Highly recommended.
Different in that instead of aliens the foe is the Fae. A terrific storyline. A Delta team is caught in Manhattan when the Faeĺ invade, setting off a running war of insurgenence. Major David Kinkaid is the face of the resistance. With the help of a few NYPD cops, Russian mobsters and American Vets, they take on Fae, Orcs, dragons and Mages. Will they be successful or will they die like thousands already have? Will romance work it's way into war as it so often does? If you luv military sci-fi you will luv this book. Highly recommended.
October 17, 2023
good story, but the next book does not continue with the same characters. That is the only caveat I have to say.
The story is great, the characters are well developed. The only issue I have was this book is that it doesn’t continue with the same characters in the next book. I am not a fan of books, jumping from one character to a different character. I myself personally prefer a main character throughout the series. If you do not mind Character jumping then you will probably enjoy the series.
The story is great, the characters are well developed. The only issue I have was this book is that it doesn’t continue with the same characters in the next book. I am not a fan of books, jumping from one character to a different character. I myself personally prefer a main character throughout the series. If you do not mind Character jumping then you will probably enjoy the series.
December 12, 2023
Enjoyable but a quick read. Very fast-paced. And with the perspective the authors use . . . details and descriptions are lacking. Which does make sense given the main character wouldn't know everything about the conflict but a broader view would have been informative and enjoyable. And then there is the conundrum of not wanting characters who are perfect but also not wanting characters to be dipshits which would keep happening. Will read more volumes but I think this is a series that needs more meat on its bones.
April 17, 2021
I enjoyed it even if the authors nuked my hometown.
While the book has a number of typos and errors common to books like this (self published or from a small press), the story is quite entertaining, and the errors don’t take away from the story. The villains are well drawn and very evil, but not cartoonishly so. The main protagonist is not afraid to get his hands dirty and the whole story is an eye opening glimpse of what insurgency really is.
Can’t wait for book 2.
While the book has a number of typos and errors common to books like this (self published or from a small press), the story is quite entertaining, and the errors don’t take away from the story. The villains are well drawn and very evil, but not cartoonishly so. The main protagonist is not afraid to get his hands dirty and the whole story is an eye opening glimpse of what insurgency really is.
Can’t wait for book 2.
September 22, 2021
Lot of potential for a good series
I am giving a four star based upon what this might become. The writing itself is a bit irritating at times there are jumps from one scene to another where one didn't end and the other side start. Only happens a couple of times but quite jarring.the unspoken evaluations of our political leaders is not without foundation. Will the pressure of tyranny cause new leadership to come forward?
I am giving a four star based upon what this might become. The writing itself is a bit irritating at times there are jumps from one scene to another where one didn't end and the other side start. Only happens a couple of times but quite jarring.the unspoken evaluations of our political leaders is not without foundation. Will the pressure of tyranny cause new leadership to come forward?
July 8, 2021
Good little yarn
I liked the overall plot, but I felt like there was a little too much repatition with Kincaid's inner monologues. It was also a little too heavy handed on alpha male ego trip. He's a hoss, got it. It might have been nicer for the protagonist to be a little more rounded, but it's still a good story.
I liked the overall plot, but I felt like there was a little too much repatition with Kincaid's inner monologues. It was also a little too heavy handed on alpha male ego trip. He's a hoss, got it. It might have been nicer for the protagonist to be a little more rounded, but it's still a good story.
July 11, 2021
What have I just read?
I was fortunate enough to come across this book, and bloody hell I’m thankful for it. Obviously it’s a fantasy book with elves returning to earth after a hiatus, battling American might against what we consider Antiquated weaponry. It is for me personally a 9/10 and only looses a point because I wish it was the length of LOTR.
I was fortunate enough to come across this book, and bloody hell I’m thankful for it. Obviously it’s a fantasy book with elves returning to earth after a hiatus, battling American might against what we consider Antiquated weaponry. It is for me personally a 9/10 and only looses a point because I wish it was the length of LOTR.
April 3, 2023
A definite page swiper.
It's an ebook, so instead of turning pages, it's an exciting page swiper.
I started it late yesterday evening and had to force myself to stop halfway through so I could get a decent night's sleep.
Solid five stars, and I'm starting book two as soon as I post this review.
It's an ebook, so instead of turning pages, it's an exciting page swiper.
I started it late yesterday evening and had to force myself to stop halfway through so I could get a decent night's sleep.
Solid five stars, and I'm starting book two as soon as I post this review.
March 29, 2024
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but man, did this deliver. A special ops team on a mission in NYC witnesses an invasion by the Fae. Elves? Of course. Orcs? Yep. Dragons? All of it. Dwarves, krakens, giant bears, invisible gargoyles? You bet. Pretty quickly we're getting our butts handed to us and somebody needs to organize the resistance. The Fae Wars have just begun. Well done!
June 26, 2025
Cool story!
I enjoyed the technology vs magic and that magi. Mostly wins. Also elves are evil?! Nice twist. The insurgency aspect was interesting and sad. Kind of telling how they could have gotten anything they wanted without war. Just barter their magic and they would be set! War solves very little .
I enjoyed the technology vs magic and that magi. Mostly wins. Also elves are evil?! Nice twist. The insurgency aspect was interesting and sad. Kind of telling how they could have gotten anything they wanted without war. Just barter their magic and they would be set! War solves very little .
December 10, 2025
Magic and Special Forces
Orcs and Elves are real. They've just been gone for a good long while. Now they think they are ready to return to Earth and conquer humanity. While they have increased their magic, humans have learned to fight better.
Good Story, I recommend it and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Orcs and Elves are real. They've just been gone for a good long while. Now they think they are ready to return to Earth and conquer humanity. While they have increased their magic, humans have learned to fight better.
Good Story, I recommend it and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
June 25, 2021
Excellent book
Finding a book to ignite this old mans jaded interest is like finding a gold nugget. I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed meeting the characters now I am impatient to start the second book.
Finding a book to ignite this old mans jaded interest is like finding a gold nugget. I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed meeting the characters now I am impatient to start the second book.
August 4, 2021
Great story, a few editing flaws
The author's known the subject matter quite well but who ever edited the book left a lot to be desired. Missed words, wrong words all broke the fantastic rhythm of the story and tore me out of their world. Really enjoyable book overall.
The author's known the subject matter quite well but who ever edited the book left a lot to be desired. Missed words, wrong words all broke the fantastic rhythm of the story and tore me out of their world. Really enjoyable book overall.
April 26, 2023
Fun read , couldn't put it down!
Don't let the cover art fool you. The story is a lot better. I almost passed this up, happy I didn't judge the book by the cover. Can't wait to read the next one!
Don't let the cover art fool you. The story is a lot better. I almost passed this up, happy I didn't judge the book by the cover. Can't wait to read the next one!
May 16, 2025
A great read
The Elves come for revenge for their long exile. Portaling in to New York's Central Park they quickly have the city under their control. However, some police and special forces fight from the shadows.
The Elves come for revenge for their long exile. Portaling in to New York's Central Park they quickly have the city under their control. However, some police and special forces fight from the shadows.
April 11, 2021
Keep the story going
You have a great story here. You need to keep it going. The characters and the story make it hard to wait for the second book.
You have a great story here. You need to keep it going. The characters and the story make it hard to wait for the second book.
Read
April 20, 2021Sidhe on a stick
Good old fashioned action with a side of dragons. Great first book. Mr. Holmes is a solid story teller. Looking forward to the series.
Good old fashioned action with a side of dragons. Great first book. Mr. Holmes is a solid story teller. Looking forward to the series.
April 21, 2021
Damn!!
These guys Rock! One of the best damn books I’ve read in a long time!
Read this book it’s excellent!!!
These guys Rock! One of the best damn books I’ve read in a long time!
Read this book it’s excellent!!!
April 30, 2021
Good fun read
I enjoyed this story immensely. It was a fun premise and an action packed ride. I’m looking forward to the next.
I enjoyed this story immensely. It was a fun premise and an action packed ride. I’m looking forward to the next.
May 10, 2021
Hell yeah
I’m a retired infantryman who played D&D as a kid. This is an awesome story and I’m hooked. A very entertaining read and can’t wait for the next book.
I’m a retired infantryman who played D&D as a kid. This is an awesome story and I’m hooked. A very entertaining read and can’t wait for the next book.
June 25, 2021
Simply amazing
I could not put this book down. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of military science fiction. You’ll be glad you did!
I could not put this book down. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of military science fiction. You’ll be glad you did!
July 9, 2021
Wow
This is vicious, hard-hitting military fiction with inhuman enemies and allies. If you liked Hammer's Slammers you will like this.
This is vicious, hard-hitting military fiction with inhuman enemies and allies. If you liked Hammer's Slammers you will like this.
September 13, 2021
A really solid read
This was a great read. Some of the more brutal parts are a bit read to stomach, but that just made the story more real.
This was a great read. Some of the more brutal parts are a bit read to stomach, but that just made the story more real.
November 19, 2021
Awesome
I love books that are different and yet satisfying. Modern and fantasy combined, this story was never dull. I can't wait to read more.
I love books that are different and yet satisfying. Modern and fantasy combined, this story was never dull. I can't wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews