Commonwell

The Last of the Martians #1

by Stephen E. Meyer

800 years after Mars blacked out all electricity on Earth, a special agent named Taurii is sent on a secret mission. Expecting to encounter savage tribes, she instead discovers a small-scale civilization flourishing among the descendants of the Amish and Seneca. Disguised as a traveler, Taurii embeds herself in a homestead. Before long, she begins to develop feelings for a widowed father and his two children. With him as a companion, she embarks on a journey to meet the leader of the Seneca whom the mysterious Founders of Mars have ordered her to kill. Along the way, she discovers much of what the AIs have told her about Earth is a carefully constructed lie. Her decision on whether she should follow through on her assignment will forever alter the fate of both planets.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2023

About the author

Stephen E. Meyer grew up in St. Marys, PA, where he discovered a lifelong love of the outdoors-- hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing-- though he never has enjoyed sleeping in a tent. His stories are focused on traditional themes and forgotten places. He lives with his family in Philadelphia.

Reviews

[Ka-AR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

This is the best book I have read in a long time. Exceptionally excellent! I am impressed by this story. Stephen E. Meyer is a storyteller extraordinaire. Tory, Tec, Sara, Alice, John are all characters you can feel. Stephen's societal and governmental philosophy as part of the backstory, is well thought out. It also closely aligns with mine. Societies living by The Basic Rule: "If you don't want it done to you, then don't do it to others." A.k.a. The Golden Rule: "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." What a foreign way of treating others! No bureaucracies? Local governments functioning truly by consent of the people? "Leaders" caring for the needs of their communities and living at peace with other communities? One can only hope. Well written. Kept me engaged, enthused to finish it. Thank you, Stephen for sharing "Commomwell." I look forward to Book 2.

[Alex Howard]

Delightful Read

Minimal review:
I started reading with a question of where this book was going. As I continued, I was drawn in.
The characters are strong and fascinating.
The plot is future strange, as in those who refuse to learn from the past strange.
It's just a truly enjoyable read.

[Ethan Magee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly was expecting this to have a little more action but it was just a good read. The setting is all well explained and made sense. The scifi was surprisingly not blown out of proportion. The characters were understandable and relateable. What action was replaced with was really a much steadier sense of reality and a curiosity of the martians. I look forward to the next installment.

[Carissa Magee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal Read

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's full of adventure. It's clever. It kept my attention and is a fairly quick and simple read. It plays on the known and understood as well as new and intriguing details. I look forward to reading the sequel.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read

A very enjoyable book. Set several hundred years in the future. I especially liked all the western Pennsylvania references.
I will be on the lookout for book 2.

[MaryAnn Castka · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing

I really don't know what I just read! Seemed like something a sixth grader would write. Pushed myself to finish but don't know why.

[Taj · Rating 2 out of 5]

did not enjoy book - have read 2 of them and just not my thing