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The Third Test
Colony 76 is silent. Distracted by civil war, it's mother planet Kasian has been unable to reconnect. Until now. Catina, an Acolyte stuck within her Tests, spearheads a mission of mercy. Though each crew member has their own motives for being there, they must all band together to make it home. For those who live on Colony 76 dwell in the deep. And the dark.
- GenresScience Fiction
297 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2023
6 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 6, 2024
I started following Alyssa Hazel on X (formerly Twitter); she’s clever and has interesting thoughts, so I decided to give one of her books a try. I believe this is her first published novel.
OVERALL: 3.6 out of 5
This is a solid science fiction story and it doesn’t feel derivative or contrived. I would classify it as a cleaner (and more enjoyable) version of some of Heinlein’s stuff. I am also reminded of “A Case of Conscience” by James Blish, though that story is more esoteric and has a less satisfying (and morally ambiguous) ending (I gave it a 3 out of 5).
I think I was expecting something a bit creepier (the mysterious lost colony idea), but it’s a very human story that asks the readers to engage with the characters. My only real complaint (besides the viewpoint character issue) was in a lack of length. I wanted more explanation for this setting, the origins of the Mitriana faith, and so forth, but it’s usually a good thing when a book leaves you wanting more.
Finally, I applaud any writer who tells a concise, good story without needing to make a trilogy, a cycle, or a series. I would totally read more of this setting, but this book stands on its own and that is always refreshing among modern writers.
RATINGS BY CATEGORY
CHARACTERS: 3 out of 5
The characters are well written, and I would have rated this higher except that there wasn’t anyone that I felt particularly attached to. No one is two-dimensional, and it’s not that I was expecting a “hero” character, but I guess something did not click for me.
It's easy to cheer for the spaceship crew, Vazo and Tamri, because they are experienced, grizzled, and tough. Yen, the doctor, is an interesting and complicated fellow. I probably liked him too much, but that was partly because I imagined a middle-aged François Chau playing the role. I also liked Simon Novack. Though initially described as a pencil-pushing bureaucrat, he turns out to be one of the braver and more proactive characters in the story.
The leader of Colony 76, Jaeya, wasn’t in the story enough- though the author succeeded in making me fear her presence in any given scene. Elias, another colonist, had a lot of potential but just doesn’t have enough to do until the very end.
Catina is an interesting character in that she is presented as a weak, meek, mediocre sort who has to rise to the occasion. Unlike other heroic archetypes, she actually is meek and seemingly mediocre. I liked to think of my wife (when she was a teenager) in this role, though I thought her progression was too abrupt in some places and not fast enough in others.
PACE: 4 out of 5
This is a short book and a fast read. There aren’t any wasted moments, though things did feel slightly slow for me when they first arrive at Colony 76. This may have just been my mood at the time- our heroes barely escape pirates and then they’re just sort of sitting there for a little bit. I am not sure how that could have been improved, so it’s probably just me.
STORY: 4 out of 5
Normally I groan when a primary character is a priest/religious sort. That isn’t because I am not religious, but I gravitate towards tough, proactive characters (blame my upbringing on Robert E. Howard stories). However, this story is well written, and the addition of a lost colony, pirates, a hazardous environment, and nuanced characters make it good.
There is actually too little development; I think the author meant to keep some elements mysterious. The exact nature of the Mitriana religion, the origin of these worlds and their connection (or history) with Earth, and the social and political systems of the people are generally left unexplained. Pirates are typically rebelling against something, so are the space pirates here opposed to the Mitriana religion that seems to be dominant on Kassian, or the temporal government? The exact nature of the “evil plot” is also somewhat unexplained. I get that there are some evil people, and they responsible for heinous crimes, but I don’t understand their exact motivations or why they are required to do the (appalling) things that they do.
DIALOGUE: 4 out of 5
I enjoyed the dialogue here, and the characters all have a unique voice. Catina’s timidity is apparent, while Tamri’s take-no-crap attitude jumps out after the first chapter. The villains are also appropriately creepy, using the “friendly but not nice” language that too many writers neglect. There are no monologuing Ian Malcoms here to help explain things, but it’s still good stuff.
STYLE/TECHNICAL: 3 out of 5
The book is well-written, though I think it could have used a second editing (particularly the last quarter). There is some repetitive wording, and some of the other creative choices in the narration is interesting, but not necessarily distracting.
My only real gripe was in how much the viewpoint character switches. Technically I think this would be considered a subjective viewpoint in that the thoughts of multiple characters are sometimes explored in a single paragraph, but at other times it feels like there is meant to be a primary viewpoint character for a single chapter. Except for Jane Austen, I have a hard time with subjective and omniscient viewpoint writing.
Otherwise the writing is really engaging. There is some creative use of flashbacks and time-hopping in how events are narrated, and the author provides a very tactile description of faster-than-light travel that I particularly enjoyed.
OVERALL: 3.6 out of 5
This is a solid science fiction story and it doesn’t feel derivative or contrived. I would classify it as a cleaner (and more enjoyable) version of some of Heinlein’s stuff. I am also reminded of “A Case of Conscience” by James Blish, though that story is more esoteric and has a less satisfying (and morally ambiguous) ending (I gave it a 3 out of 5).
I think I was expecting something a bit creepier (the mysterious lost colony idea), but it’s a very human story that asks the readers to engage with the characters. My only real complaint (besides the viewpoint character issue) was in a lack of length. I wanted more explanation for this setting, the origins of the Mitriana faith, and so forth, but it’s usually a good thing when a book leaves you wanting more.
Finally, I applaud any writer who tells a concise, good story without needing to make a trilogy, a cycle, or a series. I would totally read more of this setting, but this book stands on its own and that is always refreshing among modern writers.
RATINGS BY CATEGORY
CHARACTERS: 3 out of 5
The characters are well written, and I would have rated this higher except that there wasn’t anyone that I felt particularly attached to. No one is two-dimensional, and it’s not that I was expecting a “hero” character, but I guess something did not click for me.
It's easy to cheer for the spaceship crew, Vazo and Tamri, because they are experienced, grizzled, and tough. Yen, the doctor, is an interesting and complicated fellow. I probably liked him too much, but that was partly because I imagined a middle-aged François Chau playing the role. I also liked Simon Novack. Though initially described as a pencil-pushing bureaucrat, he turns out to be one of the braver and more proactive characters in the story.
The leader of Colony 76, Jaeya, wasn’t in the story enough- though the author succeeded in making me fear her presence in any given scene. Elias, another colonist, had a lot of potential but just doesn’t have enough to do until the very end.
Catina is an interesting character in that she is presented as a weak, meek, mediocre sort who has to rise to the occasion. Unlike other heroic archetypes, she actually is meek and seemingly mediocre. I liked to think of my wife (when she was a teenager) in this role, though I thought her progression was too abrupt in some places and not fast enough in others.
PACE: 4 out of 5
This is a short book and a fast read. There aren’t any wasted moments, though things did feel slightly slow for me when they first arrive at Colony 76. This may have just been my mood at the time- our heroes barely escape pirates and then they’re just sort of sitting there for a little bit. I am not sure how that could have been improved, so it’s probably just me.
STORY: 4 out of 5
Normally I groan when a primary character is a priest/religious sort. That isn’t because I am not religious, but I gravitate towards tough, proactive characters (blame my upbringing on Robert E. Howard stories). However, this story is well written, and the addition of a lost colony, pirates, a hazardous environment, and nuanced characters make it good.
There is actually too little development; I think the author meant to keep some elements mysterious. The exact nature of the Mitriana religion, the origin of these worlds and their connection (or history) with Earth, and the social and political systems of the people are generally left unexplained. Pirates are typically rebelling against something, so are the space pirates here opposed to the Mitriana religion that seems to be dominant on Kassian, or the temporal government? The exact nature of the “evil plot” is also somewhat unexplained. I get that there are some evil people, and they responsible for heinous crimes, but I don’t understand their exact motivations or why they are required to do the (appalling) things that they do.
DIALOGUE: 4 out of 5
I enjoyed the dialogue here, and the characters all have a unique voice. Catina’s timidity is apparent, while Tamri’s take-no-crap attitude jumps out after the first chapter. The villains are also appropriately creepy, using the “friendly but not nice” language that too many writers neglect. There are no monologuing Ian Malcoms here to help explain things, but it’s still good stuff.
STYLE/TECHNICAL: 3 out of 5
The book is well-written, though I think it could have used a second editing (particularly the last quarter). There is some repetitive wording, and some of the other creative choices in the narration is interesting, but not necessarily distracting.
My only real gripe was in how much the viewpoint character switches. Technically I think this would be considered a subjective viewpoint in that the thoughts of multiple characters are sometimes explored in a single paragraph, but at other times it feels like there is meant to be a primary viewpoint character for a single chapter. Except for Jane Austen, I have a hard time with subjective and omniscient viewpoint writing.
Otherwise the writing is really engaging. There is some creative use of flashbacks and time-hopping in how events are narrated, and the author provides a very tactile description of faster-than-light travel that I particularly enjoyed.
August 31, 2024
Easy-to-read, somewhere between fantasy and SF; somewhere between space opera and world design. It’s sort of a juvenile—its heroine is a juvenile anyway and the language is simple, outside the fantasy’s floral imagery.
The story is fine. I fault the character development a bit, and the world building to some extent, because it’s a bit like a mirror image of Dune (I am not saying it apes Dune at all). In truth, I never particularly cared for the lead character, a diminutive young teenager. Like Dune, there is a underlying religion afoot here, and it also has a tie to energy, but a bit strained. I did like the twins (pilot and engineer), but apart from their roles in their jobs, they faded away. The other characters were interchangeable.
I wanted to like this more. I didn’t look at other reviews here before writing this—I never do—so perhaps I’m swimming against the current. If not, I need more recommendations!
The story is fine. I fault the character development a bit, and the world building to some extent, because it’s a bit like a mirror image of Dune (I am not saying it apes Dune at all). In truth, I never particularly cared for the lead character, a diminutive young teenager. Like Dune, there is a underlying religion afoot here, and it also has a tie to energy, but a bit strained. I did like the twins (pilot and engineer), but apart from their roles in their jobs, they faded away. The other characters were interchangeable.
I wanted to like this more. I didn’t look at other reviews here before writing this—I never do—so perhaps I’m swimming against the current. If not, I need more recommendations!
October 23, 2025
This sci-fi thriller had a lot of great twists and turns and spooky moments. I took a lot of pauses and breaks while reading, which proved to be a mistake because I had trouble remembering who all the different characters were, but other than that, I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from this author of the future.
April 19, 2025
The Third Test is a breath of fresh air...on a far-off alien planet.
1st off, no spoilers
Chiefly interested in Swords & Sorcery or Fantasy fiction, as well as an avowed non-fan of hard science fiction, particularly the "speculative" variety, the third test was a step outside my usual reading/listening bubble.
I was relieved, after finishing the audiobook for the 1st time, that this sci-fi novel is not heavy on "speculation". It's just a straight-ahead, engaging story.
I love a good sci-fi film, but I'm not a huge fan of reading in the genre beyond Douglas Adams, a couple of Dune novels, and about 40 Star Wars Expanded Universe books (back before Disney ruined it).
But I listened to this one twice.
Because it's good.
There's a healthy bit of mystery in this tale; the characters have widely different personalities that develop at different paces, and the story wasn't predictable; at least 2 "Woah!" moments occur, and they weren't telegraphed.
Comfortingly, for a casual sci-fi fan like myself, the plot unfolds in a framework familiar enough that people who've seen Star Wars, or Firefly, or The Expanse, can find themselves in familiar space without getting bogged down in genre tropes.
An ensemble of interesting characters, each with their own flaws, come together on an adventure into mystery. None of them are "the bestest evar" and there are no Gary or Mary Stues in this tale. The story isn't asexual, but there's no romantasy here and no monster-s3x. It's adult storytelling like I remember. Fondly. It respects the reader enough to entertain them above the neck, not below the waist.
All the characters get similar "screen time". In fact, one of the interesting mysteries of the book was: who will the main character be? I was pulling for Vazo but, at the same time, I found Catina de Baciu to be one of the best "fish out of water" characters I've encountered since perhaps The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant in the 80s.
Even with a busy life over the last two weeks it was easy to carve out time to listen to the audiobook twice and I liked it better the second time; I sensed layers beneath the surface that I find insteresting to ponder but the story doesn't hit the reader/listener over the head with them or, indeed, require them to be pondered at all. It can be enjoyed for what it is: an engaging story.
The Third Test is an enjoyable first novel, worth the time it takes to read or listen to on audiobook. The narrator puts in a yeoman's effort, and if you like audiobooks, I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience. After listening, I bought a print version of The Third Test for my permanent collection, and I'm looking forward to the imminent sequel, The Second Initiative.
-DamndestBastard on X
1st off, no spoilers
Chiefly interested in Swords & Sorcery or Fantasy fiction, as well as an avowed non-fan of hard science fiction, particularly the "speculative" variety, the third test was a step outside my usual reading/listening bubble.
I was relieved, after finishing the audiobook for the 1st time, that this sci-fi novel is not heavy on "speculation". It's just a straight-ahead, engaging story.
I love a good sci-fi film, but I'm not a huge fan of reading in the genre beyond Douglas Adams, a couple of Dune novels, and about 40 Star Wars Expanded Universe books (back before Disney ruined it).
But I listened to this one twice.
Because it's good.
There's a healthy bit of mystery in this tale; the characters have widely different personalities that develop at different paces, and the story wasn't predictable; at least 2 "Woah!" moments occur, and they weren't telegraphed.
Comfortingly, for a casual sci-fi fan like myself, the plot unfolds in a framework familiar enough that people who've seen Star Wars, or Firefly, or The Expanse, can find themselves in familiar space without getting bogged down in genre tropes.
An ensemble of interesting characters, each with their own flaws, come together on an adventure into mystery. None of them are "the bestest evar" and there are no Gary or Mary Stues in this tale. The story isn't asexual, but there's no romantasy here and no monster-s3x. It's adult storytelling like I remember. Fondly. It respects the reader enough to entertain them above the neck, not below the waist.
All the characters get similar "screen time". In fact, one of the interesting mysteries of the book was: who will the main character be? I was pulling for Vazo but, at the same time, I found Catina de Baciu to be one of the best "fish out of water" characters I've encountered since perhaps The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant in the 80s.
Even with a busy life over the last two weeks it was easy to carve out time to listen to the audiobook twice and I liked it better the second time; I sensed layers beneath the surface that I find insteresting to ponder but the story doesn't hit the reader/listener over the head with them or, indeed, require them to be pondered at all. It can be enjoyed for what it is: an engaging story.
The Third Test is an enjoyable first novel, worth the time it takes to read or listen to on audiobook. The narrator puts in a yeoman's effort, and if you like audiobooks, I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience. After listening, I bought a print version of The Third Test for my permanent collection, and I'm looking forward to the imminent sequel, The Second Initiative.
-DamndestBastard on X
April 4, 2024
"A fast-paced Sci-Fi Thriller in a galactic world." ~nerdywordyreviews
The Kasian people select a group of mismatched members from Kasia to participate in a mission to Colony 76. They send all of them from Kasia for specific reasons, which are not completely known to each other. Without any communication from the people of Colony 76, it seems like they have lost all contact. The group assembles and takes flight on the Calico, but not without space pirates and troubling events. Not knowing what they will find upon arrival sends questions through their minds. What if someone destroyed the Colony? Are there any survivors? Do they need medicine and food?
Once they arrive on the planet, people who live there greet the travellers and bring them to Colony 76, which is underground. Upon arrival, things seem amiss. Each individual experiences various situations, some of which are troubling, after being separated from the group. The devastating truth of Colony 76 becomes clear and dangerous, banding the passengers of The Calico together once more to make it back home.
The Third Test is a quick-paced novel, being only 260 pages long with a slightly larger font. Author Alyssa Hazel did a wonderful job introducing the characters in the beginning and quickly setting the mission into place.
The story has some mild thriller themes, but is mainly sci-fi.
There are some spiritual references used within the story to advance one of the leading characters.
I am not one who normally reads Sci-Fi, and I really enjoyed The Third Test. I feel that the author could have continued the unique storyline and turned it into a longer book or series. Hopefully, in the future there will be more of Colony 76.
The Third Test is a wonderful, quick read for Sci-Fi lovers.
The Kasian people select a group of mismatched members from Kasia to participate in a mission to Colony 76. They send all of them from Kasia for specific reasons, which are not completely known to each other. Without any communication from the people of Colony 76, it seems like they have lost all contact. The group assembles and takes flight on the Calico, but not without space pirates and troubling events. Not knowing what they will find upon arrival sends questions through their minds. What if someone destroyed the Colony? Are there any survivors? Do they need medicine and food?
Once they arrive on the planet, people who live there greet the travellers and bring them to Colony 76, which is underground. Upon arrival, things seem amiss. Each individual experiences various situations, some of which are troubling, after being separated from the group. The devastating truth of Colony 76 becomes clear and dangerous, banding the passengers of The Calico together once more to make it back home.
The Third Test is a quick-paced novel, being only 260 pages long with a slightly larger font. Author Alyssa Hazel did a wonderful job introducing the characters in the beginning and quickly setting the mission into place.
The story has some mild thriller themes, but is mainly sci-fi.
There are some spiritual references used within the story to advance one of the leading characters.
I am not one who normally reads Sci-Fi, and I really enjoyed The Third Test. I feel that the author could have continued the unique storyline and turned it into a longer book or series. Hopefully, in the future there will be more of Colony 76.
The Third Test is a wonderful, quick read for Sci-Fi lovers.
August 19, 2025
Quirky Quixotic Quasi Religious Experience
A brisk trip through the dark heart of isolationism and the obsessions it can foment.
Written in sparse language, there is no stopping to fill in languid details of world building. This is raw science fiction which leaps straight into the story but also leaves the reader hunting for the details only found with thorough attention to what is said and what is left out.
The characters are somewhat fixed at first but as the story unfurls so do their personalities. I loved getting to know most of them--as much as they will let you.
There is adventure, danger, and mystery. More than that, you'll have to read for yourself.
It has old school science fiction as its framework but it includes a quality of new age fanaticism with a charismatic leader seeking a new world vibe.
Sorry, this work is hard to pin down. If anyone can tell me what to call this writing style, I'd be interested to know.
A brisk trip through the dark heart of isolationism and the obsessions it can foment.
Written in sparse language, there is no stopping to fill in languid details of world building. This is raw science fiction which leaps straight into the story but also leaves the reader hunting for the details only found with thorough attention to what is said and what is left out.
The characters are somewhat fixed at first but as the story unfurls so do their personalities. I loved getting to know most of them--as much as they will let you.
There is adventure, danger, and mystery. More than that, you'll have to read for yourself.
It has old school science fiction as its framework but it includes a quality of new age fanaticism with a charismatic leader seeking a new world vibe.
Sorry, this work is hard to pin down. If anyone can tell me what to call this writing style, I'd be interested to know.
November 9, 2023
Another great installment by Alyssa! An excellent debut novel :) I like that this book follows multiple view points from the third person perspective - and I love how the theology was thrown in as well!! I'm rooting for Catina and Elias though I'm not sure they'll ever get together because of their religion? I'm glad for the happy ending and Catina getting to have her own chickens. I can't wait for whatever Alyssa puts out next!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
The Third Test by Alyssa Hazel is a multi-POV Sci-fi story with a unique writing style and deep, interesting story. It reminded me at times of Dune, but overall a pretty unique take with some strange encounters with things like cacti, mice, and perhaps even cults. I did notice some typos and at times I thought the sentence structure was a bit odd, but that may be a style preference note. Overall, enjoyed.
March 19, 2025
Subtly-woven Masterpiece
It’s a rare blessing to find a book that you know you’ll enjoy several times. The fusion of genres. The distinct characters. The journey and the conclusion. This book is a treat.
It’s a rare blessing to find a book that you know you’ll enjoy several times. The fusion of genres. The distinct characters. The journey and the conclusion. This book is a treat.
September 9, 2025
Good read.
Interesting characters. Solid world -building. And a compelling story. It all adds up to a good book that doesn't get bogged down with boring scientific details like some sci-fi stories do.
Interesting characters. Solid world -building. And a compelling story. It all adds up to a good book that doesn't get bogged down with boring scientific details like some sci-fi stories do.
December 2, 2024
Great read
Interesting setting, thoughtful plot line, and actual character development. Felt like a space opera. I'll be reading more of her stuff for sure.
Interesting setting, thoughtful plot line, and actual character development. Felt like a space opera. I'll be reading more of her stuff for sure.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews