After narrowly defeating the invading enemy fleet, there is evidence that the attack isn’t over.
Thousands have died and all that stands between human extinction and the invaders are the remnants of the colonial military.
Connor must find a way to rally the colony using every scrap of ingenuity to stop the invaders. But will he succeed when he finds himself pitted against mankind’s ultimate enemy? This could be mankind’s final hour . . . or its greatest victory.
Ken 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
This book is fine. The pacing is fast. You could drive a truck through the holes in the plot. I think that there is enough here to compose a really good book. Is this the best Lozito can do? Who knows. Writing is hard, but I think that Lozito should stop pumping out mediocre books and just spend some time and give us something really good. I want to see him drop the cliches, plug a few of the holes in the plot and develop the secondary characters. The best thing about this book is that it really does properly wrap up the story line.
This book seems to wrap-up the series. There’s a lot of fighting between the New Earth Colony Defense Forces and the Vemus. The Vemus are infected humans from Earth that some how managed to wipeout all normal humans in a very short period of time after the viral infection started to spread. It now seems that Earth scientist are responsible for make some genetic changes to certain viruses and that caused a further mutation to where ti started taking over humans exclusively. The Vemus have to feed on humans to stay alive and since the New Earth colony is the only human colony not infected, the Vemus naturally started a mission to find this colony.
Only thing was, the New Earth colony was 200 light-years away from Earth. They thought they were protected by the vast distances between Earth and New Earth, but have recently found out that’s not the case. General Connor Gates is a former Marine “Ghost Recon” member who was placed on the original colony ship without his knowledge. His entire team were duped into being rescued by Fleet Admiral Mitch Wilkinson and then knocked unconscious and stuffed into cryotubes for the trip to the new colony. The new colony was supposed to be a peaceful settlement with minor provisions for law enforcement and certainly no need for a standing military.
Well after then Colonel Gates was awoken at the new colony, they received a message from Fleet Admiral Wilkinson warning them that the Vemus were coming. Not knowing who or what the Vemus were, the colony didn’t believe that they threat was real. They believed they had the only interstellar spacecraft and that it would take over 200 years to reach their colony should the Vemus even start that trip. That just didn’t understand the threat.
Colonel Gates did and he repeatedly warned the colonist that they needed to prepare. They grudgingly did so until the years wore out their interest in a threat that seemed to be non-existant. New Earth spent a lot of resources which they could ill afford to build a space station and a missile defense system. They thought that would be enough even if the Vemus actually did show up some day.
That day came and the colony regretted not listening better to now General Gates. They barely survived an attack by the Vemus scouting party. It destroyed the space station as though it wasn’t there and the missiles were only an annoyance until someone figured out how to modify their targeting systems so they would stay on target. The colony did win this battle, but the huge Vemus fleet was some where behind their scouts and would eventually reach New Earth.
General Gates finally got the resources he needed to begin rebuilding their defenses, but he felt it was going to be too little, too late. This book describes New Earth’s attempt to protect itself while trying to figure out who and what the Vemus really were. They have to find out how to defeat this enemy or humanity would be wiped out forever and this genetically altered species would rule everything.
I won’t reveal the story, but just know that the Vemus can’t be stopped. They will reach New Earth and start an invasion. How the colony defends itself in the end is a pretty good story. A lot of new heroes emerge and some others die. A very good and entertaining read as was the entire series. I think it’s over, but you never know with science fictioin writers.
The enemy has arrived and how. In a ship over 20 kilometres long they have arrived in the millions.
General Gates had a plan but it did not anticipate a ship of this magnitude.
Soon there are battles and strategies developed on the fly.
Key characters die and there are surprises all along the battle to defeat the enemy.
This third book concludes this series however there are 3 books beyond this that I expect deal with the old civilization that use to exist on New Earth.
If you are looking for literary genius, look elsewhere. The characters are a bit two dimensional, the plot has holes and is predictable at times. But I don't mind - it's a fun, fast paced edition to the series that is essentially space battles for the whole book. Pew pew.
Not my usual genre, but I wass hooked after book 1. Great and interesting plot, that was extremely well written. The character depth was amazing. The main character Connor was extremely interesting. He grew from tyhe strict military hero type into a complex character and it was an exciting journey as a reader to watch t he main character impact humanity's future and grow to be the man that could live with his ghosts and still be happy. Talented author who will now reside on my must read list!
I read this third book in the series hoping it would get better. It didn't Connect the main makeover is all about preparing for a war that strikes me--but not most of the citizens of the colony as inevitable --so they are not as well prepared as they could have been. This Conner has a good excuse. His so-called love interest, Lenora, is a birch most of the book
I struggled with my rating for this book. On the one hand, it is a fun, fast paced, well timed book with likeable characters and an interesting lore. On the other hand it is predictable, relies heavily on cliche moments and situations. In the end I choose 3 stars because I enjoyed it, but it isn't THAT well written.
First of all, most of the same likeable characters from the first 2 books are back. A few new ones are sprinkled in, but ***minor spoilers*** don't get too attached. If they aren't a main character, they will likely not make it.
The story is fun, but fails to capture the"fish out of water" vibe of book 1 and the series now is just going down the path of military sci fi. This is fine on its own, but I do miss the more carefully crafted arc of the first book
***spoilers***
The biggest problem is the book relies on cliches too much. Between the fake out deaths, the I'll tell you later's, the here's the plan then fade to next scene, and just the general killing of anyone who doesn't have a pov. The book hits all the buttons for over done plot devices. Worst of all it is predictable. It took 3 books but the enemy from, the first chapter of book 1 is back, and are the enemy again. However as this was highly predictable, it should have been make a bigger event and played for more tention and payoff. Unfortunately, it was mentioned quickly and then the enemy destroyed with no real satisfaction.
So all in all, an enjoyable book, that could have been great but instead was just OK.
The story has real promise. However, the author seems to forget that he's moving through space through most of the novel, and treats missiles in space like missiles in atmosphere. The detection system is poorly written as well, both sides have the same technology, so lighting off the detection system would reveal just as much information to the enemy as it does to the home team, but somehow the home team gets to hide without even an easy explanation like a special maker that disguises the origin of a signal. Finally, there are some unrealistic engineering scenarios, such as combining the payload for 5 missiles into 1. If the system were modular, it would not have been an issue, but he specifically states earlier in the series that each missile had to be individually updated to a new system indicating that they are not modular. Also, where are the mines? The series has potential to be much better, it has all of the important parts, like the life-and-death struggles, the despair that sometimes overcomes people facing overwhelming odds, and many other personal details that make for great writing. But I know enough science and engineering that these details bothered me enough I could not finish this 3rd book.
The story got even more unbelievable. The concept that this creatures could take over Earth and trough trade or infected refugees some nearby ships and colonies seems feasible, the systematical hunting down of the human population using the tactics described in the book within the entire solar system by a young hive mind seems to highly unlikely. But the amount of organization required from the enemy for the transit to a system 60 light years away alone seems impossible for the despicted enemy. Without sufficient logistics, constant repairs and weapon production they would have never arrived at the location and would not have been able to fight the way they did. The invention of new weapons of mass destruction and such a huge vessel seems even more preposterous for a collective as despicted in the books. I again had problems with believing the amount of defensive capabilities the colony managed to produce/install within such a short ammount of time. Even more so given the recent losses in the first invasion attempt. The concept of the MC to be the savior, ergo the only one who can ensure success and keeps surviving seemingly impossible odds all the time is rather juventile an tedious by now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This novel tells us the struggle that occurred when Vemus ( a genetically modified creature) finally arrived and attacked the New Earth colonists. As this is seven years later, they did have some forms of defense system in place, but not quite enough. But through their research on the virus, a way to effectively kill the Venus is quickly developed while battling. Connor takes a team in to infiltrate the Alpha ship so they can infect the Vemus Alpha and through it the entire force. Connor assumed that he was on a suicide mission especially when trapped in place by the gloop fungus which suddenly started talking to him directly and revealed who had caused this strange virus -- an old adversary. He blacked out after releasing the infection and wakes up several months later back on New Earth after being quarantined and examined for possible infection of the Vemus virus. His suit had kept the Vemus virus off him and kept him alive while the Vemus virus died around him. Unfortunately the rest of his team didn't make it because they had been covered by the gloop before he released the virus that killed the Vemus.
Wow, Wow, Wow! Except for about a page-and-a-half (LOL) this entire book was one huge battle. All the earthlings against the Vemus. And a lot of the people of New Earth died, and some became stronger.
I loved the characters: Sean, Savannah and Nathan, Lenora, Ashley and Tobias, and all the secondary characters who ran the ships, and all the characters who died in battle that we got to know.
This will be a really short review because I really can’t tell you about the battles that went on.
There’s no sex and no real swearing.
And in 1 more day the 4th book will be out! I can’t wait.
As to the narration: I think Scott Aiello is what made these books so exciting. He’s just awesome with the voices and the emotions when he reads.
The author creates some great characters and throws them into an exceedingly dangerous predicament . The very survival of humans is at stake. Many courageous and complicated heroes dog the scenes as a group of colonists - some who didn't volunteer for the 60 light years trip. A new Earth like planet with diverse animal life and evidence of an extinct civilization having preceeded them is the New Earth. When they learn of an extinction level event on Earth, they have trouble believing that an evolved human based monsters would or could come for them, but their worst fears are realized and every human there is prepared to give everything to survive and defeat this new enemy. Some nice romantic moments here and there to enhance the story.
Once again Lozito delights with an exciting "spaces battle" adventure that captures the reader, while at the same time, exploring some of the basic questions that we all face in life. How can a person be in two places at once? Is the military the best government or politicians or lawyers? What are the important things in life? I like that we have a true hero in this story. As with all heroes, they must battle with the demands of that calling and things that perhaps they would rather do. Also, as much as we may try to hide from those who would harm, steal, bully for power, or just plain hate for no other reason, they always seems to find us. A good story with strong characters and lots of imagination.
I’m still perturbed by several aspects of the Vemus that beset the colonists. And as you can tell by the title I chose for this review, the book uses the trope of the vastly outmatched but plucky warriors who fight against unbelievably long odds against a foe who seems unbeatable until the tiny chance of a last minute gambit pays off. That being said I do think that the author did do a good job of showing the exceptional personal growth of many characters did as they rose to the challenge that they were facing. He also showed the idiocy and venality that is unfortunately evident in humanity when people sink to the depths of fear or depravity instead of facing reality. I do plan on reading other books from Lozito.
Taking place just months after the second book. The difference is night and day between this book and the second. Sure Connor Gates still can't delegate, but his drive to be in the middle of the action actually cuts him off from large parts of the story.
The slack is picked up by other very capable officers who were introduced in book two (or book one) but really develop as characters in this book. I think there were a couple " shock waves" in this book, but most of the action is at the strategic level and so the details are thankfully glossed over.
The ending did seem rushed and a bit convenient, but it did draw the initial episodes to a conclusion.
The New Earth Colony can't seem to catch a break. Just a couple years after the Vemus almost wiped humanity from the Universe. It seems they are back for another round. It's up to Connor and the CDF to stop them. It's a highly recommended book for those that like a lot of action and fast-paced tales. Straight from the start, the fun kicks into high gear and there is no break until the end. All the characters get to play their parts quite well. Connor is the guy obviously but Sean plays his part just as well. We see people struggling to keep their composure with the upcoming invasion and this adds to the thrill of the book.
Really enjoyed the third book in this series, very insures as to who was going to be killed off! This would make a great Netflix type series, but they would probably hash it up and concentrate more on the underhand play and the the syndicate rather than the characters and events unfurling and build the excitement as the book does! Good, exciting read and I am intrigued to read the fourth book! Right now!!!
Not nearly as good as the first two books. Just didn't have the same feel. The first few chapters were difficult to get into and if this had been a stand-alone book, I probably wouldn't have finished it. However, I had read the first two and kept reading hoping it would get better. It did, but only marginally so. I wish this book would have flowed as well as the first book but I did enjoy the series.
Better than the last book and since this is a space opera, I'm willing to suspend belief. Up to a point. Miracle cures. Miracle survivals. Miracle reunions. Miracle victories. Together with huffing and puffing and blow your house down conversations. And while this reads like the end of the series, I'm curious to see what happens in the next installment. So incredulous or not - I'll read on.
While book three in this series is an improvement over the second book, I won't be continuing the series. I think these books are being marketed to the wrong audience. These would likely be better for young adults who want to read about adventure and action without too much depth or character development. I would not consider these stories as something intended for adults. Lozito has a vivid imagination and a craft for storytelling, but his market should be young adults.
After staying up half the night for a week I am finally to book 4, Sanctuary. I rarely find a series that has totally immersed in the story line like this one has. I have given it 5 stars as there hasn't been one slow area at all. I definately recommend this series to anyone who loves space opera as it won't disappoint you.
All of Kens books are easy reading. Pacing is fine, the characters one dimensional, no one is described, no locations are explained and everything happens beat by beat.
Makes for super easy reading but does leave me wanting more. Ive decided not to continue reading the rest of the series as the same stuff is happening every book.
I liked the last book but this one really went downhill. Overwrought plotting and miracles of survival. Just a lot of cliches and underwhelming plot development that you could see coming. Losito has written entertainingly before and I'm sure will again, but this was not his finest hour.
Connor is up against the wall again as another ship arrives trying to wipe the colony out. This followed the characters as they fought against the very deadly foe. I enjoyed hearing all that happened and there was a small surprise at the end. This is not the last we hear about First Colony. A new trilogy follows. Scott Aiello continues to do an excellent job narrating the series.
Really good book, great storyline, and i like how you explain the characters in depth so you. Feel like you're right there with them. Thanks for the amazing series
Really good book, great storyline, and i like how you explain the characters in depth so you. Feel like you're right there with them. Thanks for the amazing series
I can't say I didn't enjoy it. The writing style goes down smoothly. The down side? It's a series. Most series get tiresome and repetitive after the first one or two books. I'm going to give #4 a try. No promises. I will read this author again no matter how the next in the series pans out. I would love to see this series made into movies! Condensed of course.
The story is building and the growth of the characters is proceeding as expected. There were some definite surprises this time which brought a little more realism into fold. Still shorter than expected, while at the same time reinforces that this series had fluff added so it wasn't just a single book.
A KL. SYFY. Novel (FCB. - 3)/The Venue Take a Terrible Toll
KL. has. penned the third novel of the First Colony series, which contains the arrival of the Venue fleet who are bound and determined to assimilate all humans. The battle begins and ends with a twist. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS