Counterstrike
The Karacknid invasion of Human space has been temporarily thwarted. A window of opportunity has opened up. Through it Emperor Somerville hopes to strike deep into Karacknid territory to buy Earth and the Varanni Alliance the breathing space they need to replace their losses. On the other side of the Karacknid Empire, Rear Admiral Becket and the Conclave species are planning a pre-emptive strike of their own. With relatively undefended borders, Becket has seen an opportunity to hit the Karacknids where they least expect it.
Yet the Karacknid’s power is far from diminished. After the series of defeats the Karacknids have suffered, their Imperator has now focused his full attention on destroying Humanity and the Varanni Alliance. Nothing short of the total conquest of Humanity’s colonies has been ordered. The full might of the Karacknid Navy has been tasked to bring it about. For James, Christine, Lightfoot, Becket and all the others, their own lives and the future of the Empire is at stake.
Counterstrike is the eleventh book in D.J. Holmes’ Empire Rising Series.
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D. J. Holmes
D.J. Holmes doesn’t write science fiction so much as he builds star empires one battle at a time. With a steady hand for military realism and a sharp eye for political intrigue, Holmes has carved out a loyal niche among fans of space opera and tactical warfare in deep space. His Empire Rising series, a sweeping twenty-one-book saga, charts humanity’s expansion into the stars through the eyes of Royal Space Navy Commander James Somerville—a character as principled as he is battle-worn.
Empire Rising
In a future shaped by starships and shifting alliances, Empire Rising delivers a galaxy on the brink—and dares readers to step into its war-torn heart. This expansive military sci-fi series begins not with glory, but with the quiet tension of a commander burdened by duty. At its core is James Somerville, a Royal Space Navy officer navigating the fine line between loyalty and survival as humanity stretches its reach across the stars.
Empire Rising consists of twenty-two books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
