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The United Federation Marine Corps' Lysander Twins #2
Recon Marine: Esther's Story
Esther Lysander, the driven, professional Marine ever conscious of the heavy weight of her father’s legacy, is selected to become an officer. She has high goals for her career—very high goals—and she believes the best method to achieve success is to be a complete hard-ass, keeping emotions at bay. This outlook has resulted in some notable achievements, but at the cost of friends and her relationship with her twin brother Noah, a price she is willing to pay. First as an infantry platoon commander, then as a Recon Marine, Esther develops as a tactical commander, all the time putting her career first and foremost. As she grows into her billets, however, she begins to realize there is more to being a leader of Marines than simply the mission at hand. A true leader cannot consider her subordinates as mere chess pieces in her rise to the top, and a true Marine has to put the needs of the Corps and Federation above her own.
- GenresScience Fiction
290 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2017
350 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan P. Brazee
149 books190 followersI am a retired Marine colonel and now a full-time writer living in Colorado Springs with my wife, Kiwi, and infant twin daughters, Danika Dawn and Darika Marie.
I published my first work back in 1978, a so-so short story titled "Secession." Since then, I have been published in newspapers, magazines, and in book format in fiction, political science, business, military, sports, race relations, and personal relations fields. I returned to writing fiction in 2009, and I currently have over 85 titles published, 52 being novels. My novelette, "Weaponized Math," was a finalist for the 2017 Nebula Award, and my novella, "Fire Ant," was a 2018 Nebula finalist. My novel "Integration" was a 2018 Dragon Award finalist, and my novel "Sentenced to War" was a 2021 finalist. I am a USA Today Bestelling writer.
My undergraduate degree was earned at the U. S. Naval Academy (Class of 1979), and I have attended graduate school at U. S. International University and the University of California, San Diego, earning a masters and doctorate. I am a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the US. Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
I have rather eclectic tastes. I have won awards in photography, cooking, wrting, and several sports, earning national championships in rugby and equestrian events. When I'm not writing, I'm reading, cooking, going to the gym, or traveling. I attend quite a few cons over the course of a year, and love meeting other people who love books.
I write because I love it. I only hope that others might read my work and get a bit of enjoyment or useful information out of my efforts.
As an author, I don't think it is fair for me to rate any other author's books here on Goodreads if that rating is less than five stars. I have certainly read many books that do not deserve five (or four, three, or even two). However, I will not rate any of those here while I am a Goodreads author. Consequently, I will only be listing books that I really like and feel deserve five stars.
If you would like to join my email list and find out about new books or promotions, please sign up at http://eepurl.com/bnFSHH. My website is http://jonathanbrazee.com.
I published my first work back in 1978, a so-so short story titled "Secession." Since then, I have been published in newspapers, magazines, and in book format in fiction, political science, business, military, sports, race relations, and personal relations fields. I returned to writing fiction in 2009, and I currently have over 85 titles published, 52 being novels. My novelette, "Weaponized Math," was a finalist for the 2017 Nebula Award, and my novella, "Fire Ant," was a 2018 Nebula finalist. My novel "Integration" was a 2018 Dragon Award finalist, and my novel "Sentenced to War" was a 2021 finalist. I am a USA Today Bestelling writer.
My undergraduate degree was earned at the U. S. Naval Academy (Class of 1979), and I have attended graduate school at U. S. International University and the University of California, San Diego, earning a masters and doctorate. I am a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the US. Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
I have rather eclectic tastes. I have won awards in photography, cooking, wrting, and several sports, earning national championships in rugby and equestrian events. When I'm not writing, I'm reading, cooking, going to the gym, or traveling. I attend quite a few cons over the course of a year, and love meeting other people who love books.
I write because I love it. I only hope that others might read my work and get a bit of enjoyment or useful information out of my efforts.
As an author, I don't think it is fair for me to rate any other author's books here on Goodreads if that rating is less than five stars. I have certainly read many books that do not deserve five (or four, three, or even two). However, I will not rate any of those here while I am a Goodreads author. Consequently, I will only be listing books that I really like and feel deserve five stars.
If you would like to join my email list and find out about new books or promotions, please sign up at http://eepurl.com/bnFSHH. My website is http://jonathanbrazee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 30, 2024
Worst of all the Lysander Stories
Dry. Rushed. Esther is probably one of the most flat characters ever written in the history of humankind. Easily could skip this story, go straight to Noah's, and won't miss a thing.
Dry. Rushed. Esther is probably one of the most flat characters ever written in the history of humankind. Easily could skip this story, go straight to Noah's, and won't miss a thing.
April 30, 2017
Slipshod, Sloppy, Uninspired Writing
"Esther's Story: Recon Marine (...Book 2)," continues an uninspired story, following the upward rise of a fully self absorbed, wholly self-centered, selfish, and basically, an example of a miserable human being, Esther Lysander.
The story follows Lysander's career rise through the Federation Marines, as she shows her mediocre tactical competence, while making decisions that nakedly show her unbridled lust to attain flag rank. Any concern for her Marines ring hollow, as she is always thinking of how her actions will effect her career objectives.
Authored by Col. Jonathan P. Brazee, USMCR (ret), the story is a string of poorly strung together vignettes, marred by slipshod, sloppy, and poor writing execution. The author uses stilted sentences, jumbled, broken syntax, equivocates constantly, and apparently thinks using the word "...but," as much as a comma or a period is acceptable. Even the most rudimentary editing and proofreading would enhance the writing execution, and Col. Brazee does not make any attempts to do so. Bluntly, the writing is not squared away and indicates a lazy work ethic and an absence of personal, professional pride. The book is offered as a public, commercial work, and as constructed, does not rise to that level.
A recently read novel by the author, "Behind Enemy Lines," shows he is capable of writing a cogent, coherent, entertaining story, when he elects to. "Esther's Story," does not come close to that level of achievement.
The book is not recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
"Esther's Story: Recon Marine (...Book 2)," continues an uninspired story, following the upward rise of a fully self absorbed, wholly self-centered, selfish, and basically, an example of a miserable human being, Esther Lysander.
The story follows Lysander's career rise through the Federation Marines, as she shows her mediocre tactical competence, while making decisions that nakedly show her unbridled lust to attain flag rank. Any concern for her Marines ring hollow, as she is always thinking of how her actions will effect her career objectives.
Authored by Col. Jonathan P. Brazee, USMCR (ret), the story is a string of poorly strung together vignettes, marred by slipshod, sloppy, and poor writing execution. The author uses stilted sentences, jumbled, broken syntax, equivocates constantly, and apparently thinks using the word "...but," as much as a comma or a period is acceptable. Even the most rudimentary editing and proofreading would enhance the writing execution, and Col. Brazee does not make any attempts to do so. Bluntly, the writing is not squared away and indicates a lazy work ethic and an absence of personal, professional pride. The book is offered as a public, commercial work, and as constructed, does not rise to that level.
A recently read novel by the author, "Behind Enemy Lines," shows he is capable of writing a cogent, coherent, entertaining story, when he elects to. "Esther's Story," does not come close to that level of achievement.
The book is not recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
March 11, 2017
Esther Lysander, as you know, is the twin daughter of the great, Rick Lysander, retired General, former Commandant of the United Federation Marine Corps, and for a short time, Chairman of the Federation. He is supposedly deceased, but that doesn’t help his twins who have a lot of baggage to carry around just trying to prove they’re not riding on their Father’s legacy. Esther is the fighter of the two although Noah also enlisted in the Marine Corps at the same time as Esther. But, as the title says, this is Esther’s story.
She has finally accepted her slot to become a Marine Officer. That goes just about according to plan, which for her means honor graduate, first in her class or whatever it takes to stand out. Still, she comes out of NOTC as a 2nd Lieutenant and that’s about a low as you can get starting out. Fortunately, she was a former enlisted which doesn’t make her as green as some 2nd Lts. She’s sent on her first mission without having much of a chance to meet and get to know her platoon, but she does alright and winds up with the Navy Cross, just like her Father. Still, she’s a really, really drive woman and wants more. And that’s where the Recon Marine business comes in.
It’s not a normal tour for most female Marines. In fact, there is only one female Marine right now and she has already told Esther that she needs to take the challenge and become a Recon Marine. Esther does so and certainly manages to complete the course. It wasn’t easy, but nothing much in the Marine Corps is. Then she finds out that being a Recon Marine really means you sit around a lot watching and listening to the bad guys. You report what you see and hear, but as a small covert unit, you don’t take direct action unless it’s impossible not to do so. She also finds out what kind of responsibilities she has inherited as an officer. Her failure to act costed the life of her platoon Sergeant. How that happened and the circumstances in which it happen is part to the book. It’s a hard way to learn a lesson, but sometimes that’s the way lessons come.
Eventually, Esther moves on to something much more exciting. Maybe a little too exciting. The battle she winds up in could have been and was fought in about every major and even minor war that has ever been. You command a location that the bad guy wants badly. You are low on supplies and ammo, but your orders are to stand and fight. You might know how this is going to end. It’s a good battle description from a now Captain’s perspective. There’s somethings you can do and somethings you cannot. When you don’t have the resources you really need, you make do with what you have and march on. I like Col. Brazee’s writing or I wouldn’t be reading his books. He seems to understand what’s going on in a very confusing environment and knows that you are always second guessing your decisions no matter how good they are. Esther does the same thing. But, she’s growing and will learn much from this if she survives.
This story was kind of expected. Esther needed to do something that got her career moving. She wasn’t going to do it by staying enlisted for ever. I like that the Federation Marine Corps pulls from it’s enlisted to make officers. That’s giving those young enlisted and now officers, a good, sound background to build from. Still, Esther is very ambitious. I just hope that drive doesn’t get her into some kind of situation that stops her advancement. I don’t know how she will react to that kind of situation. Maybe that’s not going to happen.
Now, that we know what Esther is doing, it’s reasonable that the next book looks at Noah’s career and what’s happening to him. His life is certainly changing as you’ll get a glimpse from this book. I’m looking forward to reading about Noah whenever that book gets published.
She has finally accepted her slot to become a Marine Officer. That goes just about according to plan, which for her means honor graduate, first in her class or whatever it takes to stand out. Still, she comes out of NOTC as a 2nd Lieutenant and that’s about a low as you can get starting out. Fortunately, she was a former enlisted which doesn’t make her as green as some 2nd Lts. She’s sent on her first mission without having much of a chance to meet and get to know her platoon, but she does alright and winds up with the Navy Cross, just like her Father. Still, she’s a really, really drive woman and wants more. And that’s where the Recon Marine business comes in.
It’s not a normal tour for most female Marines. In fact, there is only one female Marine right now and she has already told Esther that she needs to take the challenge and become a Recon Marine. Esther does so and certainly manages to complete the course. It wasn’t easy, but nothing much in the Marine Corps is. Then she finds out that being a Recon Marine really means you sit around a lot watching and listening to the bad guys. You report what you see and hear, but as a small covert unit, you don’t take direct action unless it’s impossible not to do so. She also finds out what kind of responsibilities she has inherited as an officer. Her failure to act costed the life of her platoon Sergeant. How that happened and the circumstances in which it happen is part to the book. It’s a hard way to learn a lesson, but sometimes that’s the way lessons come.
Eventually, Esther moves on to something much more exciting. Maybe a little too exciting. The battle she winds up in could have been and was fought in about every major and even minor war that has ever been. You command a location that the bad guy wants badly. You are low on supplies and ammo, but your orders are to stand and fight. You might know how this is going to end. It’s a good battle description from a now Captain’s perspective. There’s somethings you can do and somethings you cannot. When you don’t have the resources you really need, you make do with what you have and march on. I like Col. Brazee’s writing or I wouldn’t be reading his books. He seems to understand what’s going on in a very confusing environment and knows that you are always second guessing your decisions no matter how good they are. Esther does the same thing. But, she’s growing and will learn much from this if she survives.
This story was kind of expected. Esther needed to do something that got her career moving. She wasn’t going to do it by staying enlisted for ever. I like that the Federation Marine Corps pulls from it’s enlisted to make officers. That’s giving those young enlisted and now officers, a good, sound background to build from. Still, Esther is very ambitious. I just hope that drive doesn’t get her into some kind of situation that stops her advancement. I don’t know how she will react to that kind of situation. Maybe that’s not going to happen.
Now, that we know what Esther is doing, it’s reasonable that the next book looks at Noah’s career and what’s happening to him. His life is certainly changing as you’ll get a glimpse from this book. I’m looking forward to reading about Noah whenever that book gets published.
May 13, 2017
Good Story of a Girl Following Her Dreams
Esther Lysander, daughter of slain Marine Commandant Rick Lysander, follows her dreams to follow her dad and help determine the direction of the Marine Corps. She balances her personal ambitions with the good of her Marines and the good of the Marine Corps. It is a life of hard decisions; every decision, it seems, has undesirable results.
I enjoyed this novel. Esther's life is following her father's experience, sometimes closely. When Esther meets the legionaires of Greater France (after a battle where both her Marines and the legion lost members), is very reminiscent of her father's meeting under similar circumstances. (Covered in a previous series).
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS: FINE MILITARY SPACE OPERA SERIES FROM A MASTER OF MILITARY FICTION!
Esther Lysander, daughter of slain Marine Commandant Rick Lysander, follows her dreams to follow her dad and help determine the direction of the Marine Corps. She balances her personal ambitions with the good of her Marines and the good of the Marine Corps. It is a life of hard decisions; every decision, it seems, has undesirable results.
I enjoyed this novel. Esther's life is following her father's experience, sometimes closely. When Esther meets the legionaires of Greater France (after a battle where both her Marines and the legion lost members), is very reminiscent of her father's meeting under similar circumstances. (Covered in a previous series).
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS: FINE MILITARY SPACE OPERA SERIES FROM A MASTER OF MILITARY FICTION!
August 12, 2025
The “new & improved” Federation Marine Corps?
Much of this story is up to the typically good standard expected from a Brazee story. However just as with the previous inbred & corrupt Federation Marine Corps Esther is constantly being thrown into a situation where she’s committed to a fight before she even meets her troops. The situation frequently includes overwhelming odds as well as substandard gear or at least unequal to the opposition.
We don’t see as much regarding Noah as most focus is on Esther. She continues to avoid or minimize her contact with Noah (which IMHO is a mistake) so that also keeps him out of the spotlight.
Much of this story is up to the typically good standard expected from a Brazee story. However just as with the previous inbred & corrupt Federation Marine Corps Esther is constantly being thrown into a situation where she’s committed to a fight before she even meets her troops. The situation frequently includes overwhelming odds as well as substandard gear or at least unequal to the opposition.
We don’t see as much regarding Noah as most focus is on Esther. She continues to avoid or minimize her contact with Noah (which IMHO is a mistake) so that also keeps him out of the spotlight.
May 7, 2017
Couldn't finish it. Not as good as his other stuff
It started out alright but gradually became difficult to follow. Tried many times to pick up the thread but my eyes would glaze over and I'd fall asleep. I got as far as 29%.
It started out alright but gradually became difficult to follow. Tried many times to pick up the thread but my eyes would glaze over and I'd fall asleep. I got as far as 29%.
September 11, 2017
Great series
This series just gets better and better. Interesting storyline that takes a different tack and you get to know the characters in greater detail. Highly recommended and can't wait to read the next one.
This series just gets better and better. Interesting storyline that takes a different tack and you get to know the characters in greater detail. Highly recommended and can't wait to read the next one.
February 10, 2018
Great series on the future of Marine's
I loved the concept of politics,s/f and marine firepower! The rise of a family! I didn't like the faking of the assassination of the kid's family!
I loved the concept of politics,s/f and marine firepower! The rise of a family! I didn't like the faking of the assassination of the kid's family!
January 8, 2024
I find Esther to be a really unlikable character. Like her father she has a lot of personal drive, but she's in it for her, not for the Marines.
If not for the last battle, this book was headed towards 2 stars. Too much bureaucracy and the MC is much too dry.
If not for the last battle, this book was headed towards 2 stars. Too much bureaucracy and the MC is much too dry.
August 25, 2017
Great story, hard to put down.
February 5, 2018
Starting to like the character, hopefully the character continues to mature.
September 29, 2018
Took me a bit to warm up to Esther, but her story did it. Strong entry in the series with characters that resonated with me.
January 15, 2020
Brazee, as usual, writes another winner.
January 12, 2021
Excellent
The second book in this series shaped up tp be very entertaining and well worth the read.now i cant wait to move on to the third book.
The second book in this series shaped up tp be very entertaining and well worth the read.now i cant wait to move on to the third book.
August 2, 2021
A great addition to the Rick Lysander and the Legacy series. Great character development.
May 8, 2024
Esther sees a lot of action and continues to qualify for the most demanding marine assignments.
Read
February 20, 2017The latest in a series about Marines (who are similar to current U.S. Marines) in an interstellar corporate federation. I have read all of the books and am addicted to them. While this book is entertaining as a stand-alone book, there is significant background information in earlier books of the series.
This book is part of a sub-series about the twin children of the hero of the first series.
This book is part of a sub-series about the twin children of the hero of the first series.
December 13, 2024
Esther makes progress
This book focuses on Esther, and her move to officer and the Adventures she has. To be honest, the missions are good, entertaining action packed and interesting. What I found less interesting were the interludes between, they dragged and the author has the habit of detailing her adventures on an almost hourly basis, only to them suddenly jump forward 3 or 4 months
An example being brother gets married and then the next mention of him he has 3 kids
It's good enough, just not great
This book focuses on Esther, and her move to officer and the Adventures she has. To be honest, the missions are good, entertaining action packed and interesting. What I found less interesting were the interludes between, they dragged and the author has the habit of detailing her adventures on an almost hourly basis, only to them suddenly jump forward 3 or 4 months
An example being brother gets married and then the next mention of him he has 3 kids
It's good enough, just not great
November 12, 2024
Continuing great read
The series takes a reader on many different journeys. When finishing one book it takes the reader to the next book.The reader is always involved.
The series takes a reader on many different journeys. When finishing one book it takes the reader to the next book.The reader is always involved.
April 26, 2017
Another great series
Very good story, fast paced, hard to put down... Keep it coming! Can't wait for #3...
P.s. Loved the space guard
Very good story, fast paced, hard to put down... Keep it coming! Can't wait for #3...
P.s. Loved the space guard
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews