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Forgotten Colony #4
Destruction
The Deliverance isn’t alone.
That’s not a surprise. The planet was chosen for a reason.
But the situation is more dire than Caleb ever imagined. The enemy he’s encountered isn’t the enemy he was seeking, and the conflict is expanding in ways he can barely conceive.
Taken prisoner by an opponent both familiar and foreign, he’ll have to prove himself one more time…
Or watch everything he’s fought so hard to protect be destroyed.
That’s not a surprise. The planet was chosen for a reason.
But the situation is more dire than Caleb ever imagined. The enemy he’s encountered isn’t the enemy he was seeking, and the conflict is expanding in ways he can barely conceive.
Taken prisoner by an opponent both familiar and foreign, he’ll have to prove himself one more time…
Or watch everything he’s fought so hard to protect be destroyed.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2019
639 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Forbes
185 books1,013 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
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
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Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 28, 2019
In an effort to keep the caste small and plot simple, this book becomes yet another fatally flawed story in this dreadful forgotten colony series. The chief antagonist Riley is in the thick of the action - and yes again and again we ask why! Could Sargent Card really be so dumb as to accept that he should spend day after day running after Riley? The Abbott and Costello like routine is a very thin basis for a science fiction story. The series could have been better, and should have been with more focus on the Inahri and less on Riley who should have been killed off in book 1 of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2019
10/10: There is no comparison...This is the Mona Lisa of the fictional world!
“I’ll keep fighting you until I’m dead.”
Oh, no, no, no, no, no. He did not just do that!
Ah, but he did. Mr Forbes, you are a cruel man. You’ve made me shed a tear while reading a space opera.
Poor Caleb. Poor Dante. Poor Wash.
And Riley Valentine is an evil witch.
“Because girls can’t do advanced mathematics?” “No, because you’re a manipulative, lying bitch.”
But I loved it. I love this world. And I might just love this author...even if he is a big meanie for actually doing that in the end.
“I’ll keep fighting you until I’m dead.”
Oh, no, no, no, no, no. He did not just do that!
Ah, but he did. Mr Forbes, you are a cruel man. You’ve made me shed a tear while reading a space opera.
Poor Caleb. Poor Dante. Poor Wash.
And Riley Valentine is an evil witch.
“Because girls can’t do advanced mathematics?” “No, because you’re a manipulative, lying bitch.”
But I loved it. I love this world. And I might just love this author...even if he is a big meanie for actually doing that in the end.
February 1, 2019
Not worth the time
This author badly needs an editor that knows the rules of grammar for the English language and also knows how to spell. Because of the multiple inaccuracies - calling characters by the wrong names, having a character who is dumb from injuries to his face and throat suddenly yelling “the vultures have landed!”, to name just two - I am convinced there is more than one writer and they don’t check each other’s work to remain in sync.
Don’t waste your time reading this series.
This author badly needs an editor that knows the rules of grammar for the English language and also knows how to spell. Because of the multiple inaccuracies - calling characters by the wrong names, having a character who is dumb from injuries to his face and throat suddenly yelling “the vultures have landed!”, to name just two - I am convinced there is more than one writer and they don’t check each other’s work to remain in sync.
Don’t waste your time reading this series.
February 18, 2025
It is getting a little bit out of line the main story, let's see how it's wrapped up in the last one.
February 7, 2019
Wow very dark (spoilers)
As much as I love a author keeping it real no one lives forever, some things don't make sense. why would relyeh attach to celebrate instead who is more powerful? making major character kill so many innocent people cause they are under mind control how does one recover from that?? the last book will be hard explaining. Also the relyeh seem to not value life why did they leave the colony people alive ?
As much as I love a author keeping it real no one lives forever, some things don't make sense. why would relyeh attach to celebrate instead who is more powerful? making major character kill so many innocent people cause they are under mind control how does one recover from that?? the last book will be hard explaining. Also the relyeh seem to not value life why did they leave the colony people alive ?
January 4, 2022
If there's one thing these books have been, it's consistent, even the things I've both complained about and praised simultaneously. The action is still exhausting, but it's still just so much FUN. The characters are still not as fully expanded as I would prefer, but their numerous moments are still so potent and meaningful. I may not fully know them, but they don't feel cheap either. They don't feel like throwaways, even when they are. Frankly, it's rather impressive the author can pull that off. There was something different about this entry that made me REALLY like it.
Good frickin' GRIEF.
I was convinced this book would get four stars like all the others. I had four stars in my head pretty much most of the way through. Nothing more, nothing less. But given all the shocking developments and revelations and the surprises and its ability to REALLY hold my interest, I just HAD to throw in the extra star. Sure there were some confusing bits, stuff hard to visualize. And okay, there was also that time the author called a character who was named "Kevin" by the name of "Adam," but....still. The good far outweighed the bad. The title of this thing is quite fitting for what happens.
It's interesting how the books with the most tragedy end up becoming the best of a series for me. That's happened to me for other book series as well. Why do the books that have the most loss or devastation or joy-stealing moments always win me over? My guess would be because the stakes feel that much more real in the face of adversity so threatening, that literally ANYTHING can happen. Anyone can die. No one is safe. This series has essentially been non-stop action and death has happened again and again, but the manner of death in this entry feels so much more intimate than I'm used to. So much MORE.
At any rate, if it wasn't evident by now, this entry was definitely my favorite so far. There are new faces to meet and new challenges to face. New allies, new villains, new stakes. There were some blessedly welcome moments of peace and quiet for the characters, LITTLE moments, but moments nevertheless. I'm still curious why no one's thirsty yet. Or when they can shower or poop. There's still so much action overload that I'm just starting to accept as normal for this series. Fortunately, the author definitely knows how to still keep things fresh and it's great that he hasn't run out of steam yet.
One more to go!
Good frickin' GRIEF.
I was convinced this book would get four stars like all the others. I had four stars in my head pretty much most of the way through. Nothing more, nothing less. But given all the shocking developments and revelations and the surprises and its ability to REALLY hold my interest, I just HAD to throw in the extra star. Sure there were some confusing bits, stuff hard to visualize. And okay, there was also that time the author called a character who was named "Kevin" by the name of "Adam," but....still. The good far outweighed the bad. The title of this thing is quite fitting for what happens.
It's interesting how the books with the most tragedy end up becoming the best of a series for me. That's happened to me for other book series as well. Why do the books that have the most loss or devastation or joy-stealing moments always win me over? My guess would be because the stakes feel that much more real in the face of adversity so threatening, that literally ANYTHING can happen. Anyone can die. No one is safe. This series has essentially been non-stop action and death has happened again and again, but the manner of death in this entry feels so much more intimate than I'm used to. So much MORE.
At any rate, if it wasn't evident by now, this entry was definitely my favorite so far. There are new faces to meet and new challenges to face. New allies, new villains, new stakes. There were some blessedly welcome moments of peace and quiet for the characters, LITTLE moments, but moments nevertheless. I'm still curious why no one's thirsty yet. Or when they can shower or poop. There's still so much action overload that I'm just starting to accept as normal for this series. Fortunately, the author definitely knows how to still keep things fresh and it's great that he hasn't run out of steam yet.
One more to go!
October 25, 2019
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS BOTH FROM THE NOVEL AND THE FORGOTTEN UNIVERSE
After the many inconsistencies and plot holes in the last novel, Forbes gains momentum again with this really good story. Many of the problems found in the last book are dealt with here, including explanations of confusing events that took place in book 3.
The introduction of the Inahri society was an enjoyable and refreshing addition to the universe, a potential ally for Earther humans that, even with their ancient confrontation with the Axon, could mean a chance of survival for the free universe if all three races manage to put their differences aside. Another really good move was making Wash recover his voice. Without being a completely new character, making him speak made us discover what a badass character he his: almost as sarcastic, funny and smart as Sgt. Card.
In terms of argument and structure, there were still some minor inconsistencies from one chapter to the next one, especially when the Relyeh speak to Earthers for the first time. Some things simply did not fit exactly with what the reader knows about the Relyeh from reading the other Forgotten sub-series. I also found a hole in Washington’s story, in that it is first stated at the beginning of the book that he killed the humans who had killed his wife, for then somewhere along the book’s second half describing Wash’s doubts about killing other human beings for the first time. As I said in my last review, I can only imagine how difficult it must be to keep track of every little detail in such a great universe, and this is not really a mistake affecting the plot per se.
In conclusion, a really good novel, repairing many of the mistakes poorly managed in the previous book, and slowly opening the way for merging Caleb and Wash’s argument with the events occurring on Earth. Having read all other sub-series apart from Forgotten Vengeance, it is foreseeable that in Book #5 Caleb and Wash will finally come across Sheriff Duke, Sgt. Pine and General Stacker, and that Max will probably have an important role in such reunion.
After the many inconsistencies and plot holes in the last novel, Forbes gains momentum again with this really good story. Many of the problems found in the last book are dealt with here, including explanations of confusing events that took place in book 3.
The introduction of the Inahri society was an enjoyable and refreshing addition to the universe, a potential ally for Earther humans that, even with their ancient confrontation with the Axon, could mean a chance of survival for the free universe if all three races manage to put their differences aside. Another really good move was making Wash recover his voice. Without being a completely new character, making him speak made us discover what a badass character he his: almost as sarcastic, funny and smart as Sgt. Card.
In terms of argument and structure, there were still some minor inconsistencies from one chapter to the next one, especially when the Relyeh speak to Earthers for the first time. Some things simply did not fit exactly with what the reader knows about the Relyeh from reading the other Forgotten sub-series. I also found a hole in Washington’s story, in that it is first stated at the beginning of the book that he killed the humans who had killed his wife, for then somewhere along the book’s second half describing Wash’s doubts about killing other human beings for the first time. As I said in my last review, I can only imagine how difficult it must be to keep track of every little detail in such a great universe, and this is not really a mistake affecting the plot per se.
In conclusion, a really good novel, repairing many of the mistakes poorly managed in the previous book, and slowly opening the way for merging Caleb and Wash’s argument with the events occurring on Earth. Having read all other sub-series apart from Forgotten Vengeance, it is foreseeable that in Book #5 Caleb and Wash will finally come across Sheriff Duke, Sgt. Pine and General Stacker, and that Max will probably have an important role in such reunion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
DR
The vultures meet the free innari. The history of Essex (Earth Six) is revealed. Deliverance is under attack by Arlathu's innari. Riley disappears into shadows in the best Tom Clancy's manner. No consequential event takes place without her.
The technological advantage of alien species scavenging for resources with limited manufacturing capabilities pounds Earthers' technologically. The morals of Metro's citizens shine during the darkest hour in their history. The species juxtaposed specialization between reliye and exon is showcased.
Logistics wins wars. Realistically, even the role model marine (which Caleb isn't, I am looking at you John) wouldn't stand a chance against Arlathu's innari, when one side has fresh off the press manufacturing capabilities developed in last 4 centuries with immeasurably more advanced starting position and the other has 21st century tech that's been blasted by solar radiation for last 237 years. Soft errors are a terror for advanced technology in space.
Conclusion: 3/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue then bought for repeat listen for 1 credit. Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer. Riley doing Riley things. Actually making water from sand, keeping in mind the terrible situation Deliverance is in. Justifiably she herself made the situation into what it is. Jeez, is she an unapologetic pissant of an antihero. Love to hate her. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 4.07 $/hour ( 29.90$ / 07 hrs 20 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
The vultures meet the free innari. The history of Essex (Earth Six) is revealed. Deliverance is under attack by Arlathu's innari. Riley disappears into shadows in the best Tom Clancy's manner. No consequential event takes place without her.
The technological advantage of alien species scavenging for resources with limited manufacturing capabilities pounds Earthers' technologically. The morals of Metro's citizens shine during the darkest hour in their history. The species juxtaposed specialization between reliye and exon is showcased.
Logistics wins wars. Realistically, even the role model marine (which Caleb isn't, I am looking at you John) wouldn't stand a chance against Arlathu's innari, when one side has fresh off the press manufacturing capabilities developed in last 4 centuries with immeasurably more advanced starting position and the other has 21st century tech that's been blasted by solar radiation for last 237 years. Soft errors are a terror for advanced technology in space.
Conclusion: 3/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue then bought for repeat listen for 1 credit. Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer. Riley doing Riley things. Actually making water from sand, keeping in mind the terrible situation Deliverance is in. Justifiably she herself made the situation into what it is. Jeez, is she an unapologetic pissant of an antihero. Love to hate her. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 4.07 $/hour ( 29.90$ / 07 hrs 20 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
April 27, 2019
4th book in the Forgotten colony series. The Guardians, now on the planet Essex, find themselves in the middle of a Civil War between the humans that occupy the planet. The city of Metro holds a universal power source that both sides want. The race is on to see which side can get to it first. Lots of action, memorable characters, and a good plot add up what has turned out to be an unexpectedly good military sci-fi series. Looking forward to the 5th and final book.
May 24, 2019
Excellent!
I didn't know how this book was going to continue with the fast pace of the last, however from the first page it grabs you and pulls you into it!
Everything is going wrong, with everything. I don't want to leave any spoilers however this book is highly action packed,a few people get what they deserve and a shocking ending!
Absolutely can't wait to get until the next one!
I didn't know how this book was going to continue with the fast pace of the last, however from the first page it grabs you and pulls you into it!
Everything is going wrong, with everything. I don't want to leave any spoilers however this book is highly action packed,a few people get what they deserve and a shocking ending!
Absolutely can't wait to get until the next one!
August 27, 2021
Fantastic!
I breezed right through this book, I was so surprised when I reached the end… heart pounding and enthralled at what could possibly happen next. Sad for the loss of some characters and the survival of others as the hero’s face uncertain futures.
A definite read for anyone wanting to be absorbed in a thrilling read!
I breezed right through this book, I was so surprised when I reached the end… heart pounding and enthralled at what could possibly happen next. Sad for the loss of some characters and the survival of others as the hero’s face uncertain futures.
A definite read for anyone wanting to be absorbed in a thrilling read!
January 4, 2020
3 Stars
Lots of twists and turns in this one. Caleb and group are captured by the Free Inahri a rebel group fighting the Inahri under the influence of the evil Relyeh who have taken Deliverance. This book at times was a 5 star but the ending did not make me happy. 3 Stars
Lots of twists and turns in this one. Caleb and group are captured by the Free Inahri a rebel group fighting the Inahri under the influence of the evil Relyeh who have taken Deliverance. This book at times was a 5 star but the ending did not make me happy. 3 Stars
August 27, 2020
This just isn't my type of book. The story starts up immediately with a lot of fighting and not much else. I want to know about the planet and if the colony can survive, but I just didn't really enjoy reading it.
February 23, 2022
Ugh the ending of this one left me hanging so badly, it was a rollercoaster to the end and i cant wait to see what happens in the next book. Great writting, character building, i didnt know i could appreciate then hate a person so much until i read about dr valentine.
November 23, 2023
It annoys me that the author makes up very unscientific laws for the universe he's created.
But it pisses me off to no end that those unscientific laws aren't even laws as much as they are suggestions which can be bipassed as the author sees fit to accomodate his current narrative.
But it pisses me off to no end that those unscientific laws aren't even laws as much as they are suggestions which can be bipassed as the author sees fit to accomodate his current narrative.
January 18, 2019
Once again great writing
Great writing , can't wait to lay my hands on the next one. I wish the author publishes the next in series fast.
Great writing , can't wait to lay my hands on the next one. I wish the author publishes the next in series fast.
January 18, 2019
Did not disappoint at all! Actually it exceeded my expectations. Finished it just a few hours after I got it and now cannot wait for the last book in the series!
January 18, 2019
Best book in the series so far
January 21, 2019
Great, but left me with a hunger for the finale.
Dark dark dark, Great addition to the series but left me bummed out and wanting more. Cannot wait for the finale!
Dark dark dark, Great addition to the series but left me bummed out and wanting more. Cannot wait for the finale!
January 25, 2019
Great read
It is definitely a page turned. Keep the books coming and can't wait until the next book is out to read
It is definitely a page turned. Keep the books coming and can't wait until the next book is out to read
January 27, 2019
What????
Another great read by MR Forbes!! Action packed again but this one ended hard for me! Really need the next one for sure!
Another great read by MR Forbes!! Action packed again but this one ended hard for me! Really need the next one for sure!
February 10, 2019
Great story
Great story action packed a bit cheesy American but overall good. Not much depth more of a roller coaster I enjoyed reading it.
Great story action packed a bit cheesy American but overall good. Not much depth more of a roller coaster I enjoyed reading it.
February 12, 2019
Dark and hopeless
Good addition, but basically everything goes wrong g and everyone dies... so... I’m. It sure anyone can call that a good book.
Good addition, but basically everything goes wrong g and everyone dies... so... I’m. It sure anyone can call that a good book.
February 25, 2019
FC series
Slow in places, but it grips you hard when it pick up. It is hard to stop and wait for the next book.
Slow in places, but it grips you hard when it pick up. It is hard to stop and wait for the next book.
March 25, 2019
Very good again..
Very good again, action packed, well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Looking forward to book 5.
Very good again, action packed, well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Looking forward to book 5.
March 26, 2019
Great read!
Great read ! Keep up the great work ! A + + + + + + + + + +
Great read ! Keep up the great work ! A + + + + + + + + + +
April 24, 2019
4th Book is Amazing!!!
This series is amazing and unpredictable in a good way and can't wait to see how it ends in the 5th book. A MUST READ!!!
This series is amazing and unpredictable in a good way and can't wait to see how it ends in the 5th book. A MUST READ!!!
April 25, 2019
Book 4
Book 4 had errors throughout and was somewhat predictable. The characters and plot haven't grown as much as I expected. I probably won't read book 5.
Book 4 had errors throughout and was somewhat predictable. The characters and plot haven't grown as much as I expected. I probably won't read book 5.
August 31, 2019
Damn what an ending!
You know when someone says dark night of the soul?
This book is it.
I am going straight onto Book 5.
You know when someone says dark night of the soul?
This book is it.
I am going straight onto Book 5.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews