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The Forever #2
The Forever Enemy
Yesterday, he lost everything. Today, his list of enemies grows. Tomorrow, they all want him dead. Jon Ryan did the impossible. After being uploaded to an android host, he successfully journeyed for decades to far away star systems. Before the Earth was destroyed, he found humankind a new home. Jon also found love, discovered the power of family, and for once experienced true peace. He was beginning to know the wonders life could hold, even for an immortal. But, no good deed, or good man, goes unpunished.The US President wants him dead and is willing to sacrifice his own people to eliminate Jon. An alien species has vowed a holy war to eliminate all humans, either on Earth or wherever they might run to. Only Jon can protect humans from their enemies. He must find the strength, skills, and luck to keep his kind alive. With the best planet for colonization ruled by an ancient, malevolent species, there may be no hope for humans in a crowded galaxy.Jon must fight to save everyone he loves, even knowing he will watch them all die, one by one, as time marches on. The limits of human technology may not be sufficient. The limits of Jon's endurance may not be enough. His endless enemies may prove to be unstoppable.Jon may have forever, but does humanity have any future at all?
316 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2016
312 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Craig Robertson
75 books174 followers I claim three great accomplishments in my life: my family, my medical career, and my writing. They are in, I am certain, their proper order. My family, includes my perfect wife Karen, my wonderful children (adults now) Chris and Kim, my sweet grandson Jonathan. And now you! From family, I draw strength, love, and meaning. What humbling gifts. I am almost as proud of my incredible career as a physician (no, not that I'm incredible, it's that the journey was). I'm an Internest and have worked in ER's, hospitals, clinics, homes, and most places between. What a rush! When I say it's an honor and a privilege to be a doctor, I truly mean it. My writings, provide me a powerful creative outlet and so warms my soul directly. In my wilder dreams, I hope my writing is of sufficient merit and so benefit you too in an impactful manner.
Know me by what I love: Dickens, Orwell, and Bradbury; Milton, Donne, and Blake; Coltrane, Davis, and Desmond; Picasso, Michelangelo, and Renoir; Astronomy, Biology and Geology; Doctor Who, Star Trek (original TV), and Doctor Who (yeah, I love it that much); Avedon, Doisneau, and Arbus; burger and fries, coc au vin, and pizza-pizza-pizza. Have I left anything important to me out? Just one, the most important: God. I'm an ex-Catholic wondering if churches are device of men and are necessary at all. More importantly, I wish I spent more time seeing His wonder in the world (I'm not evangelizing, just passing along info; this is a bio, n'est pas?). Oh, and this has never come up, but there used to be a series of magazine ads where sexy looking people were asked a series of questions about what they liked. A standard query was: "What's your favorite word?" So, this really stuck with me (I know, I need to get out more, don't I) and now I can tell someone, you, my favorite word. Oneself! I love it. It means 'on your own' right, but it also refers to the elf you own! Brilliant word. Now, where'd I put that elf.......
Know me by what I love: Dickens, Orwell, and Bradbury; Milton, Donne, and Blake; Coltrane, Davis, and Desmond; Picasso, Michelangelo, and Renoir; Astronomy, Biology and Geology; Doctor Who, Star Trek (original TV), and Doctor Who (yeah, I love it that much); Avedon, Doisneau, and Arbus; burger and fries, coc au vin, and pizza-pizza-pizza. Have I left anything important to me out? Just one, the most important: God. I'm an ex-Catholic wondering if churches are device of men and are necessary at all. More importantly, I wish I spent more time seeing His wonder in the world (I'm not evangelizing, just passing along info; this is a bio, n'est pas?). Oh, and this has never come up, but there used to be a series of magazine ads where sexy looking people were asked a series of questions about what they liked. A standard query was: "What's your favorite word?" So, this really stuck with me (I know, I need to get out more, don't I) and now I can tell someone, you, my favorite word. Oneself! I love it. It means 'on your own' right, but it also refers to the elf you own! Brilliant word. Now, where'd I put that elf.......
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 2, 2018
Worse than the first book. I only read it to see if it improved on the first.
Is this meant to be a young teen book?
An interesting plot scenario, but the corny characterisation and dialogue is abysmal.
Various Alien races who all learn to speak English in seconds or the hero learns their language just as fast. Almost miraculous gifts of alien super technology so the hero can save the day... Reminds me of 1950s pulp SF.
I got 50% through and couldn't take anymore.
Is this meant to be a young teen book?
An interesting plot scenario, but the corny characterisation and dialogue is abysmal.
Various Alien races who all learn to speak English in seconds or the hero learns their language just as fast. Almost miraculous gifts of alien super technology so the hero can save the day... Reminds me of 1950s pulp SF.
I got 50% through and couldn't take anymore.
May 30, 2020
Everyone likes the comfort of a good soap opera and you can forgive the cardboard sets, dubious acting and calamity laden scripts for the sake of mindless escapism. Robertson’s series has all the same hallmarks, but the addition of a remarkable self inconsistency turns it from background noise to irritating, inconsistent mess. The number of mistakes can only mean he has a writing style that eschews going back and checking what he said a few paragraphs before, and is reluctant to engage an editor.
I’d list examples, but that would require me to revisit the text; and if such an act was not worthy of the author, then why should I endure such effort?
There is stuff to like here, but not enough. Still I bought the entire series so I shall attempt to reach the end, if only in the vain hope some trick of the mind makes the journey appear profitable.
I’d list examples, but that would require me to revisit the text; and if such an act was not worthy of the author, then why should I endure such effort?
There is stuff to like here, but not enough. Still I bought the entire series so I shall attempt to reach the end, if only in the vain hope some trick of the mind makes the journey appear profitable.
June 6, 2020
Pretty good.
I really like the main character. He keeps bringing me back. However, it seemed to be all over the place sometimes.
I really like the main character. He keeps bringing me back. However, it seemed to be all over the place sometimes.
November 7, 2022
Almost an entirely white cast. More than once I thought Ryan was racist and sexist. He is not, he just annoying as all get out.
This felt like a ginormous waist of my time. Its not the writing, at least I do not think it is, things sound better with audible that makes it hard to judge the writing sometimes.
Does any of this actually happen? The lore lays out the possibility that it did not which is why I prefer the first book. The first book feels like a TV movie where is this feels like a horrible adaption of another book. Almost everything in this is not taken seriously. Even the serious character act like nothing matters except for when it may affect their relationship with Ryan when the man feels evil half the time.
Ryan creates his problems in a way that does not feel natural. It feels like the author forced unnecessary conflict with the military background as an excuse. This aspect of Ryan never changes. At times I thought he became somewhat of a better person, especially at the end of book one. Book two feels like a massive freaking Retconne.
(Possible spoilers after this point)
Possibly explanation? It turns out Ryan's brain was basically split into multiple Androids (Think Harry Potter but science like). This information pissed me off as it was supposed too, but not in the way I think was hoped for. I stopped reading after this. Why did I finish? Curiosity got the better of me.
My theory is this, book two basically says it. Once Ryan becomes an Android, he is not the same person. Every other Ryan basically deteriates into the worst version of Ryan for the protagonist Ryan he too becomes hostile at every turn. He feels the need to name every planet after himself mind you (a white guy technically somewhere in his seventies or eighties at this point I think?)
The author tries to show that Ryan is not racist or sexist, for me personally those moments felt like saving face. Not saying the author is any of those, just that Ryan the protagonist is. I don't see why else his first wife would have left him besides the immaturity.
The only other theory that works for me is that Ryan becoming an Android never happened, and that he died during the process. I was never able to be fully immersed in this universe, certain details kept pushing me out.
My if I was a teenager I'd have enjoyed this more? Possibly.
This felt like a ginormous waist of my time. Its not the writing, at least I do not think it is, things sound better with audible that makes it hard to judge the writing sometimes.
Does any of this actually happen? The lore lays out the possibility that it did not which is why I prefer the first book. The first book feels like a TV movie where is this feels like a horrible adaption of another book. Almost everything in this is not taken seriously. Even the serious character act like nothing matters except for when it may affect their relationship with Ryan when the man feels evil half the time.
Ryan creates his problems in a way that does not feel natural. It feels like the author forced unnecessary conflict with the military background as an excuse. This aspect of Ryan never changes. At times I thought he became somewhat of a better person, especially at the end of book one. Book two feels like a massive freaking Retconne.
(Possible spoilers after this point)
Possibly explanation? It turns out Ryan's brain was basically split into multiple Androids (Think Harry Potter but science like). This information pissed me off as it was supposed too, but not in the way I think was hoped for. I stopped reading after this. Why did I finish? Curiosity got the better of me.
My theory is this, book two basically says it. Once Ryan becomes an Android, he is not the same person. Every other Ryan basically deteriates into the worst version of Ryan for the protagonist Ryan he too becomes hostile at every turn. He feels the need to name every planet after himself mind you (a white guy technically somewhere in his seventies or eighties at this point I think?)
The author tries to show that Ryan is not racist or sexist, for me personally those moments felt like saving face. Not saying the author is any of those, just that Ryan the protagonist is. I don't see why else his first wife would have left him besides the immaturity.
The only other theory that works for me is that Ryan becoming an Android never happened, and that he died during the process. I was never able to be fully immersed in this universe, certain details kept pushing me out.
My if I was a teenager I'd have enjoyed this more? Possibly.
September 21, 2018
I listened to this on audio. The Forever, Book 1 from Audible is actually The Forever Life and The Forever Enemy combined into a single audiobook.
Why do I mention that? Because if the audiobook weren't combined, I wouldn't have read The Forever Enemy. These books are not good. They replace good storytelling and reasonable decision-making with sophomoric humor, frat boy antics and a complete disregard for anything resembling reality.
First, let's start with the characters. There are only a couple of minor characters that are even marginally believable. However, all the main characters are absolutely ridiculous. I felt like I was reading Idiocracy-in-space. And the MC was a self-centered, egotistical douchebag.
Next, let's look at the "science". I can suspend disbelief in certain respects-- even if the author bends the science significantly-- as long as the author gives a plausible explanation of why things work the way they do in that universe. But on multiple points, things happen that the reader is just expected to accept at face value. Or the characters simply accept many things at face value.
I think this author fails miserably in asking some of the "six W's"-- who, what, where, when, why and how. He throws the who, what, where and when at us-- often at a frantic pace. But he never asks why and how. Because of this, I wouldn't consider this a science fiction series. It's more like fantasy (frat-boy fantasy, no less) in science fiction clothing.
There were some interesting ideas, though. But again, not discussing the whys and hows meant that those ideas were largely squandered.
Why do I mention that? Because if the audiobook weren't combined, I wouldn't have read The Forever Enemy. These books are not good. They replace good storytelling and reasonable decision-making with sophomoric humor, frat boy antics and a complete disregard for anything resembling reality.
First, let's start with the characters. There are only a couple of minor characters that are even marginally believable. However, all the main characters are absolutely ridiculous. I felt like I was reading Idiocracy-in-space. And the MC was a self-centered, egotistical douchebag.
Next, let's look at the "science". I can suspend disbelief in certain respects-- even if the author bends the science significantly-- as long as the author gives a plausible explanation of why things work the way they do in that universe. But on multiple points, things happen that the reader is just expected to accept at face value. Or the characters simply accept many things at face value.
I think this author fails miserably in asking some of the "six W's"-- who, what, where, when, why and how. He throws the who, what, where and when at us-- often at a frantic pace. But he never asks why and how. Because of this, I wouldn't consider this a science fiction series. It's more like fantasy (frat-boy fantasy, no less) in science fiction clothing.
There were some interesting ideas, though. But again, not discussing the whys and hows meant that those ideas were largely squandered.
April 20, 2022
The first novel in this series was fine and being science fiction I could allow some hand-waving for the transfer of a person's mind into an android body and a functioning general AI. I could even excuse the various aliens and the AI-android team's amazing ability to translate their languages. I could even almost forgive the fact that the broodsmate could become pregnant by a human - I mean closely related species on Earth can't do that but lets hand wave that one away as well.
What I couldn't take was the fundamental physics problem. Jupiter is two orders of magnitude heavier than the earth. Its heavier than all of the other planets combined. If it was perturbed and forced into the inner solar system it would perturb the orbits of all the inner planets long before it got there. They wouldn't have 15 years. Maybe I could hand-wave that one away. Maybe it was on a very long eliptical orbit mostly away from the inner system and then in fifteen years would approach the inner system. Except that not what happens, Jupiter is supposed to have passed within 100 000 km of Earth the previous year. Jupiter has a radius of around 69 000 km so that is less than a planet's width away. The earth would've been thrown out of orbit or added to Jupiter's collection of moons but it sure as hell wouldn't just experience some meteor showers.
I couldn't suspend belief anymore so I just stopped.
What I couldn't take was the fundamental physics problem. Jupiter is two orders of magnitude heavier than the earth. Its heavier than all of the other planets combined. If it was perturbed and forced into the inner solar system it would perturb the orbits of all the inner planets long before it got there. They wouldn't have 15 years. Maybe I could hand-wave that one away. Maybe it was on a very long eliptical orbit mostly away from the inner system and then in fifteen years would approach the inner system. Except that not what happens, Jupiter is supposed to have passed within 100 000 km of Earth the previous year. Jupiter has a radius of around 69 000 km so that is less than a planet's width away. The earth would've been thrown out of orbit or added to Jupiter's collection of moons but it sure as hell wouldn't just experience some meteor showers.
I couldn't suspend belief anymore so I just stopped.
September 20, 2016
Jon has traveled star systems and for a long time before this book starts, but things are about to come crashing down around him. It seems like everyone is out to get him for various reasons, and all he can do is try to make the best of his situation and come to terms with his new reality. He has to try and save people he knows he will outlive and find a way to save humanity from a race of aliens when they think he is a threat. The writing is good overall and the story was excellent. I'm looking forward to getting more from this author in the future!
October 14, 2016
This is quite the enjoyable series and Jon Ryan and his crew provide entertainment in spades.
Returning to earth with his crew he helps all escape the destruction of earth but there's always trouble around the corner and Jon faces it all with aplomb I like how he thinks and the love he feels for his family and close knit friends.
We sea ships travelling to an agreed habitable planet and Jon and his growing family arriving there first to begin colonisation.
Looking forward to the next and last in the story.
Returning to earth with his crew he helps all escape the destruction of earth but there's always trouble around the corner and Jon faces it all with aplomb I like how he thinks and the love he feels for his family and close knit friends.
We sea ships travelling to an agreed habitable planet and Jon and his growing family arriving there first to begin colonisation.
Looking forward to the next and last in the story.
December 21, 2016
I was worried when I bought this that it wouldn't be as good as the first in the series. I had nothing to worry about. Craig Robertson builds on the first book and maintains the same adventurous atmosphere. Most importantly, the author kept the humor throughout the book which I greatly enjoyed.
September 16, 2016
Awesomesauce
Yes very good. Hard to maintain steam from book one. So maybe somewhat subdued. But every bit as engaging and addicting. Very entertaining original plot.
Yes very good. Hard to maintain steam from book one. So maybe somewhat subdued. But every bit as engaging and addicting. Very entertaining original plot.
February 19, 2024
3.7 stars. I was initially going to give this 4 stars. However, the more I thought about it, the more annoyed I got with some of the characters and their decisions. Overall, though, I am enjoying this series so far. I like the overall concept, and I'm curious to see whether, among the craziness, this series will have a happy ending.
I enjoyed experiencing the story through Jon, and I like him as a main character. However, I'm unsure if I like him as a person. Some of his actions are questionable.
I enjoyed how the point of view bounces around. We get a fuller picture. I also liked the strong family aspect, though I wish Jon's family members/friends were more developed/individualized. They all blend together.
While I did enjoy this book, there were a few parts that made me feel quite uncomfortable. The ending was also quite frustrating, though I suppose that's the point. It helps lead to the next book.
I enjoyed experiencing the story through Jon, and I like him as a main character. However, I'm unsure if I like him as a person. Some of his actions are questionable.
I enjoyed how the point of view bounces around. We get a fuller picture. I also liked the strong family aspect, though I wish Jon's family members/friends were more developed/individualized. They all blend together.
While I did enjoy this book, there were a few parts that made me feel quite uncomfortable. The ending was also quite frustrating, though I suppose that's the point. It helps lead to the next book.
September 12, 2023
Obviously there must be something in this book for me to have gone on to the sequel:
1. The audiobook had books 1 and 2 bundled together so I had it ready when I couldn't decide what to read next.
2. I had forgotten how bad Book 1 was.
3. Ok, plot wise, interesting things happen and it was enough of a page turner for relieving boredom while doing other things.
However, as a whole it is so bad and most of it is due to the kind of pathetic immature sexism that has our "hero" joking about getting away from the fee-males and how they just love shopping tee-hee. Of course, the enemy sets up his own harem so that's how you know he's bad. Just don't waste your time.
1. The audiobook had books 1 and 2 bundled together so I had it ready when I couldn't decide what to read next.
2. I had forgotten how bad Book 1 was.
3. Ok, plot wise, interesting things happen and it was enough of a page turner for relieving boredom while doing other things.
However, as a whole it is so bad and most of it is due to the kind of pathetic immature sexism that has our "hero" joking about getting away from the fee-males and how they just love shopping tee-hee. Of course, the enemy sets up his own harem so that's how you know he's bad. Just don't waste your time.
February 12, 2023
after reading books one and 2 I've decided I can no longer continue with this series.
Jon Ryan is just a smartass, he takes nothing serious, even the literal end of the world. i hate the character, and there seems to be a lack of character development.
the story itself is okay, but just okay.
the supporting characters are also a little, bland (for lack of a better word). Al, however (the ships A.I.) is a great character, but it's not enough to keep me attention.
Jon Ryan is just a smartass, he takes nothing serious, even the literal end of the world. i hate the character, and there seems to be a lack of character development.
the story itself is okay, but just okay.
the supporting characters are also a little, bland (for lack of a better word). Al, however (the ships A.I.) is a great character, but it's not enough to keep me attention.
January 31, 2025
Whilst I enjoyed the entry I found a similar issue to the first book of situations being resolved far too easily , with godly writer intervention fixing each problem only for it to return again. It would be nice for issues to be resolved in a more built up way or to continue with real fear instead of random solutions and then ' oh no later there's still an issue ' . Still excited for next entry
January 12, 2018
Slower than Book 1, but quite good.
A lot more plodding than book 1, but overall a nice filler. Lots of info that’s obviously leading to something good. I’ll definitely be going into book 3 right away.
A lot more plodding than book 1, but overall a nice filler. Lots of info that’s obviously leading to something good. I’ll definitely be going into book 3 right away.
November 15, 2022
Much better than the first. Jon Ryan is still cocky but does not come off like an asshole. I think it helps that he has a family and we see him treating them with respect. The alien design and world building was better in this installment as well.
January 5, 2023
Being a librarian, it’s hard to say I’m into sci fi but I am. This is one of the better series. I like the main characters and the evil ones are fun to hate. I read all kinds of books but when I just want something to take me away it’s sci-fi.
June 5, 2023
Not quite as goodnas the first book. But still 4 stars. I wish there was more interaction with Al, those were some of my favorite parts of the first book. Nevertheless, the story still kept my attention and was ratger entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
The overly altruistic MC and a more than mustache-twirling villain got to me. I liked parts of it because it reminded me of the Bobiverse. Also, why are there so many intelligent species and viable planets in our local star cluster?
October 13, 2017
Continuing good read
Absolutely enjoyable and I found it difficult to put down. Seems better than the first book to me. Recommend a reading!
Absolutely enjoyable and I found it difficult to put down. Seems better than the first book to me. Recommend a reading!
November 6, 2018
3.5 STARS , enjoyed this book more than the previous issue
December 9, 2018
Still poorly written
This part 2 is similar to the first...some decent plot twists but just not developed enough to be truly good reading.
This part 2 is similar to the first...some decent plot twists but just not developed enough to be truly good reading.
May 28, 2019
Excellent Sequel
The second book continues to show the remarkable writing style, that was initiated in Book 1. Character creation and evolution is remarkable. Onward to Book 3 !!!
The second book continues to show the remarkable writing style, that was initiated in Book 1. Character creation and evolution is remarkable. Onward to Book 3 !!!
January 2, 2020
Great.....already reading The Forever Fight.....Yummy!
April 6, 2023
Loved the book great story and book narration I can’t wait to listen to the next one I highly recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 11, 2023
If you like the tv series The Orville, you’ll like this book series. It’s irreverent and fun, not to be taken too seriously. If you want a fun little jaunt, these are for you.
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January 30, 2024First book was the best. Won't continue the series.
February 13, 2024
this book kept my interest to follow the story
March 2, 2024
This is a really nice series of books. I'm currently on book 4 and will shortly be purchasing books 5 & 6.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews