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Rise of the Free Fleet #6
War's Reward
The Second Kalu War rages across known space.
The newly formed Union undergoes it’s first baptism, the baptism of war.
The Free Fleet is barely holding the line against the Kalu. Salchar and the other commanders of the Free Fleet have one goal. Survive.
As war rages politics and power brokering are at work behind the scenes in the Union.
Even if the Free Fleet survives the war, will they survive it's aftermath?
The newly formed Union undergoes it’s first baptism, the baptism of war.
The Free Fleet is barely holding the line against the Kalu. Salchar and the other commanders of the Free Fleet have one goal. Survive.
As war rages politics and power brokering are at work behind the scenes in the Union.
Even if the Free Fleet survives the war, will they survive it's aftermath?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2016
87 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Michael Chatfield
69 books1,399 followersMichael Chatfield is a Canadian Army veteran and international bestselling author who writes the kind of books he always wanted to read—character-driven, gritty, tactical, and grounded in reality.
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
He doesn’t write one-dimensional killers wrapped in plot armor, charging toward an objective without thought. His stories are built for readers who want earned progression, tight, understandable logic, and realistic strategy. Every stat system has structure. Every decision is deliberate (except when there is Jaeger involved).
And the pacing? It's locked at two hundred percent. From alleyway brawls to starship armadas clashing over galactic sovereignty, from tactical dungeon assaults to city-states warring over a continent’s fate—Chatfield commits to every battle like it’s his last.
With millions of books and audiobooks sold, and tens of thousands of reviews his work spans LitRPG, military sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic survival. He writes for readers who value systems that make sense, loyalty that lasts, and power that’s earned, not handed out.
Whether you're listening on a long drive, grinding through a shift, or up past midnight planning the next in-game raid—this is where you’ll find sagas to binge. Where strength is earned, logic rules, and camaraderie is forged in fire.
You can connect with him on Patreon and don't forget to follow him on social media!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authormichael...
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichael...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormicha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichae...
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection - https://www.facebook.com/groups/37693...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 10, 2016
Very nice
I really liked how the commander got to give his last word. Leaving on a high note after such a long series really makes it worth the time. Thank you
I really liked how the commander got to give his last word. Leaving on a high note after such a long series really makes it worth the time. Thank you
January 27, 2019
Highs and Lows
The highs: A very, very good story. Could easily be expanded to a second series showing the challanges of Free Merchant Fleet and Free Fleet as pockets of Traditional Kalu and Syndicate are eliminated; then a third series showing a truly United Union as it faces a serious challange from a race (races?) outside of known space.
My feeling about this particular book is exactly the same.
The lows: For this book and the series as a whole, a total lack of attention to detail. If the book was proofread, the proofing editor should be replaced. The failure to catch simple errors such as run on sentences, homonym corrections (new for knew, times 1,000 similar errors) and simple spelling errors, takes a delightful read and makes it difficult for a reader to be comfortable in the book (for those who immerse themselves in a story).
Finally, new readers could be turned off to future books written by Mr. Chatfield, which would be a serious blow to a great story teller, and totally able of being corrected.
I dont know the technical difficulties, but I believe it would be in Mr Chatfields best interest to have a Version 1.2 replace the books in this series.
The highs: A very, very good story. Could easily be expanded to a second series showing the challanges of Free Merchant Fleet and Free Fleet as pockets of Traditional Kalu and Syndicate are eliminated; then a third series showing a truly United Union as it faces a serious challange from a race (races?) outside of known space.
My feeling about this particular book is exactly the same.
The lows: For this book and the series as a whole, a total lack of attention to detail. If the book was proofread, the proofing editor should be replaced. The failure to catch simple errors such as run on sentences, homonym corrections (new for knew, times 1,000 similar errors) and simple spelling errors, takes a delightful read and makes it difficult for a reader to be comfortable in the book (for those who immerse themselves in a story).
Finally, new readers could be turned off to future books written by Mr. Chatfield, which would be a serious blow to a great story teller, and totally able of being corrected.
I dont know the technical difficulties, but I believe it would be in Mr Chatfields best interest to have a Version 1.2 replace the books in this series.
May 27, 2017
An outstanding saga, and a worthy conclusion.
The Free Fleet saga was long, painful, heartwarming and heady. The complex plotlines were intricate and detailed. The multitude of characters were extremely well developed, sympathetic and compelling.
Throughout the six books of this series a universe grew and along with character development you become wrapped in a mantle of war, heartache, compassion and I hope understanding.
This final book of the series closes the various stories, wraps the characters back to their baselines and shows what can become of a union were power politics seek to profit from the pain of the people who brought it into being.
The bane of this series has been the abysmal editing. Some books were worse than others (book 3.) However, in no book was the editing worthy of the saga's writing. I give a five star rating to this series inspite of the editing because the quality of the writing deserves it.
The Free Fleet saga was long, painful, heartwarming and heady. The complex plotlines were intricate and detailed. The multitude of characters were extremely well developed, sympathetic and compelling.
Throughout the six books of this series a universe grew and along with character development you become wrapped in a mantle of war, heartache, compassion and I hope understanding.
This final book of the series closes the various stories, wraps the characters back to their baselines and shows what can become of a union were power politics seek to profit from the pain of the people who brought it into being.
The bane of this series has been the abysmal editing. Some books were worse than others (book 3.) However, in no book was the editing worthy of the saga's writing. I give a five star rating to this series inspite of the editing because the quality of the writing deserves it.
December 28, 2018
This was an okay conclusion to the series. I imagine it is difficult to take all of the action and momentum of the series and tie it up in a nice bow. Glad I read it but ...
All of the books of this series had editing issues, this was by far the worst. Beyond misspellings, incorrect words and general grammar, there was several times where the wrong character's name was used. I had to re-read it several times to make sure I didn't miss something where the character moved from one world to another.
All of the books of this series had editing issues, this was by far the worst. Beyond misspellings, incorrect words and general grammar, there was several times where the wrong character's name was used. I had to re-read it several times to make sure I didn't miss something where the character moved from one world to another.
June 7, 2021
The conclusion to a satisfying space opera.
This entire series is a rollicking good yarn. Its a pretty typical.space opera with a few unique quirks. The only thing that made me give it 4 stars instead of 5 stars is the quality of the editing. I understand that its a self published work but the editing is so bad it makes it seem as if English is not the authors first language. All the books in the series could benefit from a good proofreading and edit. Otherwise its a fun tale in the vein of Bio of a Space Tyrant. I was sorry to see it end.
This entire series is a rollicking good yarn. Its a pretty typical.space opera with a few unique quirks. The only thing that made me give it 4 stars instead of 5 stars is the quality of the editing. I understand that its a self published work but the editing is so bad it makes it seem as if English is not the authors first language. All the books in the series could benefit from a good proofreading and edit. Otherwise its a fun tale in the vein of Bio of a Space Tyrant. I was sorry to see it end.
January 17, 2024
An interesting conclusion
Didn't see that one coming, but give some of the other decisions James has made should not have been a real surprise
War ends, politics resume, Free Fleet get shafted, or at least that's the plan. Unsurprisingly the first 2 happen, the 3rd not so much
Only issue I have with the ending is, it leaves so many unanswered questions and so much potential for future stories
A good series, well worth reading, would recommend to anyone interested in Sci-Fi
Didn't see that one coming, but give some of the other decisions James has made should not have been a real surprise
War ends, politics resume, Free Fleet get shafted, or at least that's the plan. Unsurprisingly the first 2 happen, the 3rd not so much
Only issue I have with the ending is, it leaves so many unanswered questions and so much potential for future stories
A good series, well worth reading, would recommend to anyone interested in Sci-Fi
January 27, 2020
The Best.
This six book military Science Fiction series is the best that I have ever read.It's 90'% action 10% planning and moving to and from battles,a the action is well though out thank you M'r Sheffield.If only the spelling could be put to right the series would be unbeatable.
This six book military Science Fiction series is the best that I have ever read.It's 90'% action 10% planning and moving to and from battles,a the action is well though out thank you M'r Sheffield.If only the spelling could be put to right the series would be unbeatable.
April 25, 2019
This book was great. It wish that it had a detailed epilogue though seeing as it is the end of the series. There were some things that I wanted to hear more about, and with no more books coming, I won't get another chance. I wanted to know what James and his family does after the war.
April 27, 2019
Still great 👍👍👍
I read all 6 books in a few days. Love them all. Am not ready for the story to be over. In fact I think it's only just begun.
Hey Michael think about the next chapter of the Free Fleet Empire!!??
I read all 6 books in a few days. Love them all. Am not ready for the story to be over. In fact I think it's only just begun.
Hey Michael think about the next chapter of the Free Fleet Empire!!??
November 15, 2019
epic
Thoroughly enjoyed the entire series,it's not a new idea but the author threw in a few twists and I found the books more enjoyable as the series progressed ,would love to return to this world in 50-100 years and see how the fleet and its allies have strengthened and expanded.
Thoroughly enjoyed the entire series,it's not a new idea but the author threw in a few twists and I found the books more enjoyable as the series progressed ,would love to return to this world in 50-100 years and see how the fleet and its allies have strengthened and expanded.
January 14, 2020
Great story, needs more editing.
I thoroughly enjoyed the series and would read it again, but there are several places where I had to stop and guess what the author was trying to say.
I thoroughly enjoyed the series and would read it again, but there are several places where I had to stop and guess what the author was trying to say.
February 26, 2021
F@#$in -A. This series has been a blast
So sad the series is over. It had me riveted to my seat the whole way through, and to end it on a note like that.
Would recomend to any warhammer 50K fan.
So sad the series is over. It had me riveted to my seat the whole way through, and to end it on a note like that.
Would recomend to any warhammer 50K fan.
February 23, 2022
Great
Absolutely great series. Exposed the best and the worst we have. Politics is exactly as described. You do need to get your beta readers or someone to clean up the spelling and other grammar problems I saw as I read. Thanks for a great read!!!!!
Absolutely great series. Exposed the best and the worst we have. Politics is exactly as described. You do need to get your beta readers or someone to clean up the spelling and other grammar problems I saw as I read. Thanks for a great read!!!!!
June 5, 2017
Fantastic
Awesome series, fantastic characters great plot line. Really enjoyed the entire series. One of my new favorite authors. I am a huge fan!
Awesome series, fantastic characters great plot line. Really enjoyed the entire series. One of my new favorite authors. I am a huge fan!
June 30, 2017
Good reading!
All six books were very well written and I loved the story line! Loved the kicker at the end...how he tied almost everything up.
All six books were very well written and I loved the story line! Loved the kicker at the end...how he tied almost everything up.
March 6, 2019
It was a good ending but I would have liked more substance or growth in the beginning/middle besides just fighting but I guess that's how most of the books were.
March 23, 2019
Great end to the series
April 3, 2019
Was a great series i enjoyed every part
This was a grest book wished. Therr was an other book but all good things must come to an end.
This was a grest book wished. Therr was an other book but all good things must come to an end.
April 15, 2019
Love it
Love it i like military books this had the right amount of teck talk and action. I like the people in the books
Love it i like military books this had the right amount of teck talk and action. I like the people in the books
July 12, 2023
Love this whole series, but there some internal consistency issues. Otherwise, love it!
August 31, 2023
Fantastic
This whole series has been truly interesting. I only wish this story could have gone on. Micheal Chatfield is a fantastic Sci Fi writer.
This whole series has been truly interesting. I only wish this story could have gone on. Micheal Chatfield is a fantastic Sci Fi writer.
February 19, 2020
Just finished reading this series by Mr Chatfield! Loved the series and the genre!!! Had me wanting to read the next book as soon as I finished the last!!!
August 29, 2016
Chaos but filled with action
I have read all the free fleet novels. One thing they never fall short on is action, and lots of it. This closing novel was chaotic. I think this book was slapped together too fast. The editing is non existent. I feel that with enough time time, books 5 and 6 could have been condensed into one awesome book. The story is great, the action frenetic and fast paced. However this book seems to just be very repetitive. All this being said, I really enjoyed this series, i just feel this particular novel should have been condensed with the 5th one.
I have read all the free fleet novels. One thing they never fall short on is action, and lots of it. This closing novel was chaotic. I think this book was slapped together too fast. The editing is non existent. I feel that with enough time time, books 5 and 6 could have been condensed into one awesome book. The story is great, the action frenetic and fast paced. However this book seems to just be very repetitive. All this being said, I really enjoyed this series, i just feel this particular novel should have been condensed with the 5th one.
July 29, 2016
End of a wonderful series
What a way to end the series. Friends are lost and new friendships formed. Old alliances end and new ones form. Could there be more to the story as it is, yes. But there is a universe of stories opened by the way this series ended.
What a way to end the series. Friends are lost and new friendships formed. Old alliances end and new ones form. Could there be more to the story as it is, yes. But there is a universe of stories opened by the way this series ended.
August 8, 2016
Good series
This was a good group of books to read. I think others would enjoy reading them as well. He's a good writer.
This was a good group of books to read. I think others would enjoy reading them as well. He's a good writer.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews