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:
7/10:Good solid read, something to get your teeth into.
Sergeant Card is a hero, in every sense of the word. And I know he is because he doesn’t know he is. He just does his job better than anyone.
So, this was the last book in this spin-off series, but definitely not the last story to be told. Which I am so very grateful for because I'm rather attached to this world. And to Sergeant Card.
I really did like that Marine.
“Good hunting, Sergeant. Dismissed.”
We get some answers and some conclusions, and they were adequate to make this segment of the Forgotten World seem wrapped up.
But there were definitely hints of more to this storyline and I cannot wait to see where they lead us.
Well played, Earther.
We also got to know some characters better, and I actually started to like them, but for the life of me, I can't see how it is going to work longterm in the future.
Still, we had a conclusion, answers, endings, and a few openings. We lost some characters, we gained others, and there was action aplenty. Another page-turner.
But it's the humour that makes these books such a delightful read. And I loved every minute of the author's humour.
I don’t like this. “You always say that.” This isn’t going to work. “You always say that too.” We’re going to die. “Maybe. It’ll be worth it.” I hate you. “No, you don’t. You’re part of me.” It is possible for an Advocate to hate itself.
Cool. Talk about going out with a bang. I didn't expect there to be another 5-star entry in this series, but here we are talking about it. This is the second 5-star rated book after its super fun and tragic predecessor earned the same thing outta me. I'm glad for that, honestly.
This is actually the first book in this entire series' run that slows down SIGNIFICANTLY to carry through a large plot point of the story. After the events of the previous book had led to the capture of both Caleb and Washington, we spend quite a bit of time learning a lot more details about their captors. This of course involves expositional dialogue (of which there is plenty) and of course descriptive imagery. It honestly was so weird (but refreshing) reading about characters finally, FINALLY having a chance to eat, shower, or even pee for gawd's sake. It's been such a rare occurrence for the story to take a more casual pace that it was actually a bit jarring to not read anything chaotic happening.
But, inevitably, things had a way of reverting back to the "norm," and the action definitely reared its head in the grandiose fashion that I've become familiar with. The action is PLENTIFUL and super thrilling. Dialogue is just as splendidly written and the characters are better exposed. The sense of foreboding and finality is evident throughout this whole thing, and you kinda wonder what'll befall everyone, and whether or not our heroes can win against the ancient alien race responsible for the Trife's arrival on Earth. Multiple character perspectives are the storytellers this go around, including Caleb, Washington, Governor Stone, and Tsi. This made the harrowing circumstances feel more broad, as you're a part of the battle from several different angles.
Were there things wrong in this book? Sure. It's technically not even perfect, despite the 5-star rating. I dunno why the author had trouble remembering a character's name. In the previous book, his name was Kevin Zane, spoken several times in the moment. Later on in the story, he was referred to as Adam. Unfortunately, his name took yet ANOTHER change in this book, this time being Hector. Three different first names for the same character. How does that get missed this often? It was a nuisance, but not one I couldn't get over. The other complaints aren't really memorable, though I know they were there. I fortunately enjoyed this close-out of the story too much that the complaints just didn't really stick around for me to flesh them out.
At any rate, what a fun series this was. And now that I know that the ending of this one leads into an entirely new series, I am looking forward to it.
DNR Deliverance becomes serious about securing their place on the Essex (Earth Six). Citizens of the Metro prepare to makes their first and last stand versus Arlathu's innari. Card and Washington are held captive in Arlathu's castle. It's now or never, all cards on the table (pun intended). Can what's left of the vultures do their duty and protect the citizens of the Metro when it matters the most or are they destined to fail and become feed for reliyeh.
'Forgotten Colony' doesn't lack action. Governor Stone really pulled through and as a literary character proved how to write redeemable/misguided villains. The protagonist of the series, Dr. Riley, has never faced more hostile circumstances to achieves her goal she has to give up on seeing it to fruition. Oh, what fickle mistress is fate.
The Metro's angst of last breath should have come sooner. No way children's water guns in hands of amateurs would slow down professional armed troops advance. And that's the exact technological gap and situation that author wants the readers to believe. Riley's selfless act doesn't fit the character as it's been written up till now. Hopefully, the pious doctor isn't decommissioned for ever and makes the rebirth smarter and stronger as a pheonix-hydra should.
Conclusion: 2/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue then bought for relisten for 1 credit. Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer. Eh. Haven't enjoyed the story ever since landing at all. Same gripes as in book 3 and 4 of 'Forgotten Colony', the hostile environment is completely discounted for Earthers and too little text-time is given for the reader favorite, protagonist - Riley. Vultures gun's blazing action packed blockbuster under open sky and local flora canopy just isn't the same as in tight halls of a space ship with a sociopath breathing down your neck. Terrible value for the length of the book - 3.53 $/hour ( 29.99 $ / 08 hrs 30 mins ).
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM FORGOTTEN COLONY AND THE FORGOTTEN UNIVERSE
An amazing finale for an amazing sub-series. For some reason, I somewhat delayed my start of the Forgotten Colony sub-series, not completely eager to start a new plot line, far away from and with little in common with the undoubtedly big star of the Forgotten universe: Sheriff Duke. Boooooy was I wrong! Caleb Card has proved to be as charismatic and badass a character as Sheriff Duke, if not more!
Where the rest of series depicted a savage “Mad Max-like” Earth, trapped right in the middle of an ancient war, and gave us a short glimpse of what encountering the Axon and Relyeh could be like, Forgotten Colony took it all to a whole new level. I really enjoyed the Inahri plot line and their interaction with the Earthers, two races with so much in common, and yet so distinct. Also, being a big fan of H.P. Lovecraft’s work it really has been nice to finally get to know more about the Relyeh society and their motivations, and to see how many of the races and creatures forming their ranks are interestingly inspired in some of Lovecraft’s most recognizable creations.
In conclusion, despite the quite serious inconsistencies encountered in Book #3, Forgotten Colony is one of the best and most varied series in the Forgotten Universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Action packed, great characters and the perseverance against all odds, the betrayals, the loyalty, I could go on. It came alive for me, I mean I felt as though I was actually there. I’d have shot Valentine myself if I’d have come across her. I loved Flores and her relating every event to a movie, her and Sho were great characters. I must say, I held my breath more times and read faster to find out if they made it, more times in this series, than in anything else I’ve ever read. One complaint I do have is that the books aren’t long enough, I just come to the end far too quickly...
This is the second series of books by Forbes that I have read through and yet again i want more! I honestly feel like i know the characters inside and out and want to read more about them!
This book finishes with Caleb finally getting to arluthu and getting revenge. Packed with twists and turns straight away the series comes to an epic conclusion.
I can't stress enough how great this series is, if you haven't read it already you really need to!!
The only part of finishing this is that i can finally get some sleep!
Wow what a great Sci-fi series, I enjoyed this so much! Never a dull moment, great characters, good plot, lots of twists and turns and unexpected moments. Mr Forbes you write an entertaining and compelling read and I'm only sorry I've finished it. I do hope you'll write some more!! If you like Sci-fi with some space marine action and good story telling then this series is for you!
Yes this is a long series and normally I don't go for those but if you mess up and stop reading somewhere in the middle you'll miss the slam bang hurrah ending. I started with the Forgotten Earth series and then the Forgotten Colony, it seems to work even though Mr. Forbes has them listed the other way around in the order he wrote them. He also reccomends reading Forgotten of the Forgotten Earth series first. I would love to see this series as a movie.
Read only the author's final notes to the story for the truth. Afraid he did exactly what he feared. To answer his question; yes, I do feel let down. Sorry, after enthusiastic 5 star ratings for both series so far, the payoff just didn't materialize. Two stars as the parts were much better than the whole.
Great finish to the forgotten colony series! Book 4 ended on a dark note and had me a little worried but what a exciting and satisfying conclusion in book 5. Lots of questions answered too. I hope Forbes has a lot more tales to come. Loved every book so far.
I have just finished the fifth book in the Forgotten Colony series and I sure did enjoy them all. Badass marines and some epic fights always make a good story. The storyline kept moving, never stagnating. I look forward to more in the Forgotten series of books.
What a ride. Fast paced, and action packed. I enjoyed this book and the series. The characters evolve throughout the story line, in ways you don't expect. Linking to the earlier seriess. I can't wait to read the next book in the following series.
I enjoy the overall story, the meta-story, but each book seems to progressively longer and I'm having a harder time getting through them. I find myself skipping ahead. However, I want to see where Mr. Forbes story goes, so I will keep reading.
By far the best of the series, probably not 5-star worthy in its own right, but I’m giving it an extra star for “most improved”. I was almost tempted to drop a star for the unnecessary cliff hanger, that promises a follow on of ‘much the same’, but I’m feeling generous; and, just a little relived at finishing.
The story of Sargent Caleb Card takes new twists and turns within a story of multiple civilisations, who all have their own agenda for their own race. Can Caleb and the rest of the Marines get to the end? A must read for the final chapter
The end of the Forgotten Colony series does not disappoint. Sargent Card find redemption by saving the Colony. All factions and the multiple subplots are resolved. There is an opening to develop a new Series at the end of the book.
Good ending to what has been a suprisingly good series. Sgt Caleb Card leads the colonists against the overwhelming alien force facing them. Plenty of action, suspense, and memorable characters to satisfy all fans of military sci-fi.
Book 5 was a fun read and had a few errors. I have enjoyed this series and the characters. The overall plot in book 5 was better than book 4. The characters have grown well and the plot is developed well throughout the series. I look forward to the Forgotten series.
Book 5 ends the Forgotten Colony series. Caleb and what's left of his squad fight to free Essex from Arluthu's control. I'll give the series 4 Stars still not happy about Sheriff Dante's demise in book 4.
OMG! I hated for this series to end. But I read the whole book in a day. I just couldn't put it down! This book is so full of action and danger that it just moved you along. And there's more coming in another series. I'm ready for it. Are you?
I have read and enjoyed all of the books in this series to this point. The characters and storyline of this series of books are great! I'm going straight to the next book!!!
I started this series with rather low expectations. I quickly changed my mind. The action, the characters, the plot were mesmerising. I have not slept well. All I could do is read until exhaustion took over. One book after another. All excellent. Good work, Mr. Forbes.
Great characters, lots of action, good military accuracy. Thoroughly enjoyed every book. Looking forward to the next series. Glad the author is continuing the characters in another series.
either the proof reading on this one was better than the others in the series, or the writing in this one was better and I never noticed the errors. for me the final book in the series was definitely the best one.
Loved the book, the ups and downs, im so happy card and wash didnt end up dead, thats all i wanted . Reeeeally hoping for a continuation of these because i need more books about our two brave marines 🥰
I would like to read the next book in the series. This is one of the most interesting and great stories about a man who chances upon a new way of thinking about the way to fight for each other and their world.
Again, from the beginning you are caught up in the series. You do need to concentrate on all that is happening as there are twists and turns in all different directions. Keep with it and you should enjoy it as much as I did
Time spent reading this series was time well spent. Again, falling in love with Caleb, John, Tsi. Action packed, bits of humor and overall a great story. Looking forward to more Caleb Card, John Washington character driven takes.