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First Colony #17
Pathfinder: First Colony, Book 17
Being blindsided is never easy, even when you’re on the right track.
Experimenting with technology that stretches our understanding of the universe, Connor and a small group of survivors find themselves stranded on a ship far beyond known space.
The answers they seek may lie in a distant star system, but Connor is about to find out that not all encounters are by chance.
With a crew size too small on a ship that is barely holding together, can Connor find a way to bring them home safe?
Pathfinder is the 17th book in the bestselling military science fiction series, First Colony. Listen to the 17th book in this sprawling space opera today!
Experimenting with technology that stretches our understanding of the universe, Connor and a small group of survivors find themselves stranded on a ship far beyond known space.
The answers they seek may lie in a distant star system, but Connor is about to find out that not all encounters are by chance.
With a crew size too small on a ship that is barely holding together, can Connor find a way to bring them home safe?
Pathfinder is the 17th book in the bestselling military science fiction series, First Colony. Listen to the 17th book in this sprawling space opera today!
- GenresScience Fiction
Audible Audio
Published January 8, 2025
167 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Ken Lozito
61 books467 followersKen Lozito is the best-selling author of multiple science fiction series, including First Colony, Ascension, & Federation Chronicles. He writes about first contact, colonization, exploration, heroic tales, redemption stories, and old-fashion adventure stories with rich and interesting characters. He’s had over a million books sold and loves the fact he’s been able to reach so many amazing readers with his stories. Readers have lost precious hours of sleep while they read just one more page.
Ken worked in IT Security for almost twenty years before becoming a full-time author. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, reading, playing with the dog, and binge-watching shows.
You can find out more about Ken and upcoming books on his website at http://kenlozito.com
Ken worked in IT Security for almost twenty years before becoming a full-time author. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, reading, playing with the dog, and binge-watching shows.
You can find out more about Ken and upcoming books on his website at http://kenlozito.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 20, 2024
It seems like I have been reading this series forever! Well, we are up to book 17. I think it could have ended a long time ago, but the author keeps coming up with new stories which, thankfully, are pretty good. This one is one of the better ones although it is the start of something kind of new.
General Conner Gates had thought to kind of retire and stay on New Earth while the younger generation did all the exploring. His son, Ethan, is off with the New Earth exploration iniative. Still, Conner wants to stay involved in the community and help further it’s development. So, he’s now at an experimental site helping Noah, the brilliant young scientist, figure out just how his I-Drive invention works.
They are using an old starship, the *Pathfinder,* was currrently in dry-dock at the Whitehall R&D facility on New Earth. That was where it was supposed to be, but something had happen and those on the ship were just recovering from what they though might have been an earth quake in their area of the planet. Yet, a quick discovery showed that the starship and it’s partial crew were now in space. It’s crew as a combination of scientist, some civilian technicians and Gerneral Gates protection detachment.
Once it was recognized that they were no longer on New Earth, they immediately tried to get a count of who was with them and how many people they had on-board. There was limited communications aboard the ship due to everything seemly be down. The power cord had done something that then corrupted the computer core. Most essential services were just now coming back on-line including the artifical gravity. Gradually, people were coming to not necessarily aware of what happened but knew they had to get to the command center and engineering.
Luckily, Noah and another engineer, Naya were already trying to assess systems to find out just what went wrong. Unfortunately for General Gates, there was a Colony inspection team aboard lead by Director Glen Rhodes. Drirector Rhodes was chief of logistics and supplies for the colony and was attempting to do an audit of the R&D operations specifically on the I-Drive project. That project was consuming a lot of rescources and it was felt than such an audit would only provided more efficiencies in resource usage. Conner didn’t mind the idea of an audit as long as they got it done quickly and pretty much stay out of the way of his researchers. He had nothing to hide, but knew there were concerns about this project.
But now everything had changed. They were apparently adrift in space not knowing how they got this way nor how they could return to New Earth. In fact, they didn’t know where they were to even start trying to get home! Noah said that the navigation system had suffered a complete loss of data and the computer wasn’t recogizing any of the stars or systems in close proximity. If they couldn’t figure out where they were, they couldn’t begin to figure out how to get back home.
Still there immediate problem was gathering all the people on the *Pathfinder* into on place so they could get a head-count. Come to find out there were only twelve people showing up in the mess/dining hall with another two in the medbay. One of the two was a senior maintenance tech and he was also the most injured. He was being taken care of by the autodoc but no one knew when his injuries might be fixed so he could be used in fixing the ship.
Noah and Naya had discovered that the power core was down to less than sixty percent of it’s capability which would cause some systems to be permanently shut-down. That also dictated how much power they had for the engines, but they didn’t know if they were all even working. The engines hadn’t been used in quite a while and were supposed to be removed since this ship was so old. The computer core was also degraded, but it was supposed to be getting upgraded for use with the I-Drive if they had gotten that far.
Further, Noah found that the I-Drive had self-initiated for some reason and had caused them to be flung in space. He didn’t think what happened should have ever been able to happen. Lastly, he figured they were some five-thousand light-years from New Earth but he still had no idea of which direction they had been flung. He was just thankful that life support was one of the systems still working.
So, Connor Gates and company have some huge problems to solve. They have a fabricator aboard which can make some of the stuff they require to live and fix parts of the ship. But, that fabricator needs biomass as raw material. They’ll have to find a planet that can provide that raw material some how.
Things are going to happen pretty quick in this story. It also doesn’t end with everyone back on New Earth. To read about what happens next we’re going to have to read book 18, but as of now, it’s not even available on Amazon.
General Conner Gates had thought to kind of retire and stay on New Earth while the younger generation did all the exploring. His son, Ethan, is off with the New Earth exploration iniative. Still, Conner wants to stay involved in the community and help further it’s development. So, he’s now at an experimental site helping Noah, the brilliant young scientist, figure out just how his I-Drive invention works.
They are using an old starship, the *Pathfinder,* was currrently in dry-dock at the Whitehall R&D facility on New Earth. That was where it was supposed to be, but something had happen and those on the ship were just recovering from what they though might have been an earth quake in their area of the planet. Yet, a quick discovery showed that the starship and it’s partial crew were now in space. It’s crew as a combination of scientist, some civilian technicians and Gerneral Gates protection detachment.
Once it was recognized that they were no longer on New Earth, they immediately tried to get a count of who was with them and how many people they had on-board. There was limited communications aboard the ship due to everything seemly be down. The power cord had done something that then corrupted the computer core. Most essential services were just now coming back on-line including the artifical gravity. Gradually, people were coming to not necessarily aware of what happened but knew they had to get to the command center and engineering.
Luckily, Noah and another engineer, Naya were already trying to assess systems to find out just what went wrong. Unfortunately for General Gates, there was a Colony inspection team aboard lead by Director Glen Rhodes. Drirector Rhodes was chief of logistics and supplies for the colony and was attempting to do an audit of the R&D operations specifically on the I-Drive project. That project was consuming a lot of rescources and it was felt than such an audit would only provided more efficiencies in resource usage. Conner didn’t mind the idea of an audit as long as they got it done quickly and pretty much stay out of the way of his researchers. He had nothing to hide, but knew there were concerns about this project.
But now everything had changed. They were apparently adrift in space not knowing how they got this way nor how they could return to New Earth. In fact, they didn’t know where they were to even start trying to get home! Noah said that the navigation system had suffered a complete loss of data and the computer wasn’t recogizing any of the stars or systems in close proximity. If they couldn’t figure out where they were, they couldn’t begin to figure out how to get back home.
Still there immediate problem was gathering all the people on the *Pathfinder* into on place so they could get a head-count. Come to find out there were only twelve people showing up in the mess/dining hall with another two in the medbay. One of the two was a senior maintenance tech and he was also the most injured. He was being taken care of by the autodoc but no one knew when his injuries might be fixed so he could be used in fixing the ship.
Noah and Naya had discovered that the power core was down to less than sixty percent of it’s capability which would cause some systems to be permanently shut-down. That also dictated how much power they had for the engines, but they didn’t know if they were all even working. The engines hadn’t been used in quite a while and were supposed to be removed since this ship was so old. The computer core was also degraded, but it was supposed to be getting upgraded for use with the I-Drive if they had gotten that far.
Further, Noah found that the I-Drive had self-initiated for some reason and had caused them to be flung in space. He didn’t think what happened should have ever been able to happen. Lastly, he figured they were some five-thousand light-years from New Earth but he still had no idea of which direction they had been flung. He was just thankful that life support was one of the systems still working.
So, Connor Gates and company have some huge problems to solve. They have a fabricator aboard which can make some of the stuff they require to live and fix parts of the ship. But, that fabricator needs biomass as raw material. They’ll have to find a planet that can provide that raw material some how.
Things are going to happen pretty quick in this story. It also doesn’t end with everyone back on New Earth. To read about what happens next we’re going to have to read book 18, but as of now, it’s not even available on Amazon.
January 7, 2025
Great story with an interesting twist
January 12, 2025
Great new arc - wish this book was longer
I finished reading/listening to this book within a couple of days and wish it was longer. Conner yet again finds himself in a difficult situation with people who ill-prepared for the unexpected and while are all looking for ways to blame him and Noah for it. They find yet another alien species yet this one has an interesting backstory involving the Phantoms, who aren't quite as benevolent as we thought. Suffice to say things are getting interesting (in the Chinese sense of the word).
I finished reading/listening to this book within a couple of days and wish it was longer. Conner yet again finds himself in a difficult situation with people who ill-prepared for the unexpected and while are all looking for ways to blame him and Noah for it. They find yet another alien species yet this one has an interesting backstory involving the Phantoms, who aren't quite as benevolent as we thought. Suffice to say things are getting interesting (in the Chinese sense of the word).
November 5, 2024
17 Books, Wow
First Colony was always as best when it was about exploration and discovery. Theres been wars and the chaos along the way, and some of the books are better than others, but it’s a treat to see the characters grow and evolve, and also come and go throughout the novels. If you are new to the series, start with book 1 and settle in for the long haul. Loved the latest installment cause its back to adventure and discovery.
First Colony was always as best when it was about exploration and discovery. Theres been wars and the chaos along the way, and some of the books are better than others, but it’s a treat to see the characters grow and evolve, and also come and go throughout the novels. If you are new to the series, start with book 1 and settle in for the long haul. Loved the latest installment cause its back to adventure and discovery.
November 17, 2024
Another great story
I have read all 17 books in this series, and I am never disappointed. I am now listening to them on Audible and they are still fantastic to hear. The expansion of the characters, the intro of the I-drive, the new civilization, a magnificent new species with new skills. Loved it can't wait for the next installment, and a better understanding of the Phantoms and there purpose.
I have read all 17 books in this series, and I am never disappointed. I am now listening to them on Audible and they are still fantastic to hear. The expansion of the characters, the intro of the I-drive, the new civilization, a magnificent new species with new skills. Loved it can't wait for the next installment, and a better understanding of the Phantoms and there purpose.
December 15, 2024
Well, I really like the First Colony series but I have to say the particular was not as exciting to me as the previous ones. I always look forward to the next book in the series but I think this one took too long for the story line to develop and the ending was not satisfying to the point of any resolution for me.
I'm invested enough in the series to read the next one ( hope it doesn't take to long in the making...) and hope to story line moves quicker.
Duane T
I'm invested enough in the series to read the next one ( hope it doesn't take to long in the making...) and hope to story line moves quicker.
Duane T
November 8, 2024
Science fiction Mystery
I have read.all.of the First Colony series and was so glad Mr Lozito decided to expand the series. Pathfinder is a great read with a.mystery involving a previous alien and a brand new alien in a brand new galaxy. Which one will be the ally and help them home? I loved it and can't wait for book 18.
I have read.all.of the First Colony series and was so glad Mr Lozito decided to expand the series. Pathfinder is a great read with a.mystery involving a previous alien and a brand new alien in a brand new galaxy. Which one will be the ally and help them home? I loved it and can't wait for book 18.
December 30, 2024
Space opera
Connor, Noah and a dozen others are flung into the vastness of space when the experimental infinity drive engages without notice. The species they call the Phantoms are somehow involved. They must find a planet to resupply and repair their badly damaged ship and make first contact with another species.
Connor, Noah and a dozen others are flung into the vastness of space when the experimental infinity drive engages without notice. The species they call the Phantoms are somehow involved. They must find a planet to resupply and repair their badly damaged ship and make first contact with another species.
January 3, 2025
Things are utterly different
The focus of this book is primarily on Connor Gates and Noah, along with a small number of other characters. The story opens with the small group lost, unable to distinguish where they are from their surroundings. They go on to have a much different sort of journey than in any previous book.
The focus of this book is primarily on Connor Gates and Noah, along with a small number of other characters. The story opens with the small group lost, unable to distinguish where they are from their surroundings. They go on to have a much different sort of journey than in any previous book.
February 14, 2025
Lost in Space
This book brings the series back to smaller scope where Connor Gates is back to just a single ship. It's refreshing how well the story is told. Meeting a new civilization, some fighting but a lot of personal interaction of the characters. I really like the book and can't wait for next book to come out.
This book brings the series back to smaller scope where Connor Gates is back to just a single ship. It's refreshing how well the story is told. Meeting a new civilization, some fighting but a lot of personal interaction of the characters. I really like the book and can't wait for next book to come out.
August 1, 2025
Another fun read in one of my favorite sci-fi series. Connor and company are testing the Infinity drive when an "accident", or was it, pops them tens of thousand of light years into unknown space and smack dab into the middle of a Phantom situation. Meanwhile, Ethan follows up on a distress signal and runs headfirst into a Vemus Alpha. Lots of fun typical of the series. Enjoy.
November 3, 2024
Another great storyline
The First Colony Saga continues with a new adventure and first contact situation. The consistency of the personalities and situational responses are familiar and entertaining to the reader and results in a thirst for more episodes.
The First Colony Saga continues with a new adventure and first contact situation. The consistency of the personalities and situational responses are familiar and entertaining to the reader and results in a thirst for more episodes.
November 15, 2024
another great book and start to new adventure
Ken captivates from the first page. I’ve ready all of his series and look forward to the next book. Great depth without going overboard and engaging characters you know from their first words. Keep writing, ONLY FASTER.
Ken captivates from the first page. I’ve ready all of his series and look forward to the next book. Great depth without going overboard and engaging characters you know from their first words. Keep writing, ONLY FASTER.
November 30, 2024
Keep it going
So look forward to seeing what happens in this series. Can hardly wait for the next one to come out. Fast paced adventure. Good author, have read other books by him and am never disappointed.
So look forward to seeing what happens in this series. Can hardly wait for the next one to come out. Fast paced adventure. Good author, have read other books by him and am never disappointed.
December 4, 2024
Another intriguing masterpiece from Ken Lozito.
Sometimes it is difficult to tell whether the Storyteller is bringing life to a story, or whether the story is bringing life to the teller. Ken Lozito's arc of discovery in this series is nothing short of amazing.
Sometimes it is difficult to tell whether the Storyteller is bringing life to a story, or whether the story is bringing life to the teller. Ken Lozito's arc of discovery in this series is nothing short of amazing.
December 8, 2024
Like all past volumes — a great read!
As all the others, I could not put it down! It is a great read — I can’t wait for the continuing story! Thanks. I have read every book in this series.
As all the others, I could not put it down! It is a great read — I can’t wait for the continuing story! Thanks. I have read every book in this series.
December 26, 2024
Awesome awesome awesome!
Really quite good. Reqd smoothly, story kept me interested and the twists and turns never get old. Very excited to see where the next book goes and how the big Boogeyman at the end is revealed. Definitely worth a read if you've enjoyed his other books
Really quite good. Reqd smoothly, story kept me interested and the twists and turns never get old. Very excited to see where the next book goes and how the big Boogeyman at the end is revealed. Definitely worth a read if you've enjoyed his other books
March 3, 2025
A new adventure for Connor and Noah
A nice "spin-off" for the first colony series. This adds potential to expand the story in several new avenues. New species of humanoids and new potential for longer range travel. Looking forward to the next one.
A nice "spin-off" for the first colony series. This adds potential to expand the story in several new avenues. New species of humanoids and new potential for longer range travel. Looking forward to the next one.
November 9, 2024
Another hit
The story continues. Conner in the thick of it. Well written and engrossing. One of those , can't put down books. Read within 2 days, lol.
The story continues. Conner in the thick of it. Well written and engrossing. One of those , can't put down books. Read within 2 days, lol.
November 12, 2024
Great sci-fi
Really enjoy the first colony series. I like the technology and characters. Conor is my favorite but also like Sean and Noah. Can't wait for the next book. Thank you!
Really enjoy the first colony series. I like the technology and characters. Conor is my favorite but also like Sean and Noah. Can't wait for the next book. Thank you!
November 14, 2024
Great space opera
Connor Gates goes even further into the unknown - fewer humans with him but new friends to find. Fast paced, a real page turner!
Connor Gates goes even further into the unknown - fewer humans with him but new friends to find. Fast paced, a real page turner!
November 25, 2024
Want more
I am left in suspense. Can't wait to read the next book already. I feel that I know them personally as if they actually exist.
I am left in suspense. Can't wait to read the next book already. I feel that I know them personally as if they actually exist.
December 11, 2024
what a great series… kudos!!
What a great series and I think it just branched off into another great series
Ken Lozito … your doing great
What a great series and I think it just branched off into another great series
Ken Lozito … your doing great
January 25, 2025
Spoiler alert!!! The ending sucks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
Wish there was more. Certainly did not expect the ending to this book. Saying more would give things away.
June 2, 2025
first off, thank you for not continuing the political shenanigans from book 16. this was a fun read and will immediately start book 18. Awesome 😁
July 9, 2025
One of. The best
This was one of the best stories in the series. Very interesting and just great story and now more aliens in the fold just great.
This was one of the best stories in the series. Very interesting and just great story and now more aliens in the fold just great.
July 10, 2025
Connor and Crew React to Surprise
I am really happy to recommend this book highly and I fervently hope that the next book in this series comes out soon! Thanks!
I am really happy to recommend this book highly and I fervently hope that the next book in this series comes out soon! Thanks!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews