Planets

First Colony #4

by A.J. Marshall

"Planets" is the forth instalment in the topical, five-book, near future "First Colony" series. In this exciting ongoing adventure, we follow the protagonist Arron Wu as he journeys below the Moon's Aratus crater and into an extensive lava tube system that holds clues not just to mankind’s origins, but also a strange Earth-Moon coupling. The Conglomerates' seemingly insatiable demands for all that the lunar colony offers, including unimaginable mineral wealth, sees a direct assault on Moon's independence and long-established democracy. Initially, their well-planned hawkish surge on the lunar colony appears to succeed, but widespread dissent, brewing for many weeks beneath a local facade of calm and accepting subservience, now begins to surface. Then another much more divisive force arrises. This threat is far more subversive and perilous than anything Epsilon Rio, Spheron or Tongsei can or do impose on the lunarfolk. Will the Brotherhood and their covert opposition become the epicentre of lunar resistance? Are their attempts to restore the once enjoyed freedoms of a contemporary space colony, inconsequential? The mechanicals strive to gain an understanding of human emotion and even the nature of consciousness. Will this knowledge prove a decisive factor in their quest for ultimate control of all things? Find out in "Planets", forth novel in the "First Colony" chronicles.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read right contemporary political and social tie ins.

I have read all four books and have enjoyed the series. I like its character development, especially Aaron's interaction with the various sentient AIs. The tension regarding the presence and role of AIs and the role of large corporations and their impact on politics and life have modern parallels, as does the growing ,authoritarianism and its reading of fundamental freedom and rights. I am looking forward to the conclusion in the next volume.