The Colony on Callisto

by Danny Davis

Although this book is squarely in the sci-fi genre, it should definitely appeal to fans of other genres. That's because it is above all else a "people book." This is the story of Sara Marshall's development from an abused and neglected child into a powerful and fearsome warrior fighting for the preservation of humankind. Some sci-fi readers, who expect uncomplicated heroes engaged in continual conflict, will be disappointed at the detailed character-development and the time spent presenting complex scenarios and world-building. These details are necessary to lay the foundation for the story's multifaceted progress from a familiar Earth-based world view to that of Callisto's more exotic and alien environment.

This is a well-written book whose text is totally appropriate for its genre. If you have any doubts, you should read the sample by clicking on the cover image. Also, down below, you'll find an excerpt from one of the chapters.

The following quotes are from the reader

"Genuinely suspenseful and moving."

"In my opinion, it is an excellent candidate for a Steven Spielberg film."

"... witty, tender and compelling."

"This book was a great summer read."

"I recommend people to read this book for a good storyline and adventure."

"Whether you are a fan of sci-fi or not, the human (and non-human) relationships in the story make this story relatable for fans of every genre."

"This is a satisfying story - full of many technical details and fun to read - quite a rare reading experience these days!"

"I ... was taken by surprise many times along the journey."

"The sci-fi elements are there for those who enjoy that genre, but others who may not normally be drawn to sci-fi will find it enjoyable as well."

Enjoy!

Summary :

The year is 2036, and Earth faces imminent destruction. In a desperate attempt to preserve the human species, thirty-two people are launched toward Callisto, an icy moon of Jupiter. Their success is threatened not only by hasty preparations and extreme physical conditions but, also, by formidable foes - both within and without - who are bent on their destruction. Sara Marshall was an Olympics-bound athlete and math professor before being selected for this mission. Reluctantly, she became caretaker of a five-year-old boy. Together they are the best hope for humankind's survival.

This is a story of exploration, discovery, adventure, and heroism with surprising twists and turns along the way. There's even a beautiful alien princess in the mix. But the heart of the story is its meaning, the universal need for it, and the sacrifices we are willing to make to preserve it.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2014

About the author

After teaching math in college for many years, Danny turned to another of his great loves: literature. Over time, his reading interests have varied widely, ranging among such great writers as Thomas Wolfe, Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, Jane Austen, Stephen King, Kate Atkinson, Jennifer Egan, Joyce Carol Oates, and Lauren Groff. Through these writers and others, he spent long periods delving into various genres, both fiction and non-fiction, and he hopes that his own writing is a reflection of these pursuits.

Reading can be a great motivator. Danny read Melissa Müller’s biography of Anne Frank in 2014, and for the next couple of years, he read almost exclusively Holocaust-related books—histories, memoirs, novels, etc. One book was particularly significant. This was Serge Klarsfeld’s French Children of the Holocaust: A Memorial. About three-fourths of that very large book is devoted to photographs of French children who were victims of the Nazi’s Final Solution, and even the most casual perusal is an emotional journey. For Danny, it was a call for action that led him to write Saving Anny, his contribution to Holocaust Remembrance.

If there is a central, prominent element that runs through all of his writing, it is family. Danny believes that the human family, in its many forms, traditional and non-traditional, large and small, is and always has been a powerful and indomitable bulwark against the vicissitudes of our ofttimes precarious existence.

Reviews

[Amanda Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun and emotional read. The author did a wonderful job reeling you into each character and his/her struggles. I found myself "rooting" for unlikely characters and was taken by surprise many times along the journey. I would recommend giving this one a try :)