Fourth Wave: First Command, Book 4

by Michael Simon, Ryan Kennard Burke (Narrator)

Cole’s motley group of misfits were tip of the spear when Fleet struck deep into Coven space and destroyed their Home World. And plunged the aliens into a bloody internecine war.

But the respite has been short-lived. The rising Highborn, Grom, has forged new alliances among the warring tribes, focusing them on their one true the humans.

Cole, Sergei, and a skeleton crew must summon the courage to battle their old nemesis, the Highborn who tortured and murdered many of their friends. They are all that stands between mankind’s survival and extinction. But for Cole, the coming battle is about something more personal than survival or supremacy.

It’s about revenge.

Book 4 of a science fiction thrill ride about a crew of young soldiers mustering the courage to fight back against both a vicious alien enemy, and the terrifying void of being stranded in space. It's perfect for fans of Daniel Gibbs, J.N. Chaney, and Vaughn Heppner!

Genres: Science Fiction

Audible Audio

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Michael Simon is an award-winning Canadian author and physician, specializing in science fiction, military science fiction and fantasy. His “First Command“ and “Extinction“ series will be published in 2025. In addition to these 5 novels, Michael has a large repertoire of published short stories, medical articles, and travel logs.

To support his writing addiction, Michael works as a Family Physician on Canada's East Coast. He is a member of the Physician Advisory Board for The Medical Post and a Health Columnist for CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) Radio. Outside working hours, Michael enjoys spending time with his growing family and playing hockey, where he can, occasionally, still put the puck in the net.

Reviews

[J.S. Taols]

Michael Simon is quickly becoming one of my favorite up-and-coming Sci-Fi authors. After finishing Fourth Wave, I am even more convinced that he’s one to keep an eye on. Continuing the saga of Earth’s battle against the ‘take no prisoners’ Coven empire, the characters are wonderfully written, and the action is virtually non-stop. And though it’s the fourth installment in the series, this book could be read out of order and still stand on its own. But why not enjoy the entire ride? I highly recommend that you start from the beginning and enjoy the growth of Captain Cole Jackson and his intrepid crew. Drama, action, and humor are interlaced throughout. A fun and fast read, and it seems there’s more to come. Can’t wait.

[Philip Roessels]

Mediocre

While I’m still enjoying the storyline, there are so many annoying things that bring the quality down.
Is it a fleet, or an army? It’s a goofy mix of army and naval ranks that doesn’t make any sense.
The haphazard melange of British and American colloquialisms is confusing. It’s very lazy writing. I’ve never been relieved to see that the release of a next installment in a series is so far away. Until this one. By then, hopefully, I will have forgotten how poorly written this really is.

[Konain]

Three and a half stars actually.

The physics in this series has been dicey at the best, stretching your suspension of disbelief to its limit. But in this installment, at times, Simon has made it a shortcut for some lazy writing. Secondly at the end there was one highly implausible and stupid plotline that ran contrary to the character of the MC. Now that is inexcusable.

Otherwise a solid book with an excellent plot, immersive action and decent writing.

[Shaun Bennett]

Good

I enjoyed the first four books. I would recommend them. I do have to say, that the author obviously has no idea about how the military works. It was frustrating at times to read some of the things he wrote that were so unlike any military. So you have to just grit your teeth and ignore it.

[x x x]

Into the breach

Oddly joyful for the amount of loss. It's always good when the villain meets the hero in the end up in a place where the hero seems to have won. But because they left it open for so many sequels you know it didn't really finish.

[David T]

Another page turner

Mr Simon's work always pulls me in. I know some others complain about how he treats physics (the ship listing and what not), but the dialogue, the story and pacing hit just right for me. Love this series.

[FRANK L BARNES]

Opinions

I have read the first four of this series thAt very much enjoyed them all. They are a mixture of humor and space opera that's very well done.

[Bob]

Quite an adventure with unusual improvisations. Plenty of action.

[Jeremy B.]

Another great addition to the series!

This author always keeps me on my toes and delivers a solid story with great characters and excellent tension. Can’t wait for the next book!

[E.R.]

another banger

Starts slow but rockets through almost
Too fast by the end. Excellent series and I look forward to the next.

[John Rosenberger]

This was a good follow-up to the story. The plotlines and characters are bery beleivable. The action is fast paced and exciting. I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Eugene Kaufman]

Wonderful!

Such a great story. It was hard to put it down once you start reading. Looking forward to the next book.