What do you think?
Rate this book
Desolate Station
They found a new world, but can they survive long enough to claim it?
Ember, Seven, and their team have accomplished the impossible—finding a new world for Earth’s last survivors. But their mission is far from over. Claiming this paradise means waging war against their own technology.
With twelve thousand humans in stasis and Earth growing more dangerous by the day, the team faces an onslaught of challenges. Mysterious worker bots are attacking their ship. A powerful rogue AI refuses to relinquish control of the new world, questioning whether humans are worthy. Then there’s the stark reality that Earth’s last survivors possess none of the skills needed to thrive in this untamed wilderness.
With time running out, Ember, Seven, and their companions must prepare humanity for a future they never expected.
In this pulse-pounding conclusion to the Peregrine Outpost series, survival isn’t just about finding a new home. It’s about proving that humanity deserves a second chance.
Ember, Seven, and their team have accomplished the impossible—finding a new world for Earth’s last survivors. But their mission is far from over. Claiming this paradise means waging war against their own technology.
With twelve thousand humans in stasis and Earth growing more dangerous by the day, the team faces an onslaught of challenges. Mysterious worker bots are attacking their ship. A powerful rogue AI refuses to relinquish control of the new world, questioning whether humans are worthy. Then there’s the stark reality that Earth’s last survivors possess none of the skills needed to thrive in this untamed wilderness.
With time running out, Ember, Seven, and their companions must prepare humanity for a future they never expected.
In this pulse-pounding conclusion to the Peregrine Outpost series, survival isn’t just about finding a new home. It’s about proving that humanity deserves a second chance.
- GenresScience Fiction
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
49 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 26, 2025
I received this book as an ARC (Advance Reviewer Copy) directly from the author in exchange for checking for typos that got through the editing process and an honest review.
"Desolate Station" is the fourth and final book of the "Peregrine Outpost" series.
The first of the series, "Primal Eclipse", was so good that I signed up for this author's advance reviewer group, which is how I received this copy, "Feral Colony" book two, and "Forbidden Refuge" book three.
Ember, Seven, and the team have finaly found a place to reanimate the twelve thousand humans still in stasis. But, as usual nothing is easy. They have had to make a deal with the Ethos AI and it conflicts with what they and the nine other sentient species really want for saving the human race.
In the earlier parts of this one it is more about the interactions between the team, the other sentient species, and the Ethos AI.
The latter part is more about AI and what it can do and how to make sure it does it right.
And finally, things wrap up with how the team and its decendents fare in the rest of their lives.
All in all, this is a wonderful series which made me think a lot after reading it but not before then because I got engrossed in the story itself.
I would recommend reading the series in order, but it is not strictly necessary.
"Desolate Station" is the fourth and final book of the "Peregrine Outpost" series.
The first of the series, "Primal Eclipse", was so good that I signed up for this author's advance reviewer group, which is how I received this copy, "Feral Colony" book two, and "Forbidden Refuge" book three.
Ember, Seven, and the team have finaly found a place to reanimate the twelve thousand humans still in stasis. But, as usual nothing is easy. They have had to make a deal with the Ethos AI and it conflicts with what they and the nine other sentient species really want for saving the human race.
In the earlier parts of this one it is more about the interactions between the team, the other sentient species, and the Ethos AI.
The latter part is more about AI and what it can do and how to make sure it does it right.
And finally, things wrap up with how the team and its decendents fare in the rest of their lives.
All in all, this is a wonderful series which made me think a lot after reading it but not before then because I got engrossed in the story itself.
I would recommend reading the series in order, but it is not strictly necessary.
February 19, 2025
Brilliant finish to this absolutely fantastic series. Seven and his friends have finally found a place for humanity. The only problem is the A.I Ethos and how to get 12000 stasis cocoons from a toxic earth to deluphra.
Full on adventure with plenty of twists and turns. I particularly love the final chapter
Definitely recommend
Full on adventure with plenty of twists and turns. I particularly love the final chapter
Definitely recommend
Read
March 15, 2025My favorite kind of science fiction, or sometimes called speculative fiction, is where (mostly) humans have to find ways to adjust to somewhere other than Earth. Stan C. Smith’s Peregrine Outpost saga is just such a story in four volumes. Desolate Station, the fourth and final book, throws even more obstacles in the way of the ragtag group of seven humans. Returning to Earth is out of the question as it has been turned into a toxic un-survivable rock in the solar system. Un-survivable at least for humans, but humanity on Earth evolved over the centuries into monsters that attack first and don’t bother to ask questions later. Suffice it to say, returning to Earth is not an option.
Through the first three volumes, the team faced unbelievably complex and previously un-imagined situations to simply survive and make it to the next terraformed planet hoping it will be better suited to human life. This happens again, and again, and their last hope is Duluphra, the fourth planet they have landed on. It sounds like endless tension, but Stan breaks it up with the teams’ sense of humor and witty dialog. Those of you who have read the three previous books know about what they have faced. If you have not already read the other three books, I do recommend you do read them before reading this one. It will really help you understand many, many things.
At first Duluphra seems idyllic - beautiful, peaceful-looking animals, breathable air – everything the humans need. But, be assured that is just the surface. The team will face other sentient beings whose customs and thoughts are very different from the humans; some not so peaceful animals and the overseeing AI who is not welcoming to the humans at all.
The team uses their various skills and experiences from their life on Earth and the three previous candidate planets, to solve the many problems they face.
The old cliché says, “It was so good I couldn’t put it down.” It’s true. I couldn’t put it down. Enjoy!!
Through the first three volumes, the team faced unbelievably complex and previously un-imagined situations to simply survive and make it to the next terraformed planet hoping it will be better suited to human life. This happens again, and again, and their last hope is Duluphra, the fourth planet they have landed on. It sounds like endless tension, but Stan breaks it up with the teams’ sense of humor and witty dialog. Those of you who have read the three previous books know about what they have faced. If you have not already read the other three books, I do recommend you do read them before reading this one. It will really help you understand many, many things.
At first Duluphra seems idyllic - beautiful, peaceful-looking animals, breathable air – everything the humans need. But, be assured that is just the surface. The team will face other sentient beings whose customs and thoughts are very different from the humans; some not so peaceful animals and the overseeing AI who is not welcoming to the humans at all.
The team uses their various skills and experiences from their life on Earth and the three previous candidate planets, to solve the many problems they face.
The old cliché says, “It was so good I couldn’t put it down.” It’s true. I couldn’t put it down. Enjoy!!
March 4, 2025
The “stuff” great reading is made of…
This entire series takes the reader on an amazing journey via Stan C. Smith’s astonishingly creative vision of life in our universe while focusing on, what one might call, an earlier, present and future form of existence. He certainly gives us ideas to pounder.
As I stated in my review of Forbidden Refuge: “Whether Stan Smith intended to make any comparison or not, I believe that humanity is at a critical turning point and the colorfully different groups that the team encounters and their way of life is an example of what lies ahead and how we will need to adapt and learn to survive and flourish differently than what we are used to now.”
In Desolate Station, the team on a mission to save humanity is faced with a very contemporary notion we now have on Earth and that is, can AI be trusted without certain safeguards. The other colonists agree but are fearful to take action. What ensues is another big challenge to overcome that later reveals the need for re-evaluation in planning for everyone’s ability to coexist together – fascinating stuff!
On the one hand, I am sorry that this series has come to an end. Yet, on the other hand, I am ever so grateful that these weary travelers and dormant humans get to awaken to a future of possibilities on a new planet. And so, we need to look ahead as well, despite any challenges we may face, to a future of greater possibilities including health, wealth and happiness right here on Earth.
I’m confident that Stan Smith will continue his creative writing pursuits for me and others to enjoy…I’m well-pleased that I had the opportunity to read and offer my honest and voluntary review.
This entire series takes the reader on an amazing journey via Stan C. Smith’s astonishingly creative vision of life in our universe while focusing on, what one might call, an earlier, present and future form of existence. He certainly gives us ideas to pounder.
As I stated in my review of Forbidden Refuge: “Whether Stan Smith intended to make any comparison or not, I believe that humanity is at a critical turning point and the colorfully different groups that the team encounters and their way of life is an example of what lies ahead and how we will need to adapt and learn to survive and flourish differently than what we are used to now.”
In Desolate Station, the team on a mission to save humanity is faced with a very contemporary notion we now have on Earth and that is, can AI be trusted without certain safeguards. The other colonists agree but are fearful to take action. What ensues is another big challenge to overcome that later reveals the need for re-evaluation in planning for everyone’s ability to coexist together – fascinating stuff!
On the one hand, I am sorry that this series has come to an end. Yet, on the other hand, I am ever so grateful that these weary travelers and dormant humans get to awaken to a future of possibilities on a new planet. And so, we need to look ahead as well, despite any challenges we may face, to a future of greater possibilities including health, wealth and happiness right here on Earth.
I’m confident that Stan Smith will continue his creative writing pursuits for me and others to enjoy…I’m well-pleased that I had the opportunity to read and offer my honest and voluntary review.
March 4, 2025
In Stan C. Smith's Desolate Station, the gripping finale of the Peregrine Outpost saga, Seven, Ember, and their exhausted crew are thrust into a perilous gamble. With Earth a toxic wasteland, overrun by deadly entities, their mission to protect twelve thousand souls in stasis transforms into a desperate struggle for existence. Deluphra, their last sanctuary, is a world of stunning beauty, yet riddled with formidable obstacles. A particularly malevolent AI, unpredictable and ruthlessly hostile, poses a significant threat. Adding to their burdens, they must navigate the complex and often treacherous social dynamics of Deluphra's sentient species. Smith masterfully balances the relentless tension of a barrage of trials, testing the team’s resolve and ingenuity to their breaking point, with the warmth of fully developed characters. Their wit, humor, and deep relationships illuminate the narrative, even as they confront an insurmountable dilemma that holds the fate of humanity's dwindling hope in the balance.
March 4, 2025
I am in awe of the author's imagination and inventiveness. At the end of the last book, I couldn't fathom how it would be possible to manage the seemingly impossible task of 6 people bringing 12000 bodies from earth to Deluphra with only 6 re-animation pods available, not to mention the dangers on earth from whistlers and the poisonous atmosphere. Then, this final book started by making it even harder with the bots starting to dismantle Hortense, followed by the fallout with Ethos. The resolution was amazing and enjoyable to read, and the colourful and varied descriptions of all the sentient species and the things Ethos envisaged as part of her solution presentation are fantastic. This book brought the series to an excellent and satisfying conclusion, but I must confess I will miss the series and the adventures of the magnificent 7, the team members led by the aptly named Seven.
March 8, 2025
Desolate Station . . .
Non-stop action, but things can always go wrong and I kept imagining being in stasis and unaware of the danger. I guess the good part is you won’t suffer long, nor will you get to enjoy the new amazing world. Ember, Seven, and their team have provided a home for Earth’s survivors. But it isn’t simply a walk-in-and-claim-it situation. And having no training to fight for their world, can the few team members fight for them? Twelve thousand humans in stasis is going to be a problem. (And we rarely get along with our neighbors let along 12,000 strangers!) Under attack by worker bots, an AI, and the only defense being humans lacking skills to make this work, will the new world be impossible to claim? Will the humans be willing to wade into the fight and prove themselves worthy to start over?
Non-stop action, but things can always go wrong and I kept imagining being in stasis and unaware of the danger. I guess the good part is you won’t suffer long, nor will you get to enjoy the new amazing world. Ember, Seven, and their team have provided a home for Earth’s survivors. But it isn’t simply a walk-in-and-claim-it situation. And having no training to fight for their world, can the few team members fight for them? Twelve thousand humans in stasis is going to be a problem. (And we rarely get along with our neighbors let along 12,000 strangers!) Under attack by worker bots, an AI, and the only defense being humans lacking skills to make this work, will the new world be impossible to claim? Will the humans be willing to wade into the fight and prove themselves worthy to start over?
March 4, 2025
Stan C Smith never fails to deliver an original, unique story. This book features all the hallmarks of what makes his writing so good. Strange creatures, that are inspired by the real world, interesting characters, that face almost endless peril, and technology from the future we can all love, and possibly fear. This is the final instalment in the Peregrine Outpost series and it's a brilliant and fitting conclusion to a clever and fascinating series. A series that is unique in its take on what many authors have tackled before, the question of 'where next for humans if we lose Earth?'. This is well paced and extremely addictive reading, as is the entire series, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Simple excellent.
February 27, 2025
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wow, talk about saving the best for last! This was a great conclusion to a good series. There were so many twists and turns in this story it was mind boggling. The world building was amazing, the intricate descriptions of the different races with their different philosophies, world outlook, even the food and clothing, as well as the vibrant descriptions of the landscapes of the planets made this a very engaging read. In addition there was the cast of characters we've accompanied on their challenging adventure, which the final chapters were a very satisfying conclusion to. Highly recommend the whole series.
Wow, talk about saving the best for last! This was a great conclusion to a good series. There were so many twists and turns in this story it was mind boggling. The world building was amazing, the intricate descriptions of the different races with their different philosophies, world outlook, even the food and clothing, as well as the vibrant descriptions of the landscapes of the planets made this a very engaging read. In addition there was the cast of characters we've accompanied on their challenging adventure, which the final chapters were a very satisfying conclusion to. Highly recommend the whole series.
March 4, 2025
I was an "ARC" reader for this last book of the "Peregrine Outpost" series. "Desolate Station" is the fourth book of the series.
The team have finally found a place to reanimate the twelve thousand humans still in stasis on earth. But, as usual, nothing is easy. They have to make a deal with the Ethos AI and it conflicts with what they and the nine other sentient species really want for saving the human race. Every time they think they have solved their problems another glitch occurs. This keeps the story line flowing and the desire to keep reading strong.
Stan does a great job of creating problems so the team can come up with unique solutions.
The team have finally found a place to reanimate the twelve thousand humans still in stasis on earth. But, as usual, nothing is easy. They have to make a deal with the Ethos AI and it conflicts with what they and the nine other sentient species really want for saving the human race. Every time they think they have solved their problems another glitch occurs. This keeps the story line flowing and the desire to keep reading strong.
Stan does a great job of creating problems so the team can come up with unique solutions.
March 11, 2025
I came across the books by Stan C. Smith purely by accident quite a few books ago! I was so impressed by his style of writing and his infinite imagination, I have read every one of his books. This book is number four in the series and it is as good as the others. It is the conclusion of a story about the last survivors from earth. It is a series about the desperate search for a safe place for humanity to start again. The writing style is captive, and you are drawn into the book, page by page. The story is intriguing and you find yourself wanting to know more about the survivors, and how it ends.
March 4, 2025
I have enjoyed all of the books in the series, but this one is my favorite. It has non-stop action from start to finish. It is filled with the usual sense of humor and witty dialog we have come to expect from the team. It provides clever solutions to seemingly impossible problems faced by the team. It offers interesting insights on what a possible future could look like that integrates AI in a positive way. It is imaginative and fun. And I found the end to be a very satisfying way to close out the series.
March 6, 2025
The only problem I had with this last installment of this series is that it ended! Stan C Smith has once again delivered a brilliant masterpiece. The characters come to life after a long cryro freeze and jump into the heart of the reader. In this final installment we discover the true will of mans need for survival as well as the true importance of continuing the human race. Do we deserve to have a second chance after we ruined our planet? That is a question worth pondering. Stan C Smith seems to think we do.
March 11, 2025
The only problem I had with this last installment of this series is that it ended! Stan C Smith has once again delivered a brilliant masterpiece. The characters come to life after a long cryro freeze and jump into the heart of the reader. In this final installment, we discover the true will of mans need for survival as well as the true importance of continuing the human race. Do we deserve to have a second chance after we ruined our planet? That is a question worth pondering. Stan C Smith seems to think we do.
June 27, 2025
Can the 12000 humans be saved?
Another question is, can humans and created (non-reproducing)humans cooperate along with robots to create a new society basically for the benefit of all?
Ethos, the AI creator of this world, (creating odd plants, animals, and humans) to say the least, has to be reasoned with, if not destroyed so that the 12000 humans from Earth can be revived to start humanity on a new planet. This is a fun book with lots of plot twists and very unusual biological technology. Cool
Another question is, can humans and created (non-reproducing)humans cooperate along with robots to create a new society basically for the benefit of all?
Ethos, the AI creator of this world, (creating odd plants, animals, and humans) to say the least, has to be reasoned with, if not destroyed so that the 12000 humans from Earth can be revived to start humanity on a new planet. This is a fun book with lots of plot twists and very unusual biological technology. Cool
February 20, 2025
This is the spectacular culmination to the series of 4 books. I was given an ARC of this wonderful book by the author and am voluntarily posting an honest review. I was so excited to read how Stan Smith was able to conclude the series with so many twists and turns, as well as all its perplexing issues. He did a masterful job. I really adored this story and admire Smith’s ability to write such imaginative, complex and original tales!
February 26, 2025
Just when you thought they were out of the woods . . .
The job isn't over until it's over. And this job is a monumental one. Every time our intrepid team thinks they're finally in the clear, a new obstacle presents itself. This particular obstacle might just be insurmountable. Well, if it were just one obstacle, it might not be so bad, but this time they are hit with multiple major obstacles all at the same time.
The job isn't over until it's over. And this job is a monumental one. Every time our intrepid team thinks they're finally in the clear, a new obstacle presents itself. This particular obstacle might just be insurmountable. Well, if it were just one obstacle, it might not be so bad, but this time they are hit with multiple major obstacles all at the same time.
March 4, 2025
Desolate Station is the highly anticipated conclusion of the Peregrine Outpost series and is my favorite of the four-book series. The characters we've grown to love and respect must once again overcome challenges to save humankind by finding a world where they can survive. The twists and turns of the story will keep you reading to learn how they overcome challenges you would never suspect. Stan Smith has outdone himself!
February 28, 2025
Wow! What a fascinating and completely original story!
This author does come up with the most unusual ideas for the natural world, and how it could produce some rather strange creatures. Add that to a varied and interesting storyline, and you have a recipe for a great read.
This is the entrancing conclusion to a rather clever but captivating story.
This author does come up with the most unusual ideas for the natural world, and how it could produce some rather strange creatures. Add that to a varied and interesting storyline, and you have a recipe for a great read.
This is the entrancing conclusion to a rather clever but captivating story.
March 9, 2025
Get this book, but only after you have gotten the first three.
This closes out the series and gives an ending with which you will not be disappointed. There are several twists and turns of course but as good as Stan Smith writes, that is to be expected.
I can't wait until he starts the next series.
This closes out the series and gives an ending with which you will not be disappointed. There are several twists and turns of course but as good as Stan Smith writes, that is to be expected.
I can't wait until he starts the next series.
March 3, 2025
The author paints s a spectacular picture of an entirely different world. The multitude of beings are as colorful as the landscapes and the twists keep you on your toes. Wonderful series, highly recommended.
March 4, 2025
A fascinating glimpse into the future and what it might entail. Problems and solutions are worked out by a team of civilians saved from the chaos that Earth became. Stan C. Smith guides his characters to make decisions based on intelligence and pure gut. Exciting and thrilling.
March 4, 2025
Thank you Stan for another amazing book. An amazing book to end this series. As always I'm sad to have the book closed as I fall in love with the characters and the plots and everything that goes with it and I will look forward to your next book. Thank you for being part of my reading journey 💗
March 5, 2025
Absolutely brilliant book, the authors imagination must have gone into overdrive to write this superb storyline plenty of action .
The problem with writing a review on a book like this is giving away spoilers so I will just say I highly recommend this book and of course the whole series.
The problem with writing a review on a book like this is giving away spoilers so I will just say I highly recommend this book and of course the whole series.
March 7, 2025
Stan Smith did a great job in creating believable characters and a really good story. He brought it to a beautiful conclusion and I look forward to the two prequels that he has promised. I recommend this series and his others to everyone.
March 12, 2025
A Nice Finish to a Good Series
The first half of the book continues with the same intensity as the previous volumes. The last half of it is noticeably tamer as all loose ends get wrapped up, but it is still very entertaining. Good closure.
The first half of the book continues with the same intensity as the previous volumes. The last half of it is noticeably tamer as all loose ends get wrapped up, but it is still very entertaining. Good closure.
March 26, 2025
Best of the best
Tense at times with relief when needed. I appreciate Stan and his teaching manner. It is prevalent throughout all of his books. The explanations at the end of the book are particularly helpful.
Thanks for another wonderful book!
Tense at times with relief when needed. I appreciate Stan and his teaching manner. It is prevalent throughout all of his books. The explanations at the end of the book are particularly helpful.
Thanks for another wonderful book!
March 4, 2025
This was a great book. A great way to end the series. It took a lot of turns I wasn’t expecting. I’d recommend it to everyone
April 4, 2025
An exciting finish to this nail-biting series. Will humanity be saved? It's all in the hands of Ember, Seven, and the rest of the team. I was kept in suspense until the end.
Read
November 11, 2025Fantastic end to a wonderful series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews