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The Survivors #7
New Alliance
Dean Parker thought he was going to coast into retirement. He was wrong.
Things have slowed down for Dean and Mary as they manage the expanding human colonies on Haven, New Spero, and Earth—until they receive a distress call from the Keppe.
Magnus and Natalia are in the midst of a three-year exploration mission on the alien vessel, but mysteriously vanish with less than a year left to go.
With no one else to call on, Dean, Slate, and Karo, the last remaining Theos, commence the search for the missing ship. When their wormhole drive malfunctions, they end up stranded, with no way to return home.
Join the journey as Dean Parker fights to rescue old friends while forging an unlikely coalition.
Things have slowed down for Dean and Mary as they manage the expanding human colonies on Haven, New Spero, and Earth—until they receive a distress call from the Keppe.
Magnus and Natalia are in the midst of a three-year exploration mission on the alien vessel, but mysteriously vanish with less than a year left to go.
With no one else to call on, Dean, Slate, and Karo, the last remaining Theos, commence the search for the missing ship. When their wormhole drive malfunctions, they end up stranded, with no way to return home.
Join the journey as Dean Parker fights to rescue old friends while forging an unlikely coalition.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2019
641 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 27, 2019
Well, I finally done it. I entirely missed a book in a series and didn’t even know it. Yes, I missed book 6, “Old Enemies” and didn’t realize it until I couldn’t find that title among my list of books reviewed. I don’t think I’ve ever consciously done that until now. Oh, well, what’s done is done and I’m not going back and reading book 6. I’m just losing my interest in these books.
Apparently, after book 6, everything has now been settled. All the known enemies have been defeated and the conglomerate of civilizations discovered via the stone portals are now gathering to form an Alliance. Dean Parker is on Haven with his Wife, Mary and new daughter, Jules, about ready to introduce a whole bunch of new “Gatekeepers”, to include Suma. She is a young Simmali who’s father was one of the original Gatekeepers. Suma has study and grown over the years and is now ready to take her place alongside Dean and the many other Gatekeepers.
Then several strange vessels are seen approaching Haven. It appears they are after another vessel that is just staying out of their reach. it doesn’t appear that this part of the story connects much to the rest of the book, other than it does give Dean access to some pretty valuable property. All the action going on over Haven is due to a lone criminal who has stolen something very valuable from Inlorians and they are after him to get it back. Dean manages to calm that situation down and invites the Inlorians to join the Alliance.
In the meantime, after he, Mary and Jules, had secreted away to their country home on Earth, Dean received a strange communication from his best friend, Magnus. It was very cryptic, but definitely indicated that Magnus and his crew were in serious trouble. Since Magnus and his wife, Natalia and two children, had helped rescue Mary from the Iskios, there was no way Dean was going to ignore a distress message from Magnus. He new Magnus had been give a ship and crew to do some exploring for the Keppe. This ship and crew were going to explore the very edge of know space. They must have run into something unexpected. Whatever it was, Dean was going to find his friend and get him back home.
So that’s what this book is all about. A rescue of sorts that turns out pretty simple when you finish reading the story. it does have some interesting side bits, like the part about “The Collector”, but even that story doesn’t have a whole lot to do with the main story. It seems like there were parts added to this book to keep it from becoming just a short story. Still, it was pretty good, but not really my kind of book. I also thing these characters are about done and everything that can be done has been. We’re along way from the original story about humans being kidnapped from Earth. Nothing in several past books has had anything to do with that. So, for me this is probably the end. I mean, if I can skip a whole book and not even know it, I guess I’m not missing much in any of these books.
Apparently, after book 6, everything has now been settled. All the known enemies have been defeated and the conglomerate of civilizations discovered via the stone portals are now gathering to form an Alliance. Dean Parker is on Haven with his Wife, Mary and new daughter, Jules, about ready to introduce a whole bunch of new “Gatekeepers”, to include Suma. She is a young Simmali who’s father was one of the original Gatekeepers. Suma has study and grown over the years and is now ready to take her place alongside Dean and the many other Gatekeepers.
Then several strange vessels are seen approaching Haven. It appears they are after another vessel that is just staying out of their reach. it doesn’t appear that this part of the story connects much to the rest of the book, other than it does give Dean access to some pretty valuable property. All the action going on over Haven is due to a lone criminal who has stolen something very valuable from Inlorians and they are after him to get it back. Dean manages to calm that situation down and invites the Inlorians to join the Alliance.
In the meantime, after he, Mary and Jules, had secreted away to their country home on Earth, Dean received a strange communication from his best friend, Magnus. It was very cryptic, but definitely indicated that Magnus and his crew were in serious trouble. Since Magnus and his wife, Natalia and two children, had helped rescue Mary from the Iskios, there was no way Dean was going to ignore a distress message from Magnus. He new Magnus had been give a ship and crew to do some exploring for the Keppe. This ship and crew were going to explore the very edge of know space. They must have run into something unexpected. Whatever it was, Dean was going to find his friend and get him back home.
So that’s what this book is all about. A rescue of sorts that turns out pretty simple when you finish reading the story. it does have some interesting side bits, like the part about “The Collector”, but even that story doesn’t have a whole lot to do with the main story. It seems like there were parts added to this book to keep it from becoming just a short story. Still, it was pretty good, but not really my kind of book. I also thing these characters are about done and everything that can be done has been. We’re along way from the original story about humans being kidnapped from Earth. Nothing in several past books has had anything to do with that. So, for me this is probably the end. I mean, if I can skip a whole book and not even know it, I guess I’m not missing much in any of these books.
May 6, 2019
When I wrote my review of book six in this series I said, "I'm so glad to learn there will be one more book in this series." and now, I say it again. I was disappointed when I thought this fantastic series was going to end. I felt like great friends and neighbors were moving away.
I personally don't care for what I consider HS Book Report style reviews. If the prospecting reader is looking for a summary of a story, they should look at the authors summary. they always do a better job than any reviewer could. I will tell you that the starting point of this segment is the formation of a sort of UN for the Universe where various Inter-galactic Species, Star-systems, etc. The ambition is to organize in order to resolve differences, establish trade, and learn of different cultures and technologies. Sounds ideal, what can go wrong? There wouldn't be a story if there weren't any problems to solve and, before the celebration of this accomplishment and implementation even begins, a rogue species leader is heading towards Haven pursued by a powerful enemy that has not yet joined this new alliance. And, this is in just the first few pages. Once again, Dean Parker and his eclectic group of friends embark on another series of convolutes missions to rescue some missing friends.
I'm confident that anyone starting with this seventh book in this series will have to go back and start from the beginning. Nathan Hystad delivers his books with less than the ordinary wait between segments but, you'll really enjoy reading these books one after the other.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
I personally don't care for what I consider HS Book Report style reviews. If the prospecting reader is looking for a summary of a story, they should look at the authors summary. they always do a better job than any reviewer could. I will tell you that the starting point of this segment is the formation of a sort of UN for the Universe where various Inter-galactic Species, Star-systems, etc. The ambition is to organize in order to resolve differences, establish trade, and learn of different cultures and technologies. Sounds ideal, what can go wrong? There wouldn't be a story if there weren't any problems to solve and, before the celebration of this accomplishment and implementation even begins, a rogue species leader is heading towards Haven pursued by a powerful enemy that has not yet joined this new alliance. And, this is in just the first few pages. Once again, Dean Parker and his eclectic group of friends embark on another series of convolutes missions to rescue some missing friends.
I'm confident that anyone starting with this seventh book in this series will have to go back and start from the beginning. Nathan Hystad delivers his books with less than the ordinary wait between segments but, you'll really enjoy reading these books one after the other.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
April 14, 2021
Hystad has hit his stride again and re-found his voice. Sadly, that voice doesn't seem destined to rise far above mediocre or a passing grade. New Alliance is a decent enough read, but you really must be uncaring about the science part of this fantasy. Hystad is an unredeemable fan of the McGuffin, which must at least be tempered with consistency. Sadly, even here he is completely lacking as the capabilities of devices flex to meet the current needs at a whim.
There are many worse authors out there, and many who rely on throwing random tropes into a mixing pot and squirting out a plot that would shame an AI. Hystad does at least occasionally sprinkle a sparkling of innovation into his recipes that allow him to stand above the rest of his ilk, and his characters are warm and relatable. These are the kind of books that require little investment of the reader - indeed the less you think about what you're reading the more enjoyable you'll find the experience as the glaring plot holes are diminished.
There are many worse authors out there, and many who rely on throwing random tropes into a mixing pot and squirting out a plot that would shame an AI. Hystad does at least occasionally sprinkle a sparkling of innovation into his recipes that allow him to stand above the rest of his ilk, and his characters are warm and relatable. These are the kind of books that require little investment of the reader - indeed the less you think about what you're reading the more enjoyable you'll find the experience as the glaring plot holes are diminished.
July 30, 2019
Same as the last books in the series.
I'm sorry, I tried to hold out but the story and writing is just not there. It feels formulaic when compared to the other books in the series. Someone he cares about is in trouble. Let's go! Oh no! We have an obstacle to overcome before we miraculously reach said friend in just the right time! If that's what you like them go forth and enjoy.
The problem for me is this isn't really sci-fi. It's a long arching drama \opera set in the future or in a sci-fi setting. The author barely hits any science except for some marvelous gateways. It's like someone wanted to write action without researching things like technology, tactics, weapons, and so forth. I can't finish the book or the series anymore. I'm trying to be constructive but the way this book and the series has progressed is frustrating to read. I wish the author better fortune with his writing and success, this just isn't for me.
I'm sorry, I tried to hold out but the story and writing is just not there. It feels formulaic when compared to the other books in the series. Someone he cares about is in trouble. Let's go! Oh no! We have an obstacle to overcome before we miraculously reach said friend in just the right time! If that's what you like them go forth and enjoy.
The problem for me is this isn't really sci-fi. It's a long arching drama \opera set in the future or in a sci-fi setting. The author barely hits any science except for some marvelous gateways. It's like someone wanted to write action without researching things like technology, tactics, weapons, and so forth. I can't finish the book or the series anymore. I'm trying to be constructive but the way this book and the series has progressed is frustrating to read. I wish the author better fortune with his writing and success, this just isn't for me.
January 3, 2022
I'm not going to review each and every of the 18, so far, books in this series because it would be exhausting. Suffice it to say, as I just this morning told my son, to have the talent to write a series of 18 books (so far) and each and every book be as engaging, thrilling and be able to pull a reader right into the story instead of being a spectator to it is so rare and his books do that. From book 1 to the current book 18. Also, these are not novellas or short stories. Each in this series is a full on NOVEL. I've been opened to genres I never thought I'd be interested in before and it's writers like Nathan Hystad that make that possible .... that make reading ..... an important part of my life.
May 5, 2019
Like an old jumper
Cosy and warm, and you know you're going to love wearing it. That's Nathan Hystad's books, every book he writes is just so easy to get into and once you're in that's it, you're hooked and before you know it it's all over, it was that compelling. The characters are great, they are like old friends, you just want to spend time with.
This series is great, I have loved every one of the books, I stumbled on it thinking, "well this blurb sounds ridiculous, dying wife, necklace, aliens? !“ Hah! I was hooked within the first few chapters!
Roll on July for Gatekeepers!
Cosy and warm, and you know you're going to love wearing it. That's Nathan Hystad's books, every book he writes is just so easy to get into and once you're in that's it, you're hooked and before you know it it's all over, it was that compelling. The characters are great, they are like old friends, you just want to spend time with.
This series is great, I have loved every one of the books, I stumbled on it thinking, "well this blurb sounds ridiculous, dying wife, necklace, aliens? !“ Hah! I was hooked within the first few chapters!
Roll on July for Gatekeepers!
November 20, 2022
Boy, was this ever a great read. The stones making travel instantaneous are failing. There is just one Theos (Karo) left. Suddenly, the Keppe expedition, with Magnus and Natalia lading them, has not been heard from in some time. When Dean hears of this, of course he decides to mount a rescue and a test of the newly created Alliance to help with the logistics is tested. It is a long journey to get there but even harder to return. While Mary stays at home looking after Jules and worrying about when her husband is going to make it home, if ever. Thank you, Nathan for another great read. I've already downloaded the next book and can't wait.
June 11, 2019
Bravo for Book Seven!
New Alliance is a most worthy continuation of the previous six books in the Survivor series. Rather than a rehash of the same characters we’ve already met, this new series addition develops them further along with a new story line employing the excellent prose style I’ve come to expect from Mr. Hystad. I’m thoroughly looking forward to Books eight and nine.
New Alliance is a most worthy continuation of the previous six books in the Survivor series. Rather than a rehash of the same characters we’ve already met, this new series addition develops them further along with a new story line employing the excellent prose style I’ve come to expect from Mr. Hystad. I’m thoroughly looking forward to Books eight and nine.
March 15, 2022
Magnus and family aboard the Keppe expedition ship are lost in space
Dean must assemble a crew to go find them and bring them home. Things don't go exactly as planned (surprise!) and high adventure ensues! This time, it's not the fate of the universe at stake, just the fate of Dean's friends. Great characters that we know so well and another great storyline told by a master storyteller combine to create a great read!
Dean must assemble a crew to go find them and bring them home. Things don't go exactly as planned (surprise!) and high adventure ensues! This time, it's not the fate of the universe at stake, just the fate of Dean's friends. Great characters that we know so well and another great storyline told by a master storyteller combine to create a great read!
September 9, 2022
Another enjoyable instalment of this series sees more adventures and dilemmas. I like the 'voice' - Dean Parker is a likeable and great character. The other characters fit into the plot well and I like the descriptions of the various worlds.
No spoilers but worth a look.
This is part of a box set I have.
No spoilers but worth a look.
This is part of a box set I have.
September 15, 2025
The weakest one so far in the series.
It retains all the shortcomings of the previous installments, while adding a few fresh and even more cringeworthy ones.
Carnivorous slugs? On an asteroid? Shrieking (in vacuum)??? Come on. I have been suspending quite a fair bit of disbelieve with this series, but this book hits a new low.
It retains all the shortcomings of the previous installments, while adding a few fresh and even more cringeworthy ones.
Carnivorous slugs? On an asteroid? Shrieking (in vacuum)??? Come on. I have been suspending quite a fair bit of disbelieve with this series, but this book hits a new low.
April 28, 2019
This is another great book in this series.
Great space adventures with relatable characters. This is a great story set in a unique universe. I'm grabbing the next novel in this series as soon as possible.
Great space adventures with relatable characters. This is a great story set in a unique universe. I'm grabbing the next novel in this series as soon as possible.
October 9, 2019
The Survivors
Just finished reading the first 6 books in the series and once I got started I wasn't able to put them down. If you like science fiction with alot of action then you have to have this series.
Just finished reading the first 6 books in the series and once I got started I wasn't able to put them down. If you like science fiction with alot of action then you have to have this series.
November 10, 2019
Amazing adventure in space
Dean and his crew travel in space to save their friend Magnus and his family. Story kept me interested from beginning to end. I recommend this book. I gave a 5 star rating.
Dean and his crew travel in space to save their friend Magnus and his family. Story kept me interested from beginning to end. I recommend this book. I gave a 5 star rating.
April 28, 2019
Excellent
Excellent continuation of the series! I was happy to see it! Hope for many more stories about this cast of characters
Excellent continuation of the series! I was happy to see it! Hope for many more stories about this cast of characters
May 5, 2019
Drift
All over the place and very exciting.
Love the pace and excitement of this book.
Highly recommend this too anyone who loves a good story.
All over the place and very exciting.
Love the pace and excitement of this book.
Highly recommend this too anyone who loves a good story.
August 18, 2019
Another adventure
Well written, funny, entertaining and interesting. A complex plot that keeps the reader hooked. Characters have matured further, can’t wait to read the next book.
Well written, funny, entertaining and interesting. A complex plot that keeps the reader hooked. Characters have matured further, can’t wait to read the next book.
August 23, 2019
Good
Good good good good people are good for the baby is a great day for a while to be a good guy but
Good good good good people are good for the baby is a great day for a while to be a good guy but
August 31, 2019
Exciting
Another great Survivors book. Dean is always caught up in another adventure and as a Recaster pulls it off with a lot of excitement.
Another great Survivors book. Dean is always caught up in another adventure and as a Recaster pulls it off with a lot of excitement.
Read
January 6, 2020Finished the box set 1-6 and was liking it that I got #7 and continued Dean Parker and crew's adventures. finished it and got #8 which I am reading now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2021
Really enjoying this series. Each book presents new challenges & solutions.
November 26, 2021
Humanity joins forces with aliens and starts a galactic alliance, to fight down an bad guy alien and the last of the aliens who caused The Event.
January 10, 2025
Excellent story, Nathan Hystad at his very best.
August 2, 2024
Fun until …
The novel's title was about the Alliance but the story isn't. It was disappointing if I'll be honest here. There was also a lack of background on other things, like the Collector and the pocket dimension. More than half the novel was about the rescue from this but it was lacking depth.
Also, what happened to the only one known to have escaped the pocket dimension? Why didn't any of the characters remembered that bit of information, surely those left behind learned of it, especially that faction that wants to go home?
The previous novels were excellent. This one felt rushed or compressed. Too many ideas or stories to tell jam-packed into one novel, ending up being cut here and there. The powerstones storyline is fine, that's for the next book. But the Alliance plot barely started yet the title is about it.
One last thing. Stars don't shine without a thick atmosphere between the naked eyes/cameras and the light from the stars, like in space.
Despite all that, I still give this 4 out of 5 stars. It's that good.
The novel's title was about the Alliance but the story isn't. It was disappointing if I'll be honest here. There was also a lack of background on other things, like the Collector and the pocket dimension. More than half the novel was about the rescue from this but it was lacking depth.
Also, what happened to the only one known to have escaped the pocket dimension? Why didn't any of the characters remembered that bit of information, surely those left behind learned of it, especially that faction that wants to go home?
The previous novels were excellent. This one felt rushed or compressed. Too many ideas or stories to tell jam-packed into one novel, ending up being cut here and there. The powerstones storyline is fine, that's for the next book. But the Alliance plot barely started yet the title is about it.
One last thing. Stars don't shine without a thick atmosphere between the naked eyes/cameras and the light from the stars, like in space.
Despite all that, I still give this 4 out of 5 stars. It's that good.
October 2, 2019
I am so angry that I have to wait for this! I hope their robot friend has a larger role in this installment.😄
June 9, 2020
3.5/5
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May 13, 2023I love this series. Very entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews