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First Colony #19
Shattered Nexus
A desperate mission to return Aczar refugees to their distant homeworld spirals into something far deadlier.
Freed from their underground exile, the Aczar wield orbital weapons that could challenge the colonial fleet. Their revolution has liberated their species from ancient manipulation, but the refugees are branded traitors for siding with outsiders.
As diplomacy crumbles, Major Ethan Gates traces mysterious signals to a forgotten relic adrift in the void. What lies hidden could shatter everything humanity believes about their greatest enemy.
In uncharted space, forgotten wars echo through the darkness. First contact may bring salvation—or herald annihilation.
Freed from their underground exile, the Aczar wield orbital weapons that could challenge the colonial fleet. Their revolution has liberated their species from ancient manipulation, but the refugees are branded traitors for siding with outsiders.
As diplomacy crumbles, Major Ethan Gates traces mysterious signals to a forgotten relic adrift in the void. What lies hidden could shatter everything humanity believes about their greatest enemy.
In uncharted space, forgotten wars echo through the darkness. First contact may bring salvation—or herald annihilation.
- GenresScience Fiction
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2025
88 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Ken Lozito
64 books469 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 31, 2025
Something seemed OFF with this book from the start.
The writing is simply not up to par with the previous books. Can't put my finger on it exactly but I'll try -
* plot skips over key issues, with details left unexplained
* unexplained or poorly reasoned major plot lines
* motivations of key figures and their relevance are sketchy
* whole plot lines are left hanging in a way that I'd not seen before
* key decisions made by the principal characters have no logical foundation
* lots of repetition in describing stuff that is not really worth repeating
* overly dramatic narrative language where understated behavior and character development would have done so much better.
One example - we hear endlessly how the actions of the crew are about to impact human history and humanity's future & survival. The narrator hits you over the head with it. But we never gain an organic understanding, through the plot itself, of why that is.
* battle scenes are poorly scripted - almost childish.
* Scene settings are sometimes so poorly written that it is impossible to understand or visualize
* key science issues glossed over. I know this is soft sci fi - but even so no attempt is made, and numerous inconsistencies.
I really enjoyed the first 18 books (clearly - having come so far) - but this one feels like it was not written by the same author. I'd hazard a guess and say the book may have been AI generated.
Had the first book in the series been written this way - I would have bailed out after the first chapter. As it was I gave the author the benefit of the doubt and read to the end - but I feel I was duped.
I would humbly suggest to the author to clarify to the readers what happened here if he wants people reading more of this series - or any of his books.
The writing is simply not up to par with the previous books. Can't put my finger on it exactly but I'll try -
* plot skips over key issues, with details left unexplained
* unexplained or poorly reasoned major plot lines
* motivations of key figures and their relevance are sketchy
* whole plot lines are left hanging in a way that I'd not seen before
* key decisions made by the principal characters have no logical foundation
* lots of repetition in describing stuff that is not really worth repeating
* overly dramatic narrative language where understated behavior and character development would have done so much better.
One example - we hear endlessly how the actions of the crew are about to impact human history and humanity's future & survival. The narrator hits you over the head with it. But we never gain an organic understanding, through the plot itself, of why that is.
* battle scenes are poorly scripted - almost childish.
* Scene settings are sometimes so poorly written that it is impossible to understand or visualize
* key science issues glossed over. I know this is soft sci fi - but even so no attempt is made, and numerous inconsistencies.
I really enjoyed the first 18 books (clearly - having come so far) - but this one feels like it was not written by the same author. I'd hazard a guess and say the book may have been AI generated.
Had the first book in the series been written this way - I would have bailed out after the first chapter. As it was I gave the author the benefit of the doubt and read to the end - but I feel I was duped.
I would humbly suggest to the author to clarify to the readers what happened here if he wants people reading more of this series - or any of his books.
January 7, 2026
The continuation of a fantastic series, can’t wait for 20th book
And the journey continues
And the journey continues
December 25, 2025
After completing the entire series (so far book #19) over the past few months, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The First Colony series by Ken Lozito is a long-running military science fiction space opera that follows humanity’s struggle after establishing its first interstellar colony on an alien world called New Earth. The overarching narrative centers on Connor Gates, a military leader who becomes a key figure in defending the colony against existential threats, from hostile alien forces to mysterious invaders and interdimensional dangers. The series blends large-scale conflict, exploration of alien technologies and cultures, and evolving political and military dynamics across many sequels. I really hope there is more to come.
The First Colony series by Ken Lozito is a long-running military science fiction space opera that follows humanity’s struggle after establishing its first interstellar colony on an alien world called New Earth. The overarching narrative centers on Connor Gates, a military leader who becomes a key figure in defending the colony against existential threats, from hostile alien forces to mysterious invaders and interdimensional dangers. The series blends large-scale conflict, exploration of alien technologies and cultures, and evolving political and military dynamics across many sequels. I really hope there is more to come.
January 13, 2026
overly dramatic, difficult to read
Compared to book 18, this 19th book felt like it was written by a completely different author. Everything is wildly overdramatic with phrases such as “this changes the fundamental understanding of…” on nearly every other page. It’s wildly difficult to read, full of fluff and wasted verbiage and totally off the mark compared to the author’s previous writing.
Compared to book 18, this 19th book felt like it was written by a completely different author. Everything is wildly overdramatic with phrases such as “this changes the fundamental understanding of…” on nearly every other page. It’s wildly difficult to read, full of fluff and wasted verbiage and totally off the mark compared to the author’s previous writing.
October 27, 2025
Great read.
I have loved this series from book one. The characters continue to be interesting and I love how time has multiplied their families. From space battles to dinner with a spouse it's all good. The original families have been through so much, but it looks like they have caught a break. Can't wait for book 20!
I have loved this series from book one. The characters continue to be interesting and I love how time has multiplied their families. From space battles to dinner with a spouse it's all good. The original families have been through so much, but it looks like they have caught a break. Can't wait for book 20!
November 13, 2025
Loved the mu!triple species and new tech
This was an exciting book as they got to meet new species and fight new species while discovering more of the phantoms Abandoned technology. This will be to the next book being quite exciting I think. It is strange Not having much of the book centered around new Eden at all but it is exciting nevertheless.
This was an exciting book as they got to meet new species and fight new species while discovering more of the phantoms Abandoned technology. This will be to the next book being quite exciting I think. It is strange Not having much of the book centered around new Eden at all but it is exciting nevertheless.
November 30, 2025
Great Read
Nineteen books into the series the author manages to keep things fresh. The characters evolve but do not become super powerful. Challenges remain. The number of alien species continues to grow and seemingly all add something new to the story. My only quibble would be how easy interspecies communication is always established.
Nineteen books into the series the author manages to keep things fresh. The characters evolve but do not become super powerful. Challenges remain. The number of alien species continues to grow and seemingly all add something new to the story. My only quibble would be how easy interspecies communication is always established.
December 27, 2025
The search and the fight continues
Some irritating affectations but pace and interest kept me engaged.
I don't like descriptions of stances and mannerisms that carry huge amounts of interpretation especially when applied to aliens.
But the plot continues along with the excitement so I'll go with it!
Some irritating affectations but pace and interest kept me engaged.
I don't like descriptions of stances and mannerisms that carry huge amounts of interpretation especially when applied to aliens.
But the plot continues along with the excitement so I'll go with it!
November 15, 2025
Well done!
Likely the start of a new story arc in the first colony universe. Ethan and Sean’s adventures hunting the Vemus Alpha gets its start in this latest installment of the first colony series. Start from the beginning though, or you will be lost.
Likely the start of a new story arc in the first colony universe. Ethan and Sean’s adventures hunting the Vemus Alpha gets its start in this latest installment of the first colony series. Start from the beginning though, or you will be lost.
November 28, 2025
Could use a good editor. What's with the hair fixation and bridge lights for example? This book feels rushed and unloved, sadly. I don't know if I will continue reading this series. And please, can someone tell whomever wrote it to clamp down on the use of the word 'protocol'?
December 3, 2025
Shattered Nexus - Right On !
This effort moves the reader through
space deep into new realms of the galaxy, introduces possible allies and foes. Chilling action, exalting danger, and cool concepts. Mostly love the diversity of the cast.
This effort moves the reader through
space deep into new realms of the galaxy, introduces possible allies and foes. Chilling action, exalting danger, and cool concepts. Mostly love the diversity of the cast.
October 24, 2025
Another solid entry
Another solid entry in this series, very enjoyable read, if you've read the rest you will not be let down!
Another solid entry in this series, very enjoyable read, if you've read the rest you will not be let down!
October 25, 2025
Outstanding
Excellent book kept me glued to the pages, full of excitement and action. Well thought out. Would recommended the series.
Excellent book kept me glued to the pages, full of excitement and action. Well thought out. Would recommended the series.
November 3, 2025
Some what redundant
In spite of the over use of some words and phrases throughout the book I still enjoyed reading the series.
In spite of the over use of some words and phrases throughout the book I still enjoyed reading the series.
November 12, 2025
Next? great series of books . Can't wait for the next instalment
Great series . Can't wait for the next instalment . I wonder whether the future will look like this
Thanks Ken
Great series . Can't wait for the next instalment . I wonder whether the future will look like this
Thanks Ken
November 14, 2025
Exceptional as Always
I was on the edge of my seat numerous tim
es throughout this book. I love this series and am looking forward to the next book.
I was on the edge of my seat numerous tim
es throughout this book. I love this series and am looking forward to the next book.
November 14, 2025
The Space Opera continues
The search for new allies continues. Can there be powerful allies and enemies out there? How to differentiate? A good romp!
The search for new allies continues. Can there be powerful allies and enemies out there? How to differentiate? A good romp!
November 15, 2025
A great saga continues!
I have enjoyed every book in this series and look forward to continuing to follow the adventures. Would love to see them adapted to screenplays!
I have enjoyed every book in this series and look forward to continuing to follow the adventures. Would love to see them adapted to screenplays!
November 18, 2025
Very good read.
In the last book they used the ships AI. In this book the ships don’t not seem to have one?
In the last book they used the ships AI. In this book the ships don’t not seem to have one?
December 1, 2025
I've loved every single installment in this series, and this is no different.
December 14, 2025
Excellent Addition
I really enjoy this Series and I think anyone who has read any of the other books will also appreciate this outstanding book!
I really enjoy this Series and I think anyone who has read any of the other books will also appreciate this outstanding book!
November 22, 2025
A Sharp Departure from the First Colony Voice — Proceed with Caution
Having followed the First Colony series from the start, I was eager for Book 19. Unfortunately, this installment does not maintain the voice and character consistency that made the earlier books compelling.
The prose often feels mechanical and repetitive, as though the sentences were generated rather than carefully crafted. Key characters act in ways that depart from their established personalities, as if generic stand-ins have replaced the familiar ones I’ve come to know. The pacing and dialogue lack the nuance and emotional depth of previous entries, leaving the writing feeling hollow rather than invested.
If you’ve loved this series for its strong character work and distinctive style, I suggest tempering expectations. This book may still deliver the plot developments you’ve awaited, but in a tone and with characters that feel less grounded and less authentic than before.
I’ve avoided citing specific scenes or examples to respect the author and prevent spoilers, but long-time readers will recognize the tonal and stylistic shift immediately. I hope future entries reclaim the original voice readers built their relationship with but with this one, consider it a noticeable downgrade in character and tone. I personally lost patience with the pacing a number of times and felt the need to skip sections. In doing so I found I didn't miss any plot developments, just unnecessary extra words. I see this trend a lot in books on Kindle and wish these authors would read their own books over after having AI write or edit it.
Having followed the First Colony series from the start, I was eager for Book 19. Unfortunately, this installment does not maintain the voice and character consistency that made the earlier books compelling.
The prose often feels mechanical and repetitive, as though the sentences were generated rather than carefully crafted. Key characters act in ways that depart from their established personalities, as if generic stand-ins have replaced the familiar ones I’ve come to know. The pacing and dialogue lack the nuance and emotional depth of previous entries, leaving the writing feeling hollow rather than invested.
If you’ve loved this series for its strong character work and distinctive style, I suggest tempering expectations. This book may still deliver the plot developments you’ve awaited, but in a tone and with characters that feel less grounded and less authentic than before.
I’ve avoided citing specific scenes or examples to respect the author and prevent spoilers, but long-time readers will recognize the tonal and stylistic shift immediately. I hope future entries reclaim the original voice readers built their relationship with but with this one, consider it a noticeable downgrade in character and tone. I personally lost patience with the pacing a number of times and felt the need to skip sections. In doing so I found I didn't miss any plot developments, just unnecessary extra words. I see this trend a lot in books on Kindle and wish these authors would read their own books over after having AI write or edit it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews