Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Interstellar colony ship Deliverance. Somewhere in deep space.

The Deliverance is tragically off course, missing its rendezvous with the escaping fleet and leaving the survival of the colony in serious jeopardy.

Pulled out of hibernation years too late, Caleb is thrown into the middle of the crisis and forced back into the fight. With the ship low on power and time running out, it's up to him to find some way, any way, to overcome an impossible situation and get the colony to safety.

Otherwise, the only thing he'll be protecting is a tomb...

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2018

1019 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

About the author

M.R. Forbes

186 books1,014 followers
M.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

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

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
565 (45%)
4 stars
430 (34%)
3 stars
200 (16%)
2 stars
39 (3%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Damaged142.
206 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2023
Phew...

Okay... so, again, just like the first book in the series, right up until about 80% it's basically a carbon copy of what I remember from the forgotten Starship series. However, we are finally introduced to the differing plot points that start to take the series away from what the other series gave us. Regardless I actually like this book and the events that transpired to get where we are. It's quite interesting.

However, there are a number of editing mistakes that should have been caught.
Profile Image for L J Field.
616 reviews18 followers
July 31, 2019
I started this book in the early evening and finished in the same night. The plot races pell-mell through startling events, hair-trigger turns and the threat of death from every direction. This was a marvelous ride and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The pace of the book does not allow much introspection so the characters, though finely drawn, are not as fully developed as I would have liked. This is a great series and I’ll start the third volume tonight!
Profile Image for Chuck Woodbury.
379 reviews
December 13, 2018
Wow. Cannot wait for book 3, or is it 9?

Another installment in the forgotten universe which just keeps getting and better. What a ride. Do yourself a favor, start with the first one and read them all. MR Forbes is a master story teller.
Profile Image for Linda.
764 reviews18 followers
November 30, 2021
Click here for notes and commentary.

Gah. It's a 3-star caliber book but with a 4-star feel. I wanted to be frustrated with things, but ended up still too intrigued by the plot to do so. The action is great and still very heavily present, (even instantaneously present), but it still periodically sapped up the precious time that SHOULD have been dedicated to fleshing out the small group of characters that survived book one. I still don't feel like I really KNOW these characters in an intimate way because they're just so busy being badasses fighting the seemingly insurmountable force of their enemy. And while yes, I still LOVE that stuff, I also love feeling attached to people. Invested in their fates or motivations. I want to know MORE about them, BEYOND all the fighting.

There are still big revelations revealed in this book, though, not all of them pretty. Many of them are gasp-worthy and surprising. So, I'm not at all gonna say I learned nothing in this second entry. There was plenty to learn this go around, plenty to hold and maintain my interest. What I honestly loved the most about was the evolution of the threats to the big starship. Questions were definitely answered, (eventually), only to be replaced with even MORE questions (not a bad thing, though). The title of this book is a very fitting one once you realize the specifics of things that happen this go-around, things that involve character actions. You almost don't know who or what to trust anymore, and that's fun stuff.

I enjoy the writing style in these books, not overly complicated to follow (despite being at times overwhelmed by the descriptions of scenes). I like the crew's comradery, though I admit I was a bit more peeved with some of Caleb's actions and decisions this time around, how he'd so often reprimand his small team for behaving in certain ways towards questionable events. Whereas before, Caleb wouldn't be so easily swayed by things that don't sit well with him. He's got a good gut instinct and it got infuriating when he didn't follow it. I did develop a new fondness for Flores, though, as her movie geek knowledge is something I can absolutely relate to.

Overall, I'm still intrigued by the premise of this series. Like its predecessor, this book ended on a cliffhanger that I MUST get more answers to. And since I'm still comfortable with the journey so far, I have no qualms about continuing forward. I'm excited.
Profile Image for Sasch Stormcloak.
152 reviews
September 30, 2019
This was a weird one. All the essence one expects from a Forgotten story: action, badass space marines and aliens of unknown origin (which I, however, already knew from the Forgotten Fallout subseries). Despite what other reviews say I found the self-regenerating trife to be an interesting premise. And yet, what didn’t really convince me was the fact that after all the trouble they seemed to cause to Valentine’s group of scientists/marines, the small group of “normal” space marines lead by Sgt. Card manages to finish them in no time, at some point even confronting two or three at the same time.
I also found the explanation about where exactly spaceship Deliverance is really confusing. I got the part where Card gets confused himself between the two versions of the story (Valentine’s and David’s), but I think it is never clearly revealed where exactly the spaceship has arrived. It’s easy to guess more answers will come in the next books, however the fact that the two parts involved simply die with no further explanations also makes me wonder how such mysteries can ever be revealed...

What I wasn’t expecting and really enjoyed was the status in which Card and his marines find the Metro colony. I think it was a brilliant twist that will make for really interesting interactions between the colonists (who thought themselves to be still on Earth) and whatever awaits them outside. The irony does not go unnoticed of discovering that this is the exact opposite to Sheriff Duke’s situation in spaceship The Pilgrim, where the colonists thought to be in space only to finally find themselves still stranded on trife-infested planet Earth.

Again, a story that makes we straightaway run to Amazon to get the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kara Prem.
786 reviews7 followers
June 16, 2020
Deception continued the Forgotten Colony Series. Sgt. Caleb Card wakes up after over 200 years of cyro sleep to discover that the ship is no longer staffed, terribly off course, and running out of power. Dr. Riley who I really didn't like from the beginning is behind most of the troubles. After the majority of the Marines went to sleep, she continued her insane and supposedly condoned experiments trying to create a human trife hybrid to kill the trife and whomever controlled them. This resulted in catastrophe, and the remaining crew must work to rid the colony ship of the hybrids. David, who was a stowaway in book one has been turned into a super intelligent and almost unkillable being who alerts the Marines to what Valentine has been doing. Additionally there is an Artificial Intelligence on the ship trying to finish it's mission. There are battles and not a lot of explanations. Eventually the colony is breached and it has not fared well over the past few centuries. There are a few who are willing to help save the ship, including young pilot Orla who is killed while helping Card fight off some sort of alien drone which attacks the colony ship as it approaches the planet that might be the source of the trife. Orla is the daughter of the "Governor" of the colony, and it's obvious that he will hold her death against the Marines.

A lot of this seemed like a repeat of the first book, only the trifes were bigger, but not necessarily harder to kill. It was an ok book, and I'll keep reading the series.
231 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2025
DR
The classified intent of the government for spaceship Deliverance is unraveled. Having overslept arrival date, sgt. Caleb wakes up from cryosleep and finds Deliverance's decks empty and the ship orbiting a planet. What's left of guardians find themselves in another peril as ship's systems have begun failing and engines are running on fumes with not a soul in sight to brief them on the situation. This time dr. Riley has screwed up big.

You love to hate an unapologetic villain, or is it anti-hero? Riley is Forgotten Colony's main character. What's happened to metro grounds fictional literary characters making them more believable/human. David's story is very tragic and his genius was wasted. Oh, well, such is the nature of time, missed opportunities and regrets.

Conclusion: 3/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue then bought for repeat listen for 1 credit. Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer. Action in 'Deception' similarly to 'Deliverance' takes place in space ship. The telepathy/hallucinatory alien powers seem excessive, but I imagine it's hard to raise stakes of a serious enemy, excluding the ship being overrun by a horde of demons. 'Deception' feels like a filler book that builds exposition without much plot progression. Book's plot could be truncated to: 'Deliverance has landed on alien world'. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 3.87 $/hour ( 29.99$ / 07 hrs 45 mins ).

Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
24 reviews
January 7, 2019
Please let this horror end. The book I mean, not the never ending ways the trife are forced on us. I'm several chapters in and desperately want to get to the next phase of this story, to get beyond the cheap late night horror being added to keep us "enthralled". Fantasy is something you either enjoy or hate entirely.

genetically altered trife monsters that heal themselves, even when the head is gone and the body is full of holes? And we're asked to believe that the marines are too dumb to burn the body to stop it coming back like a vampire of old.

Forbes is struggling to mix fantasy in what appears to be described as a science fiction book. Unfortunately, there is probably not enough fantasy for people who like that genre and there is way too much fantasy/nonsense for a science fiction fan.

And then there are the dumb space marines, who go from one unbelievable scene to the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Craig Dean.
542 reviews3 followers
September 17, 2022
By staying resolutely in his lane. Forbes manages to sidestep much of the ‘science’ that trips up many of his peers - which is a good thing, as the few times he hints at an explanation his slipshod premise starts to reveal its frayed seams. That makes this perfect for Hollywood where execs have consistently demonstrated a similar lack of care for realism (e.g. “Star Wars”, which the author is clearly a fan of).

That stretches to the ‘horror’ elements which really don’t jump off the page (unlike “The Expanse” - of which this is the palest imitation) - but could bear fruit with a talented director.

Ultimately, the strong characters, occasional mystery, and intrigue, do little to temper the break neck pace of pure action that overwhelms each page. That could be a good thing, but it’s a little too much. Ultimately there is little contrast and what’s left is too one dimensional.

Not bad per se, but a long way from great.
Profile Image for Michael Commini.
Author 2 books
January 29, 2019
Don’t waste your time

While I used to enjoy MR Forbes work, the stories have gotten worse the longer he writes. This book was fraught with inaccuracies all throughout. At times we’re told things are one way then just a few sentences later they’re the opposite. For example, we’re told a certain section of the ship is below the characters by one deck, then a few sentences later it’s above them. An interesting feat given they hadn’t moved. I suspect the books are no longer being written by one person but rather a group of “authors” who don’t bother to check the details left by the previous author. The author’s attempts to ingratiate himself with childish references to well known 70’s & 80’s sci-fi movies suggests MR Forbes is really a teen with no real experience of his own.
Profile Image for Ryan Rauber.
886 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2019
This is turning into a fun series, and Deception, #2 in the series, is so much better than the first book. If you like the movie Aliens, then this book is for you. Sgt Caleb and his Guardians wake from statis on the ship Discovery 200 years into the future, which leads to the first of many mysteries: why have they been in stasus so long? Of course, they soon discover they're not alone. The book combines perfect blend of action, suspense, and mystery to keep wanting to find out more. Is Riley telling the truth, or is David Nash? Already started book 3 in the series.
196 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2018
Reception ( Forgotten Colony Book 2) by M.R. Forbes: A Review of.

I enjoyed reading this book, as much of maybe more than the first book in the series . There is hardly a full moment in the action. My only thought is it the characters had been Space Paratroopers instead of Space Marines the right would have been over before half way through the book Strike Force - Airborne ( LOL )
Profile Image for Gareth.
274 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2019
Excellent!

After reading the first book i couldn't resist jumping straight into this one, as with typical M.R. Forbes style this book is packed full of fight scenes and an epic confrontation!

The trife have been relegated to a lower status at the moment with the amount of back stabbing and deception going on in this book! After finally landing the deliverance.. . Somewhere, I'm eager to find out what happens in the next book!

Brilliant read!
Profile Image for Brett's Books.
378 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2021
One too many twists

Another solid Forgotten Universe entry, albeit weighed down by too many twists and turns. Have finished Deception I’m still not sure at key points if Mr Forbes was engaged in deception to keep the reader off balance or the reader was subjected to unreliable narrators (Riley or David or both). Enjoyable enough to recommend, and obviously of your reading this you’ve read the other books in the series and will be picking up the next one.
157 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2018
The hits just keep on coming

M.R. Forbes newest novel reminds me of the serials I used to see at the movies. At the end of each episode the hero would be in dire peril...next week he would escape to fight again. If you enjoy good stories, with great characters Forbes books fit the bill.
823 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2018
Book 2

Book 2 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The story started strong, but had a lot of filler information that was not necessary. By this point the characters are known and the plot should have been a little better put together. I still enjoyed it and will read the next book.
Profile Image for Lyn.
21 reviews
December 11, 2018
Meh

Great premise in book one, and book two starts out promising. But ultimately (for me) the plot seems like a bit of a rehash and the “twists” are not surprising in the least. I think the story would have been better served by extending the tale by a book or three (which I’m sure is difficult in today’s market). Felt rushed and shallow to this reader....
Profile Image for Jed.
Author 3 books7 followers
January 10, 2019
Intense, interesting, well written

Personally, I’d like a little more about the tech and a little deeper story, but I stayed up until 2am reading, so I also enjoyed it quite a bit. Forbes is one of my favorites lately and can be counted on to provide books that keep me interested in a sea of self published work that doesn’t.
Profile Image for Y.I. Washington.
Author 2 books33 followers
July 15, 2019
Decent Second Entry

This novel was better than the first in the series. However, I wasn't taken by surprise by anything until the very end. There are still proofreading issues that took me out of the story but, not as bad as the first novel.

I do look forward to reading where this series will next take me.
Profile Image for Su.
191 reviews
May 21, 2020
More and more

This second book in the series is awesome! The Guardians are awake and the action is everywhere. If you have read the first book, this one gets better. If you haven't read the first book, what are you waiting for?! This is so exciting and so full of action, you won't want to put it down! I can't wait to read the third book.
Profile Image for Ernie.
56 reviews
November 30, 2020
I took a break from the Sheriff Duke series and picked this series up. I'm glad I did. M.R. Forbes does a great job at developing characters, world building, and telling the overall story.

This series is has a separate group of characters and is great on it's own. Really enjoyed the series, and Book 2 is no exception.
Profile Image for D. Jackson.
109 reviews
September 6, 2021
Sgt, Card

This is by far one of the best series in the genre that I’ve read. The character build is excellent and the story very believable seeing how we are always reaching for the stars. Anyhow, Sgt. Card and his marines have a far better threat than the trife. They’ve landed and Dr. Valentine is dead. It’s about to get real!
48 reviews
November 17, 2018
Deception (Forgotten Colony Book 2)

I always look forward to an M.R. Forbes novel and the Forgotten Colony Series does not disappoint.
If you are a Scfi fan like interesting characters a good story filled with fast paced action you have found your books.
Profile Image for Letha M Chastain.
41 reviews
November 28, 2018
Fast Paced Excitement

Hardly a breather between the many twists and turns for both characters and storyline. Sometimes, the second installment in a series leaves the reader looking for more. Not this one.

Can't wait for the next one!
170 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2018
Long travel twrip

Sargent Caleb didn’t expect allocades after a disconcerting re-route of the generational spaceship he was on. The bwroken ankle he incurred at the ship landing upon NOT the destination planet wars wid his stark realization thoughts CAN kill!
71 reviews
December 9, 2018
Much better!

The second installment of the series was much more interesting and felt better thought out than the first. I still wish more time was taken to better know some of the newer characters! I will however read the next book when it's released.
937 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2019
Out of the frying pan into the fire

A great military sci-fi action series. The characters are relatable and the action packed scenes are believable.
This is a great second book. Couldn't put it down. I look forward to more.
Profile Image for Louise.
109 reviews
March 22, 2019
Deceivingly good

Oooo! Twists and turns at every chapter, compelling you to read on and what an end! Sad losses, so few left you wonder who's going to be left to be in the story!
Just what exactly IS going on, where ARE they?
The ending!! Oh no! Quick next book.
844 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2019
3 Stars

I'm Book 2, the Guardian's awake from stadia finding they've slept much longer than the 2 years they were supposed to. The trife are gone but replaced by 8 trife \ human hybreds that's almost impossible to kill. And Dr. Valentine is still up to no good.
7 reviews
August 27, 2020
Phew!!!!!

I’ve never gone back and forth so many times.. Just when you think you can let out the breath you’re holding you immediately start holding the next. All I can say is since I discovered M R Forbes, I’ve had to hire a cleaner......you owe me Forbes...keep writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.