A woman with no name and her AI sidekick investigate Earth in a distant future. In the wake of machine enslavement, humanity’s homeworld has become the new Mecca, but the technological embargo that is supposed to protect the holy planet has been corrupted. What was meant to be a reservation for Natural Order has become a playground for talking animals, infested with poachers, and engulfed in conspiracy.
Survival of the Fittest has New Meaning
“Brutal, oppressive and delightfully intriguing”
“Somehow futuristic and nostalgic at the same time”
“Couldn’t put it down”
Mad Max meets The Terminator with a touch of The Matrix
Since our early days on Old Earth, humanity has been rapt with manifest destiny. The space between civilization and wilderness is known as the frontier. Our drive to expand pushed that fleeting barrier across the universe during the Great Expansion, but it has collapsed in upon itself. The Frontier Forever organization is committed to exposing the nature of reality and the dangers of technology.
Under the Shadow of the Plateau is the first book in this rapidly expanding science fiction series. Join the world’s second Athena-class Marshal on this dystopian adventure littered with mech warriors, gorilla-lion hybrids, and deplorable villains. Her predecessor made a major impact on the terrestrial black market, but the local populations are suffering.
A native tribesman searches for his brother. A smuggler kingpin bent on revenge. An army of poachers amassing and a mysterious monster stalking the southlands. Together these strands weave a sinister web that leads offworld, and the Marshal is stuck in its middle. Can she break free before it's too late, or will she become part of the problem?
A detailed, captivating story from multiple points of view that is somehow futuristic and nostalgic at the same time. The Marshall, a strong female protagonist, is a breath of fresh air. The friendship between two adolescents enthralls as Krieger meticulously describes their adventures through the jungle. Morton and his henchman have all the imaginative weaponry nerds could ask for along with a rapport that reveals how nothing is as simple as good and evil. Couldn’t put it down.
"Under the Shadow of the Plateau: Frontier Forever" by Benjamin Krieger takes place in a world defined by its intricate characters and complex machinations. As the first installment in the series, this offers a stunning blend of science fiction, human drama, and ethical exploration, set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Earth reshaped by technology, strife, and a tantalizing interplay of power dynamics.
Krieger’s attention to detail shines in the vivid descriptions of the book's settings, from the scorching desert factories to the enigmatic Grand Mesa. The presence of the Computer-Brain interface (CBI) and the ramifications of technology-driven advancements are relevant throughout the story and bring up questions about the consequences of human innovation. The narrative's exploration of labor, power dynamics, and ethical quandaries adds a layer of sophistication that elevates the novel to truly brilliant science fiction.
The characters are at the heart of this story, and their destinies intertwine in unexpected ways. By focusing on the individuals driving the plot, Krieger makes us deeply invested in their motivations, aspirations, and struggles. Whether it's the Athena-class Marshal wrestling with memories and new experiences, Morton and Frank's partnership and complex relationship, or the Chieftain's internal conflicts, the characters' inner lives are as gripping as the external events that shape their world.
This attention to detail extends to the story’s exploration of societal tensions. The portrayal of factions like the Naturalist movement and their opposition to technology dependency reflects real-world debates, inviting readers to consider the implications of our own relationship with technology. This makes the book feel relevant and encourages you to consider the nature of our own world.
While the book's intricate plot and multitude of characters may initially seem overwhelming, Krieger's careful pacing and narrative cohesion keep the story engaging and accessible. The way he weaves together seemingly disparate threads is impressive, building toward a brilliant climax.
If you enjoy classic science fiction, you will love this book. It reads like a modern love letter to the genre. With its richly developed characters, nuanced exploration of technology's impact on society, and a plot that seamlessly combines personal struggles with global consequences, it is an incredibly immersive read. As the first book in the "Frontier Forever" series, it sets a promising foundation for a saga that delves into the heart of what it means to be human in a world shaped by technology.
This is a well-written science fiction novel in the style of classics in the genre, such as Dune, mixed with an old western vibe. I wish there was a bit more worldbuilding, but I'm sure that will come in later additions to the series. Although I had a difficult time relating to the characters, Krieger's writing somehow still made them come alive. The book has an intricate and interesting plot that touches on politics, but doesn't allow the storyline to be bogged down by it. The novel is clearly a reflection of issues the world is currently facing. The pace of the novel is slower than a typical science fiction story, in my opinion, but the plot was interesting enough to hold my interest regardless. Overall, I'd recommend the book to anyone that enjoys media centered around vigilantes, sci-fi colonization, and long-game politics.
One of the best books I have read this month! Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book. Feel free to ask anything regarding this book. A must read for sure. I'd recommend this book to everyone who would like to read a good piece of literature. The book covered lots of situations in a very interesting way through its storyline. A must read for sure
Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't think this book was going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , a total different piece of art from every aspect. It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next. Must Read