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Forgotten Colony #1
Deliverance
The war is over. Earth is lost. Running is the only option.It may already be too late.Caleb is a former Marine Raider and commander of the Vultures, a search and rescue team that's spent the last two years pulling high-value targets out of alien-ravaged cities and shipping them off-world.When his new orders call for him to join forty-thousand survivors aboard the last starship out, he thinks his days of fighting are over. The Deliverance represents a fresh start and a chance to leave the war behind for good.Except the war won't be as easy to escape as he thought.And the colony will need a man like Caleb more than he ever imagined...Enter the universe of the Forgotten with Deliverance, the first book in the Forgotten Colony series. If you're a fan of Aliens, Battlestar Galactica, Starship Troopers, Ender's Game, or Edge of Tomorrow, you'll love this epic military sci-fi thriller.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2018
1846 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Forbes
165 books1,008 followersM.R. Forbes is the author of a growing number of science-fiction series including Rebellion, War Eternal, Chaos of the Covenant, Stars End, and the Forgotten novels. Having spent his childhood trying to read every sci-fi novel he could find (and write his own too), play every sci-fi video game he could get his hands on, and see every sci-fi movie that made it into the theater, he has a true love of the genre across every medium. He works hard to bring that same energy to his own stories, with a continuing goal to entertain, delight, fascinate, and surprise.
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
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facebook.com/mrforbes.author
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Find him on Goodreads:
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Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 22, 2019
Like many military sci-fi stories, Deliverance is mainly action, with little time for character or story development. As I have read through these stories, I’ve gotten more impatient with this fact, and I started to get the same feeling with this story. The first third of the book is nonstop action, with hardly a breath to explain anything. But after the protagonist Caleb Card and his marines finally get on the ship, there is a little more opportunity to get some storyline. As I’ve mentioned, it’s the first book in a series, and there are a few loose ends that are left unanswered at the end, which I am assuming with come to play in later book or books.
What made me decide to keep reading the series was that the last few chapters include a twist that I didn’t anticipate at all, which I always love. I can’t tell you anything about it, but it changes the whole end of the story in such a way that it will make you want to know what happens next.
If there were any shortcoming in the book, it’s that with its breakneck speed, there was really no time to get to know the characters. I hope the author remedies that in the next book.
What made me decide to keep reading the series was that the last few chapters include a twist that I didn’t anticipate at all, which I always love. I can’t tell you anything about it, but it changes the whole end of the story in such a way that it will make you want to know what happens next.
If there were any shortcoming in the book, it’s that with its breakneck speed, there was really no time to get to know the characters. I hope the author remedies that in the next book.
July 24, 2019
This is an excellent, fast-paced science fiction novel. Earth has been invaded by creatures that procreate at an alarming, and increasing, rate. Their food is energy. In an effort to save earth, atomic bombs are dropped on them. The only result is the burgeoning of their population. Several space ships are filled with the remnants of the planets population and sent into the stars to find safety on some new planet. The particular starship that the story revolves around is one of the very last to leave. But as the time comes for liftoff it is besieged by these monstrous aliens. The ship leaves the earth, but a large number of the creatures have gotten aboard and unsurprisingly immediately begin to increase in numbers...
The pace is very much like the movie Alien. The book is exhausting in one’s inability to put it down. 4.5 stars.
The pace is very much like the movie Alien. The book is exhausting in one’s inability to put it down. 4.5 stars.
January 9, 2023
I read the first three installments of the series (then discontinued): Deliverance, desperation and deception. They were okay and formulaic. Introduction of characters, introduction of existential crisis, battling against the crisis and resolution.
April 23, 2024
Too much action, not enough character development, and a cliff hanger ending. Ugh. But, it was fast-paced and I'm always a sucker for post-apocolyptic tales.
January 3, 2019
This story had such potential, and I was really enjoying it despite some dumb mistakes. Then it went south and fast. I just could not get over the main underlying premise from which all sequences are driven - the lack of accurate contingency planning. I agree with another reader that the author should have had military read it before publishing.
Beware Rant Coming:
It is completely unrealistic, naive, ignorant (I can’t even think of proper adjectives to capture this) to believe that the ‘powers that be’ or ‘Command’ would not have thought of a scenario, & plan accordingly, for the contingency that under threat of hostile action/force, or in an actual state of war, the command of the ship would remain under, or revert back to, military control. Not in this book!
Step back and think about it even as a civilian - in this story you are responsible for the continuation of humankind while fleeing your planet that is completely overrun by hostile aliens yet you assume and write all ‘mission protocols’ following lift-off as being peaceful therefore it automatically becomes a civilian mission. WOULD NEVER HAPPEN.
It’s also just plain wrong that a ‘super secret’ project dealing with the creation and launching of a space vehicle carrying 40k+ people would be led by a Commanding General WITH the NEXT RANKING OFFICER ONLY a MAJOR followed correctly by Captains and Lieutenants. There is an entire echelon of Command Staff missing - no Lieutenant Colonels or Colonels either as a part of Command Staff or ‘ground’ forces. You just don’t have such a major gap in the command structure like this. argh....and there’s more. See notes/highlights.
This kind of stuff tells me the author did not do his research or edited out much needed clarifications. I believe it to be the former since there was the mistake, at least twice, of Major Ng speaking and the General addressing her as ‘Lieutenant’. Even the editor got it wrong. I quit on pg 167.
No, I am not military myself but I spent 30 yrs working in the intel/defense community and am the proud daughter of a veteran. I still gave it 2 stars because the author writes well, but this is fantasy not science fiction.
Beware Rant Coming:
It is completely unrealistic, naive, ignorant (I can’t even think of proper adjectives to capture this) to believe that the ‘powers that be’ or ‘Command’ would not have thought of a scenario, & plan accordingly, for the contingency that under threat of hostile action/force, or in an actual state of war, the command of the ship would remain under, or revert back to, military control. Not in this book!
Step back and think about it even as a civilian - in this story you are responsible for the continuation of humankind while fleeing your planet that is completely overrun by hostile aliens yet you assume and write all ‘mission protocols’ following lift-off as being peaceful therefore it automatically becomes a civilian mission. WOULD NEVER HAPPEN.
It’s also just plain wrong that a ‘super secret’ project dealing with the creation and launching of a space vehicle carrying 40k+ people would be led by a Commanding General WITH the NEXT RANKING OFFICER ONLY a MAJOR followed correctly by Captains and Lieutenants. There is an entire echelon of Command Staff missing - no Lieutenant Colonels or Colonels either as a part of Command Staff or ‘ground’ forces. You just don’t have such a major gap in the command structure like this. argh....and there’s more. See notes/highlights.
This kind of stuff tells me the author did not do his research or edited out much needed clarifications. I believe it to be the former since there was the mistake, at least twice, of Major Ng speaking and the General addressing her as ‘Lieutenant’. Even the editor got it wrong. I quit on pg 167.
No, I am not military myself but I spent 30 yrs working in the intel/defense community and am the proud daughter of a veteran. I still gave it 2 stars because the author writes well, but this is fantasy not science fiction.
November 24, 2018
Hollywood action movie
While I daresay Forbes is a good writer I would suggest you write about something he knows more about because with all due respect I doubt he has very much knowledge concerning combat conditions and while i dont expect every writer to be an ex Marine Corps sergeant, I do expect a writer to consult one. Besides that I couldn't get past the very Michael Bay like action movie writing it is not for me.
While I daresay Forbes is a good writer I would suggest you write about something he knows more about because with all due respect I doubt he has very much knowledge concerning combat conditions and while i dont expect every writer to be an ex Marine Corps sergeant, I do expect a writer to consult one. Besides that I couldn't get past the very Michael Bay like action movie writing it is not for me.
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November 16, 2019What did I just read, or more succinctly, listen to? Honestly, I found Deliverance, Forgotten Colony one of the most frustrating pieces of fiction in recent history. Why? For a plethora of reasons, starting with...
The paring of narrator Jeffrey Kafer and M.R. Forbes. Kafer's narration style for this story is interesting. It is breathy and edgy, as if equal parts Clint Eastwood and Duke Nukem from the eponymous video game serious. Is this how they think soldiers talk? It is cliche, and honestly, incredibly distracting, especially when Kafer falls into his descending rhythm, where his volume and cadence dips into an almost breathy whisper at the end of each sentence. Mix this with Forbe's writing, which dips into...
Repeat words, excessive passive voice, ending sentences with prepositions, and so on. When in dialogue, there are up to 7-8 concurrent back and forths that all end in "said". Reading that might not be a problem, but when narrated, holy crap. Beyond my issues with the story, there are many examples of amateur writing that could (or should I say should) have been cleaned up by more extensive editing, or even a round of reading with a good group of Beta readers. Sentences such as "the plan wasn't going according to plan" is just the tip of the iceberg. Forbes also insists on referring to the Trife (or Tryfe) as demons seemingly only in combat sequences, and then Trife (Tryfe) during casual conversations in between. This felt odd. And speaking of the aliens...
It is very clear that Forbes was inspired by James Cameron's Aliens, but unlike Ridley Scott's Xenomorph, I found Forbe's Trife to be wholly disappointing. He never paints them in anymore detail than "oily black skin" "long claws" and "sharp teeth". I couldn't establish any kind of visual reference for them in my head, and they served only as the "antagonists" that were usually swarming in numbers too great for our protags to overcome. They were poorly fleshed out monsters that were evidently capable of pushing an advanced race off of their world, and oh yeah, incredibly easy to kill. The ending sequence is even borrowed completely from Aliens, as our heroes find themselves in the aft portion of the ship, where energy exchangers sit out in the open, and if damaged by projectile weapons, would cripple the ship. I flashed back to Apone and Lieutenant Gorman in Aliens, collecting magazines and directing the Colonial Marines to use "flame throwers only". But those Marines were walking into territory it didn't know against a foe it couldn't fathom. That was story and cinema gold - tense, terrifying, and gut-wrenching.
The Xenomorph in Alien was terrifying because it was intelligent, horribly alien, difficult to kill, and incredibly adept at killing. Beyond the obvious - that it gestated it's young inside living human hosts. Heinlein used the swarming masses approach with the "bugs" in Starship Troopers, but they were a foe worthy of fear. They weren't necessarily the most intelligent of beasts, but they were difficult to kill, and very adept at tearing humans apart. I was drawn to this story based on the premise - an enemy came to earth and was wiping mankind out, forcing them to flee to the stars. I thought yes, another alien to fear. But these creatures? I felt no fear of them, especially when our Marines continually one shot killed them, and when they ran out of ammunition, our squad of Vultures successfully fended off thousands with only knives, where a battalion with advanced weapons and armor could not. But people continued to die because...
The Trife have sharp claws. And in a world where we can launch generation ships out of orbit (seriously? Check the physics on breaking orbit with that much mass) replace severed limbs (with materials the Trife can't even dent - author's words, not mine) and yet our poor, fodder Marines continually die because the Trife have sharp claws and the neck joint in their armor was weak? They have advanced heads up displays and links to provide real time bio data of each soldier, but it is so important for them to turn their heads. No. Just no. Medieval knights understood the importance of protecting the body's vital areas. Chain mail, scale mail, overlapping plate, studded leather, and brigantine armor were all used to various success. But those people needed to die, and the Trife needed to be worthy foes. This is convenient, in the same way plot armor kept the protagonist alive, while his contemporaries died in the droves.
Lastly, the introduction of the scavenger's POV feels like it was only included because the author needed a way for the Trife to get into the ship. Beyond that, he wasn't a likable figure. He lets those people that try to help and save him die, and while cornered, flashed some Mary Sue style gutless wonder powers. Hey, all you need to survive the Trife is a six-shooter, a knife, and a bunch of brave, selfless people to throw between yourself and the enemy. All of this = disengaged.
I am truly surprised by the large amount of rave reviews for this book. Forbes isn't a bad writer, but I do feel like this story missed out on a large amount of necessary development, and thus, potential. This kind of story intrigues us because it promises a "humanity's last stand" premise, a test of true grit, ingenuity, and survival instinct. An antagonist truly worthy of fear and respect. And a troop of ordinary people exhibiting real heroics in the face of insurmountable odds. Instead, we get trope-heavy characters (Washington carrying a mini-gun, a.k.a Jesse Ventura circa 1980's Predator and every wannabe blockbuster after). And none of them understand squad tactics, troop movements, or supply chains. For a military sci-fi story, Deliverance delivered very little tangible, believable military meat. If the world has fallen beyond these bunkers, where is artillery support? Mines and delay barriers? Heavy weapons and air support? King Leonidas held off a Persian army of hundreds of thousands with 300 Spartans, utilizing sound tactics and an environmental pinch point. Here? Well, humanity had no Leonidas, and it shows.
I went in with high hopes, especially considering the sheer volume of sequels Forbes has already written. Unfortunately, I fear my search for colonization science fiction will have to turn elsewhere.
The paring of narrator Jeffrey Kafer and M.R. Forbes. Kafer's narration style for this story is interesting. It is breathy and edgy, as if equal parts Clint Eastwood and Duke Nukem from the eponymous video game serious. Is this how they think soldiers talk? It is cliche, and honestly, incredibly distracting, especially when Kafer falls into his descending rhythm, where his volume and cadence dips into an almost breathy whisper at the end of each sentence. Mix this with Forbe's writing, which dips into...
Repeat words, excessive passive voice, ending sentences with prepositions, and so on. When in dialogue, there are up to 7-8 concurrent back and forths that all end in "said". Reading that might not be a problem, but when narrated, holy crap. Beyond my issues with the story, there are many examples of amateur writing that could (or should I say should) have been cleaned up by more extensive editing, or even a round of reading with a good group of Beta readers. Sentences such as "the plan wasn't going according to plan" is just the tip of the iceberg. Forbes also insists on referring to the Trife (or Tryfe) as demons seemingly only in combat sequences, and then Trife (Tryfe) during casual conversations in between. This felt odd. And speaking of the aliens...
It is very clear that Forbes was inspired by James Cameron's Aliens, but unlike Ridley Scott's Xenomorph, I found Forbe's Trife to be wholly disappointing. He never paints them in anymore detail than "oily black skin" "long claws" and "sharp teeth". I couldn't establish any kind of visual reference for them in my head, and they served only as the "antagonists" that were usually swarming in numbers too great for our protags to overcome. They were poorly fleshed out monsters that were evidently capable of pushing an advanced race off of their world, and oh yeah, incredibly easy to kill. The ending sequence is even borrowed completely from Aliens, as our heroes find themselves in the aft portion of the ship, where energy exchangers sit out in the open, and if damaged by projectile weapons, would cripple the ship. I flashed back to Apone and Lieutenant Gorman in Aliens, collecting magazines and directing the Colonial Marines to use "flame throwers only". But those Marines were walking into territory it didn't know against a foe it couldn't fathom. That was story and cinema gold - tense, terrifying, and gut-wrenching.
The Xenomorph in Alien was terrifying because it was intelligent, horribly alien, difficult to kill, and incredibly adept at killing. Beyond the obvious - that it gestated it's young inside living human hosts. Heinlein used the swarming masses approach with the "bugs" in Starship Troopers, but they were a foe worthy of fear. They weren't necessarily the most intelligent of beasts, but they were difficult to kill, and very adept at tearing humans apart. I was drawn to this story based on the premise - an enemy came to earth and was wiping mankind out, forcing them to flee to the stars. I thought yes, another alien to fear. But these creatures? I felt no fear of them, especially when our Marines continually one shot killed them, and when they ran out of ammunition, our squad of Vultures successfully fended off thousands with only knives, where a battalion with advanced weapons and armor could not. But people continued to die because...
The Trife have sharp claws. And in a world where we can launch generation ships out of orbit (seriously? Check the physics on breaking orbit with that much mass) replace severed limbs (with materials the Trife can't even dent - author's words, not mine) and yet our poor, fodder Marines continually die because the Trife have sharp claws and the neck joint in their armor was weak? They have advanced heads up displays and links to provide real time bio data of each soldier, but it is so important for them to turn their heads. No. Just no. Medieval knights understood the importance of protecting the body's vital areas. Chain mail, scale mail, overlapping plate, studded leather, and brigantine armor were all used to various success. But those people needed to die, and the Trife needed to be worthy foes. This is convenient, in the same way plot armor kept the protagonist alive, while his contemporaries died in the droves.
Lastly, the introduction of the scavenger's POV feels like it was only included because the author needed a way for the Trife to get into the ship. Beyond that, he wasn't a likable figure. He lets those people that try to help and save him die, and while cornered, flashed some Mary Sue style gutless wonder powers. Hey, all you need to survive the Trife is a six-shooter, a knife, and a bunch of brave, selfless people to throw between yourself and the enemy. All of this = disengaged.
I am truly surprised by the large amount of rave reviews for this book. Forbes isn't a bad writer, but I do feel like this story missed out on a large amount of necessary development, and thus, potential. This kind of story intrigues us because it promises a "humanity's last stand" premise, a test of true grit, ingenuity, and survival instinct. An antagonist truly worthy of fear and respect. And a troop of ordinary people exhibiting real heroics in the face of insurmountable odds. Instead, we get trope-heavy characters (Washington carrying a mini-gun, a.k.a Jesse Ventura circa 1980's Predator and every wannabe blockbuster after). And none of them understand squad tactics, troop movements, or supply chains. For a military sci-fi story, Deliverance delivered very little tangible, believable military meat. If the world has fallen beyond these bunkers, where is artillery support? Mines and delay barriers? Heavy weapons and air support? King Leonidas held off a Persian army of hundreds of thousands with 300 Spartans, utilizing sound tactics and an environmental pinch point. Here? Well, humanity had no Leonidas, and it shows.
I went in with high hopes, especially considering the sheer volume of sequels Forbes has already written. Unfortunately, I fear my search for colonization science fiction will have to turn elsewhere.
October 10, 2019
I was totally disappointed by this book. It was just an unending series of unbelievable gory combat against the alien horde. Who apparently don't need to breathe, or the ones in the uninhabited areas of the generation ship could have been eliminated by simply opening those parts of the vessel to vacuum.
As for character development, there wasn't any.
And really, using plasma weapons inside a spaceship filled with atmosphere?
My credulity is strained entirely beyond the limits.
As for character development, there wasn't any.
And really, using plasma weapons inside a spaceship filled with atmosphere?
My credulity is strained entirely beyond the limits.
July 8, 2019
Immature storyline
Very 1990's characters and interaction, no depth to the individuals, bit too simplistic and American (Vietnam) GI stylised.
Bit silly really.
Very 1990's characters and interaction, no depth to the individuals, bit too simplistic and American (Vietnam) GI stylised.
Bit silly really.
November 25, 2021
I haven't dabbled in a sci-fi series in quite some time, so it honestly took a bit of time for me to feel invested in this first entry. It was a wee bit clunky to start, hard to grab, but fortunately at around the 17% mark in my Kindle, I found myself getting more and more intrigued by the premise.
And what's the premise?
Put very simply, we've got a ship called the Deliverance, which is a huge vessel that is tasked to carry what's left of humanity (40,000 of them) to a new home planet. Earth has been invaded and overrun by beastly aliens called the trife, which were responsible for decimating most of the human population to the point of near-extinction. The Deliverance is set to take around 200 years to arrive at its new destination, in which the descendants of the original 40,000 souls will take part in living on a world without the presence of the trife. Marines, called the Guardians, are tasked to ensure ship is in working order and the small population of the humanity are protected along the way.
And of course, needless to say, things get messy. VERY messy. What seemed so simple a solution to saving humanity as a species ends up being one massive chore with potentially deadly, catastrophic consequences. The one good thing about this book is what is kinda bad about it. The action is INSANE, and there's a hell of a lot of it. Action fans such as myself should be quite thrilled at the amount of action and fights and kills between man and beast. The action is non-stop. And I mean that literally. The action, once it really gets going, never stops. And it was honestly a bit overwhelming. What suffers as well from all the action is proper character development. There are plenty of folks to love, like main guy Caleb and several his fellow marines, but you don't get too many full opportunities to really LEARN about them. There's literally no time to do so.
I had a few other complains too, such as some of the scenes being a bit difficult to visualize (due to so much happening), but...nothing that ruined things. Despite my quibbles, my enjoyment wasn't really that much affected in the long run. I was very much invested in the direction of the story, dying to know the outcomes of literally every moment in battle, be it small or grand. The trife truly seem quite menacing to face, and I thought they were effectively written to be as such. This felt like Aliens meets literally any movie where humans are battling sci-fi monsters. Character development may be limited, but their interactions were not, and I still found myself fixating on a few likable ones. Dialogue is well-written and felt realistic.
Overall, I had fun with this crazy alien vs marine mayhem. And given the fantastic cliff-hanger, I sense I'll be sticking around for more. I just hope we can REALLY get to know some of the characters more intimately. As of now, I'm content with things, and I wanna know where it's gonna go.
And what's the premise?
Put very simply, we've got a ship called the Deliverance, which is a huge vessel that is tasked to carry what's left of humanity (40,000 of them) to a new home planet. Earth has been invaded and overrun by beastly aliens called the trife, which were responsible for decimating most of the human population to the point of near-extinction. The Deliverance is set to take around 200 years to arrive at its new destination, in which the descendants of the original 40,000 souls will take part in living on a world without the presence of the trife. Marines, called the Guardians, are tasked to ensure ship is in working order and the small population of the humanity are protected along the way.
And of course, needless to say, things get messy. VERY messy. What seemed so simple a solution to saving humanity as a species ends up being one massive chore with potentially deadly, catastrophic consequences. The one good thing about this book is what is kinda bad about it. The action is INSANE, and there's a hell of a lot of it. Action fans such as myself should be quite thrilled at the amount of action and fights and kills between man and beast. The action is non-stop. And I mean that literally. The action, once it really gets going, never stops. And it was honestly a bit overwhelming. What suffers as well from all the action is proper character development. There are plenty of folks to love, like main guy Caleb and several his fellow marines, but you don't get too many full opportunities to really LEARN about them. There's literally no time to do so.
I had a few other complains too, such as some of the scenes being a bit difficult to visualize (due to so much happening), but...nothing that ruined things. Despite my quibbles, my enjoyment wasn't really that much affected in the long run. I was very much invested in the direction of the story, dying to know the outcomes of literally every moment in battle, be it small or grand. The trife truly seem quite menacing to face, and I thought they were effectively written to be as such. This felt like Aliens meets literally any movie where humans are battling sci-fi monsters. Character development may be limited, but their interactions were not, and I still found myself fixating on a few likable ones. Dialogue is well-written and felt realistic.
Overall, I had fun with this crazy alien vs marine mayhem. And given the fantastic cliff-hanger, I sense I'll be sticking around for more. I just hope we can REALLY get to know some of the characters more intimately. As of now, I'm content with things, and I wanna know where it's gonna go.
May 12, 2025
DR
A space born pathogen landed on Earth, causing approximately half of humanity to expire. In the immediate aftermath of the societal collapse beings called demons start appearing. Deadly predators that evolve at an incredible rate, each succeeding generation of demons being more adapted to predate on human survivors. Having lost the Earth governments around the world look towards space in hopes of salvation.
Military career same as medical field or law enforcing, institutionalized education sphere are a noble profession when done virtuously. The unempathetic, cold data thinking fits right in to the sociopath behavior of dr. boss. An amazing characters for readers to hate. You love to hate them.
The commanding structure of Deliverance is cattywampus. General directly contacts ground troops, without intermediary operations control or communications station's help. The mountain military base should have never been overrun in such short time as it was. Slightest hint of possible demons nearby? Lock down. While stationary infantry lookout posts or infantry patrols in lieu of better options make sense, the revolving door entrances are mad.
Conclusion: 3/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue then bought for repeat listen for 1 credit. Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer. M.R. Forbes writes action packed and fast paced space operas. Science aspect is missing for science fiction. Forbe's Forgotten is a literary universe I wish to explore more. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 4.00 $/hour ( 29.99$ / 07 hrs 36 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
A space born pathogen landed on Earth, causing approximately half of humanity to expire. In the immediate aftermath of the societal collapse beings called demons start appearing. Deadly predators that evolve at an incredible rate, each succeeding generation of demons being more adapted to predate on human survivors. Having lost the Earth governments around the world look towards space in hopes of salvation.
Military career same as medical field or law enforcing, institutionalized education sphere are a noble profession when done virtuously. The unempathetic, cold data thinking fits right in to the sociopath behavior of dr. boss. An amazing characters for readers to hate. You love to hate them.
The commanding structure of Deliverance is cattywampus. General directly contacts ground troops, without intermediary operations control or communications station's help. The mountain military base should have never been overrun in such short time as it was. Slightest hint of possible demons nearby? Lock down. While stationary infantry lookout posts or infantry patrols in lieu of better options make sense, the revolving door entrances are mad.
Conclusion: 3/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue then bought for repeat listen for 1 credit. Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer. M.R. Forbes writes action packed and fast paced space operas. Science aspect is missing for science fiction. Forbe's Forgotten is a literary universe I wish to explore more. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 4.00 $/hour ( 29.99$ / 07 hrs 36 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
March 11, 2020
3-3.5 stars.
Deliverance opens up on the last day on Earth for those who have been chosen to escape. A deadly virus wiped out half of the Earth's population, and then an alien race invaded. The trife are not particularly intelligent, but they are deadly and quickly adapt to fight off whatever humanity comes up with to try and defeat them. Additionally, the trife reproduce very quickly, and have overrun the planet.
The protagonist is Caleb Card, a Marine Raider whose team has been tasked with one last search and rescue before the final colony ship of 40,000 survivors departs Earth for another habitable planet. The task he is assigned involves brining a team of scientists to the colony ship. The scientists are lead by Dr. Valentine, who is not helpful at all, and doesn't care about the loss of life that occurs in bringing her and her team ot the ship.
Of course, things go wrong. A group of scavengers attacks the facility and along with them come a horde of trip. One human, David, and far more trife make it onto the ship.
The rest of the book follows Caleb and the other Marines as the fight off the trife on the ship as it flies through space and shows a little of the underhanded "research" Dr. Valentine is involved in. It was a lot of non-stop action, but not much else. While interesting, I wanted a little more meat in between all the shooting. It was still good enough that I'll read the next book, but I'd like to know more about Dr. Valentine's actions.
Deliverance opens up on the last day on Earth for those who have been chosen to escape. A deadly virus wiped out half of the Earth's population, and then an alien race invaded. The trife are not particularly intelligent, but they are deadly and quickly adapt to fight off whatever humanity comes up with to try and defeat them. Additionally, the trife reproduce very quickly, and have overrun the planet.
The protagonist is Caleb Card, a Marine Raider whose team has been tasked with one last search and rescue before the final colony ship of 40,000 survivors departs Earth for another habitable planet. The task he is assigned involves brining a team of scientists to the colony ship. The scientists are lead by Dr. Valentine, who is not helpful at all, and doesn't care about the loss of life that occurs in bringing her and her team ot the ship.
Of course, things go wrong. A group of scavengers attacks the facility and along with them come a horde of trip. One human, David, and far more trife make it onto the ship.
The rest of the book follows Caleb and the other Marines as the fight off the trife on the ship as it flies through space and shows a little of the underhanded "research" Dr. Valentine is involved in. It was a lot of non-stop action, but not much else. While interesting, I wanted a little more meat in between all the shooting. It was still good enough that I'll read the next book, but I'd like to know more about Dr. Valentine's actions.
January 4, 2019
As the start of a new series, the author takes too many liberties with the plot. We're told by characters that they should do something, they know they should do it and then they don't. Not once but many times. If you've been asked to be the leader of the defence of the ship, are you going to learn everything you can about potential risks both inside and outside or are you simply going to go into cryo sleep? Trusting the "scientists" who have proven to be anything but is simply not something that any sane leader would do, irrespective of earlier orders that went out the door due to changing circumstances.
And why weren't the newer plasma weapons used to defend the ship when the trife made the first assault?
And surely anyone building a space ship in a mountain over a two year period would anticipate the trife finding the site and trying to breach the site / ship. Ever heard of a layered defence? What about a facility defence contingent? etc.
More holes in this book than the previous series combined. Can only hope that M.R. Forbes stops treating the readers as mugs and ensures that the protagonists are not kept in the dark. Being drip fed what is happening is boring after a while.
I've just started the next book and the first couple of chapters are frustrating as it appears we're going to get more of the same.
And why weren't the newer plasma weapons used to defend the ship when the trife made the first assault?
And surely anyone building a space ship in a mountain over a two year period would anticipate the trife finding the site and trying to breach the site / ship. Ever heard of a layered defence? What about a facility defence contingent? etc.
More holes in this book than the previous series combined. Can only hope that M.R. Forbes stops treating the readers as mugs and ensures that the protagonists are not kept in the dark. Being drip fed what is happening is boring after a while.
I've just started the next book and the first couple of chapters are frustrating as it appears we're going to get more of the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2019
————MINOR SPOILERS ABOUT OTHER FORGOTTEN SUB-SERIES————
Not surprisingly, I’ve just finished another great novel by M.R. Forbes. Having read all Sheriff Duke stories (except the Forgotten Vengeance sub-series, on which Forbes is still working on), I was keen to learn more about the initial years of the conflict against the trife. Indeed, all other sub-series throw so many mysteries at the reader, such as how the generation ships actually managed to escape Earth, or why the sudden change in plans to get to Proxima instead of the initial plan to reach a much more distant yet similar planet to Earth? And of course, what’s the real deal with the Centurion Space Force and the R’lyeh?
It seems like I was stupid enough as to read the Forgotten Fallout series first, and so kinda’ managed to “auto-spoil” myself a little bit. So, knowing about the final events in “No Way Back”, it clearly seems like Sgt. Caleb Card is about to experience much more terrible enemies than just the trife in the following Forgotten Colony novels. And this is exactly the best part of all the M.R. Forbes novels I’ve read so far: no matter how much you know, no matter what other novels you read, you won’t know what will be lurking in the next chapter, much less in the next book!
I now really need to know what happened to the Deliverance during Card’s hibernation, so right on to the next novel!
Not surprisingly, I’ve just finished another great novel by M.R. Forbes. Having read all Sheriff Duke stories (except the Forgotten Vengeance sub-series, on which Forbes is still working on), I was keen to learn more about the initial years of the conflict against the trife. Indeed, all other sub-series throw so many mysteries at the reader, such as how the generation ships actually managed to escape Earth, or why the sudden change in plans to get to Proxima instead of the initial plan to reach a much more distant yet similar planet to Earth? And of course, what’s the real deal with the Centurion Space Force and the R’lyeh?
It seems like I was stupid enough as to read the Forgotten Fallout series first, and so kinda’ managed to “auto-spoil” myself a little bit. So, knowing about the final events in “No Way Back”, it clearly seems like Sgt. Caleb Card is about to experience much more terrible enemies than just the trife in the following Forgotten Colony novels. And this is exactly the best part of all the M.R. Forbes novels I’ve read so far: no matter how much you know, no matter what other novels you read, you won’t know what will be lurking in the next chapter, much less in the next book!
I now really need to know what happened to the Deliverance during Card’s hibernation, so right on to the next novel!
July 3, 2021
Actually, I am so very happy to start this series. Another good book thru kindle unlimited.. not that I want to big up any Amazon platform, but I didn't drop Goodreads, I doubt I will drop kindle unlimited.. heck just the raw amount of books I will have at my fingertips! But also a good number of authors I already respect are showing up in the unlimited, Mark Lawrence, COUGH, COUGH. How droite that I found limited wish in there ....... Gotta finish The Girl and the Mountain, and then go back to your sci fi series. !!JOY!!
I am surprised that I never came across Forbes work before. Well, more content to wring out of kindle!
This was the first book, introducing the main man in the series, our very own marine to hug and squeeze and call George.
But really, his name is Caleb Card, Sergeant Card is a true blue marine and bears a striking resemblance to Gaunt from Gaunt's Ghosts. A series in the Warhammer 30,000 universe. Personally it's the best series of all the different types I've read. Really need to get all the books I've read/reading added in here. If you liked this book, Gaunt's Ghosts is a 25 or more book series and not one is worth missing. I seriously recommend you check them out.
I am surprised that I never came across Forbes work before. Well, more content to wring out of kindle!
This was the first book, introducing the main man in the series, our very own marine to hug and squeeze and call George.
But really, his name is Caleb Card, Sergeant Card is a true blue marine and bears a striking resemblance to Gaunt from Gaunt's Ghosts. A series in the Warhammer 30,000 universe. Personally it's the best series of all the different types I've read. Really need to get all the books I've read/reading added in here. If you liked this book, Gaunt's Ghosts is a 25 or more book series and not one is worth missing. I seriously recommend you check them out.
May 12, 2019
Really enjoyable
I wanted to get into a series that was finished so i could binge read them one after another, the only issue being that there seems to be so many series of books going on its hard to find one! However i was happy to find this gem by M.R. Forbes.
A few months ago i read his series about eternal return which was absolutely brilliant and this book, and series, seems to be the same. Expertly written with so brilliant fight scenes and "sci-fi-ness" this book kicks off what looks to be an amazing set of books.
I do agree with one of the other reviews which said it reminds you of aliens, it does, and the trife (aliens) i see in my mind do look like xenomorphs. But that doesn't drag anything away from this story.
With loads of fights, technology and dodgy scientists this is definitely worth a look if you're after a decent space marine adventure.
Can't wait to start the next one!
I wanted to get into a series that was finished so i could binge read them one after another, the only issue being that there seems to be so many series of books going on its hard to find one! However i was happy to find this gem by M.R. Forbes.
A few months ago i read his series about eternal return which was absolutely brilliant and this book, and series, seems to be the same. Expertly written with so brilliant fight scenes and "sci-fi-ness" this book kicks off what looks to be an amazing set of books.
I do agree with one of the other reviews which said it reminds you of aliens, it does, and the trife (aliens) i see in my mind do look like xenomorphs. But that doesn't drag anything away from this story.
With loads of fights, technology and dodgy scientists this is definitely worth a look if you're after a decent space marine adventure.
Can't wait to start the next one!
June 8, 2024
[audio book — 7 hours and 36 minutes] Jeffrey Kafer, narrator 2.5 stars (nice voice, but not a lot of distinction between character voices)
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mmmm... writing review a couple months after finishing - and it took me several minutes of listening to the last chapter to remember the story. It ends on a cliff hanger.
Not a fan of books that end on cliffhangers. Essentially it should be a chapter end, not the end of the book.
I kept feeling sorry for the main character, Caleb Card - a pawn in someone else's game, he never seems to get a happy ending.
End of the world as we know it, alien bugs attacking and military fighting back, regular people trying to get to the spaceships that are taking the special must be saved citizens to a new planet, crazy government scientist doing experiments - aliens get on board one of the space ships... How many movies come to mind with that description?
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mmmm... writing review a couple months after finishing - and it took me several minutes of listening to the last chapter to remember the story. It ends on a cliff hanger.
Not a fan of books that end on cliffhangers. Essentially it should be a chapter end, not the end of the book.
I kept feeling sorry for the main character, Caleb Card - a pawn in someone else's game, he never seems to get a happy ending.
End of the world as we know it, alien bugs attacking and military fighting back, regular people trying to get to the spaceships that are taking the special must be saved citizens to a new planet, crazy government scientist doing experiments - aliens get on board one of the space ships... How many movies come to mind with that description?
January 27, 2019
This one had a lot of potential, but it seemed like the scenes kept repeating with no end in sight. Without having a spoiler, this one and the aliens and the situations passed beyond the point of realism, and the book just plodded on and on. As a science fiction fan, I just don’t understand all of the 5 star reviews for this one as I kept reading it when I felt like putting it down as I was convinced all of the 5 stars couldn’t be wrong.
It also seemed like I had read a variation of this one before, but the most problematic thing I had with the book is it ends on a cliffhanger: if you want to find out what happens, go buy the next book! I won’t and, luckily, I picked this up with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I would give this one a pass.
It also seemed like I had read a variation of this one before, but the most problematic thing I had with the book is it ends on a cliffhanger: if you want to find out what happens, go buy the next book! I won’t and, luckily, I picked this up with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I would give this one a pass.
March 21, 2019
Desperate escape only to find your still fighting
Wasn't sure what to expect, took a punt and really enjoyed it. Marines in space, some sort of alien race taking over Earth only to escape with them.
While reading I was thing, hmm, this is OK, but it's basically Aliens, a lot of gun fights, death and hopefully survival of a few... BUT the ending was what piqued my interest! Just what Has happened?! On to the next book to find out.
Overall a very enjoyable read, you found out a little a bout the characters, but not a huge depth, these are Marines, ooorah! They fight for humanity and will until they die! There are some mysteries to be solved and I'm sure more will be revealed...
Wasn't sure what to expect, took a punt and really enjoyed it. Marines in space, some sort of alien race taking over Earth only to escape with them.
While reading I was thing, hmm, this is OK, but it's basically Aliens, a lot of gun fights, death and hopefully survival of a few... BUT the ending was what piqued my interest! Just what Has happened?! On to the next book to find out.
Overall a very enjoyable read, you found out a little a bout the characters, but not a huge depth, these are Marines, ooorah! They fight for humanity and will until they die! There are some mysteries to be solved and I'm sure more will be revealed...
July 11, 2019
Good Series Start
I fully believe that this author has a great imagination, amazing ideas and a keen grasp of the military sci-fi genre. I will probably complete this series as well as his Covenant of Chaos series.
However, whomever he is employing as his proofreader isn't doing this author any favors. There are continuity, spacing and punctuation issues that pulled me out of the story on many occasions. This isn't the first novel of his I've read like this. The first three novels in the Covenant of Chaos series have the same problems.
I really hope Forbes gets a handle on this problem. He writes too many novels to continue allowing such a lack of excellence, especially since his name is in the cover.
I fully believe that this author has a great imagination, amazing ideas and a keen grasp of the military sci-fi genre. I will probably complete this series as well as his Covenant of Chaos series.
However, whomever he is employing as his proofreader isn't doing this author any favors. There are continuity, spacing and punctuation issues that pulled me out of the story on many occasions. This isn't the first novel of his I've read like this. The first three novels in the Covenant of Chaos series have the same problems.
I really hope Forbes gets a handle on this problem. He writes too many novels to continue allowing such a lack of excellence, especially since his name is in the cover.
October 6, 2021
I liked this well enough while I was listening (included in AudiblePlus) but I don't know if it will stick in my memory, or if I will continue on ... even with the complete cliff-hanger ending. Actually, I don't know if you can even call that a cliff-hanger, it just ended. "The door slid open ..." Seriously, our MC is in a situation, and that's how it ends.
This was in 3rd person, so although the MC was Caleb, and the majority of the POV was his, there were chapters and sections where the POV would shift, and we'd see into the heads of other characters. Sometimes I got a bit distracted and then confused, wondering whose perspective it was.
Lots of non-stop action and aliens. I didn't get connected to the characters and I'd struggle to give a recap of the storyline.
This was in 3rd person, so although the MC was Caleb, and the majority of the POV was his, there were chapters and sections where the POV would shift, and we'd see into the heads of other characters. Sometimes I got a bit distracted and then confused, wondering whose perspective it was.
Lots of non-stop action and aliens. I didn't get connected to the characters and I'd struggle to give a recap of the storyline.
October 6, 2023
Interesting
So, I read another series in this universe, the forgotten Starship, I think. The first book was titled Exodus. I don't know which one was published first, but whichever one of these came out second is basically a carbon copy of the first. Just with different characters.
From the attack on the hangar of the ship, to the events at the end of the book, it is almost the exact same story.
There are also a myriad of mistakes throughout the book that should have been caught during editing. From the usage of wrong ranks to the usage of the wrong name in the middle of scenes with a single character.
The only reason I don't give this a lower score is because I don't know which of the series released first and I couldn't be bothered to check lol
So, I read another series in this universe, the forgotten Starship, I think. The first book was titled Exodus. I don't know which one was published first, but whichever one of these came out second is basically a carbon copy of the first. Just with different characters.
From the attack on the hangar of the ship, to the events at the end of the book, it is almost the exact same story.
There are also a myriad of mistakes throughout the book that should have been caught during editing. From the usage of wrong ranks to the usage of the wrong name in the middle of scenes with a single character.
The only reason I don't give this a lower score is because I don't know which of the series released first and I couldn't be bothered to check lol
September 25, 2024
Read to page 88. If you write a book about space, you need as bare minimum get the basic correct. It's not that difficult to look up.
1. The distance to Proxima B is 4.2 light years and not forty light years (could be a typo)
2. claims it will take 20 years to travel, but at a later point says they will travel by 50% of light speed. Doesn't fit with either the distance of forty years or 4.2 years.
3. Says they will get to 50% of speed of light 'in a couple of days'. Oh come on! Absolutely total nonsense. By increasing the speed with a constant 1G it would take six months.
Besides, the spaceship is huge - 2 km wide and 4 km long and apparently built on earth and not in space. It is supposedly able to take of just like that. Stopped reading - delete book.
1. The distance to Proxima B is 4.2 light years and not forty light years (could be a typo)
2. claims it will take 20 years to travel, but at a later point says they will travel by 50% of light speed. Doesn't fit with either the distance of forty years or 4.2 years.
3. Says they will get to 50% of speed of light 'in a couple of days'. Oh come on! Absolutely total nonsense. By increasing the speed with a constant 1G it would take six months.
Besides, the spaceship is huge - 2 km wide and 4 km long and apparently built on earth and not in space. It is supposedly able to take of just like that. Stopped reading - delete book.
November 1, 2018
Good start to the series
A different approach to earth invasion “mysterious bugs” and disease that the carry. A losing battle by Earth’s Space Marines and an attempt to escape to another planet that goes awry leads into another mystery at the end of this book. The marines are heroes are identified but all other characters are surrounded with mystery. The ship Deliverance is a generation ship designed to remove mankind from the destroyed earth. The marines protect the colony by rotating in and out of stasis tubes but end up sleeping over 200 years. I can’t wait for the next book
A different approach to earth invasion “mysterious bugs” and disease that the carry. A losing battle by Earth’s Space Marines and an attempt to escape to another planet that goes awry leads into another mystery at the end of this book. The marines are heroes are identified but all other characters are surrounded with mystery. The ship Deliverance is a generation ship designed to remove mankind from the destroyed earth. The marines protect the colony by rotating in and out of stasis tubes but end up sleeping over 200 years. I can’t wait for the next book
December 14, 2018
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
Screw the xenotrife.
Oh, yes. This one works. I'd read book one in "The Forgotten" series quite a while ago, but hadn't read on in the series. I plan to now. But as I was desperate for another gripping read like "War Eternal" I decided to give Forbes' new series a go. It's not a complete series, so I will have to wait for releases, but boy oh boy, it is worth it.
I like Caleb. I love the world (which is why I'm now keen to go back to the original series). And I really like the danger/tension/intrigue.
I'm going to enjoy getting immersed in this one.
Screw the xenotrife.
Oh, yes. This one works. I'd read book one in "The Forgotten" series quite a while ago, but hadn't read on in the series. I plan to now. But as I was desperate for another gripping read like "War Eternal" I decided to give Forbes' new series a go. It's not a complete series, so I will have to wait for releases, but boy oh boy, it is worth it.
I like Caleb. I love the world (which is why I'm now keen to go back to the original series). And I really like the danger/tension/intrigue.
I'm going to enjoy getting immersed in this one.
January 15, 2019
This was 100% entertaining. The main hero is pretty great and fun to follow. Other than a few chapters early on where we learn not only is he the best soldier ever but he's also super good looking and charming and all women love him etc... If you can get past the cringey bits the rest of the book is great. I've read a few of these space marine style books and this might be the best one. Definitely enjoyed this book more than say starship troopers. I'm not sure there is anything new in the book but the old tropes were reused to max entertaining effect. Would highly recommend to anyone that enjoys cheesey sci-fi. Best space marine book I've read.
January 24, 2019
Deja-vu, so similar to another book
Today when I read THIS book, nothing quite seemed right, I thought I might have previously read an excerpt or short story that had turned out different. Turns out that in Dec 2017 I read another one of this author's books. So I re-read the description of the first book and they are actually different books... But the characters are very similar, the tone is very similar, the plot... similar. It really kept giving me deja-vu. I didn't bother finishing the first series. This one... I might check out the next book and see if it gets more interesting.
Today when I read THIS book, nothing quite seemed right, I thought I might have previously read an excerpt or short story that had turned out different. Turns out that in Dec 2017 I read another one of this author's books. So I re-read the description of the first book and they are actually different books... But the characters are very similar, the tone is very similar, the plot... similar. It really kept giving me deja-vu. I didn't bother finishing the first series. This one... I might check out the next book and see if it gets more interesting.
May 18, 2020
Powerful
This is the first book in this series and I am so happy the series is finished. This first part has Earth overrun by aliens. Really bad aliens. But they have a really big ship with a city of 40,000 citizens and 100 Marines to guard it during their trip to another world. However, they don't have a smooth take off, but the story has a huge take off. This author, M.R.Forbes, tells a great story. There is action and mystery and people you get to know and like, or dislike. It's up to you. I can't wait to start the next book. Enjoy!
This is the first book in this series and I am so happy the series is finished. This first part has Earth overrun by aliens. Really bad aliens. But they have a really big ship with a city of 40,000 citizens and 100 Marines to guard it during their trip to another world. However, they don't have a smooth take off, but the story has a huge take off. This author, M.R.Forbes, tells a great story. There is action and mystery and people you get to know and like, or dislike. It's up to you. I can't wait to start the next book. Enjoy!
September 19, 2024
Nonstop action where the enemy seems to just be around any corner, but every fight it seems there are more enemies in the world than there were the fight before. There were some interesting plot lines that made me want to keep reading, but most remain a mystery through this book.
Started the second book to see if it explained anything, it helped a lot, but set up as another actionfest. I'm much more interested in progressing the story than repeated fight scenes, so I'm going to let this series go.
Started the second book to see if it explained anything, it helped a lot, but set up as another actionfest. I'm much more interested in progressing the story than repeated fight scenes, so I'm going to let this series go.
July 30, 2019
I've read almost all of the books in this universe and loved them. This book however, was a lot more action than in the other series. I found myself skimming through a lot of the book, only slowing down when there wasn't action sequences. Since I'm a completionist, I'll definitely read this series as well, because I want to know all of the lore. But I'll likely continue skimming through action parts.
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