Aestus: Book 2: The Colony

by S.Z. Attwell

An underground city. A deadly project. And an Intelligence agent who can help Jossey take down the City...if she can trust him again. Jossey grew up believing the Onlar, creatures of the aboveground, were monsters. But when they kidnapped her, she found out terrible secrets about her city and her family. Her choice to help the Onlar against the City almost cost her her life. And the Intelligence agent she'd thought was her friend was the one tasked with carrying out her execution. But he didn't quite succeed. Now Jossey, barely alive, has been sent to the Onlar by a mysterious figure from the City. And time is of the essence - her solar network project could mean disaster not only for the Onlar, but for thousands of citizens as well. She can’t do much from the Onlar camp, but Gavin, Jossey’s Patrol leader and longtime friend, isn’t convinced she’s dead. And Patrol has started to learn the truth. As tentative alliances form, Jossey begins to think this might be easier than she’d thought. But a terrible miscalculation has been made, one that may cost her and her friends both the City and their lives. Can she see it before it’s too late? Aestus is an adult dystopian science-fiction series set centuries after climate change has ravaged much of Earth. An epic story of vengeance, power, shifting loyalties, and survival that looks at just how far people will go to protect what they love, brought to you by science writer S.Z. Attwell, Aestus paints a picture of a world in which far too little has changed.

Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction

560 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2020

About the author

Hello!

My name is Sabrina, and I'm both a science writer/nerd and a huge fan of epic speculative fiction in which you not only have to think, but end up loving the characters. I love putting down a book and being disappointed that it's over. Aestus was my attempt to write that kind of novel (now series)...with my own characters. I think I succeeded. :) Check out Book 1: The City.

Reviews for Aestus, Book 1:

SPSFC2 Finalist | 2021 Kindle Book Review Award Finalist

"....at the level of Frank Herbert's Dune." - IHeartSci-fi

"...nothing less than brilliant." - C. J. Shane

"...masterful...on par with the best in the genre." - A. R. Saida

"Aestus has the makings of a viral sensation. It's that good. We all know those series you just can't seem to escape....the fantasy stories that bridge the gap between YA and Adult fiction, ushering in the readers by the masses. I think that Aestus has all the makings of doing the same thing, but for the sci-fi genre." - Ian the Reader, SPSFC2 judge

"....a gifted writer who knows how to maintain suspense as well as anyone writing today...." - C. Dorman

"One of the best books I've ever read" - The Very Bookish

"....There are a lot of 'living in a hole in the ground after X disaster' novels, but this one manages to be new. Aestus is visceral and disturbing...you are compelled to feel the fear and the toil. It was not a book I devoured in a couple of sittings, but some of the scenes and images stuck with me for a long time afterwards...." - J. C. Duncan

"It's hard to write a review of this book because I'm afraid that my description won't do it justice. This is a phenomenal read....I can't remember the last time I read a book this fast nor one that stayed with me for so long." - A. W.

"...a many-layered exploration of humanity and justice....Read this book! It says so much about our world, who we are, the challenges we face...." - I. M.

"....the best fiction book I've read this year...." - R Sha

All reviews used with permission of the reviewers
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In my offline professional life, I have written largely about physics and astronomy. I thought it would be interesting to apply those skills to fiction, to see what a world after centuries of climate change might look like. I have another speculative-fiction project in the works, one set much closer to the present time.

Also in my offline non-professional life, I love cats and do archery. I also really like good tea and conversation. Feel free to reach out!

Reviews

[Mr. Bear · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is so much about this second book in the duology that I really liked. The world building and imagery the author gives us is wonderful. There were several nights that my dreams were influenced by what I read. That's how much this book got to me. But... I had a very hard time enjoying the romance element of this story. Not that I am anti romance. I love a good romantic subplot, but I just could not get in line with the love quadrangle being served up in the story.
To be fair, it isn't because I think it was written poorly, not at all! For my personal tastes, it was just so awkward and drawn out. The main character, who is the object of three men's affections, was oblivious to it much of the time (or was it simply denial?) Also, to be fair, this is a story from the point of view of a future version of a culture I have very little experience with in today's modern world, and am sadly ignorant as to what is proper and improper. That may have a lot to do with my in ability to form a strong connection with that aspect of the story. I suspect that it is something that many of you will have no issue with and think I am crazy for bringing it up. In the end, I just went with the flow and told myself it was because I'm some sort of bitter old man who should be more open minded to other cultural norms of behavior.
Otherwise, this books was a entertaining read for me. I recommend it based on the fantastic world building, the diversity of character types, and a certain level of originality. I've read a lot of post apocalypse, Eco-disaster type stories, but none quite like this. Good job Ms. Attwell!

[Alina Leonova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second part of the Aestus series, and it's not meant as a standalone, so go read the first book if you haven't already.

The second Aestus book continues right where the first one ended. It's still an epic dystopian adventure with a strong romance subplot and high stakes. I enjoyed it, however, I must admit that I loved the first book more.

I think it is because a large part of the tension is gone since one of the most dangerous groups of enemies has turned into allies. It is also because this part brings the story set up in the first part to its natural conclusion. The readers have already discovered most of the hidden truths, experienced most of the plot twists, figured out who most of the characters are and where they stand. There are still a few surprises waiting in this book, just not as many as in the first one.

I felt that this part was not as flawlessly executed as the first one. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great read, it's just that the first book has set the bar really high. The Colony is a good book that I was engrossed it, but it seemed to me (and maybe that's a wrong impression) that, maybe, it lacked one last round of editing to polish all the rough edges and make it shine like The City.

There is one more person added to the complexity of romance, and it felt a bit repetitive because he is tall and handsome, a great warrior who is tasked with protecting Jossey but has a reason not to reveal his feelings for her. This is not a major flaw, but if there must be so many people in love with Jossey, it would be more interesting if they and the circumstances that bring them to Jossey weren't so similar to each other. The tension of the romance is probably even higher than in the first book though! There is a lot going on here, and I didn't know who Jossey would choose until the very end.

I want it to be clear that all the things I've mentioned are rather minor imperfections. They didn't ruin the book for me, just made it feel not quite as smooth, the tension not as constant and evenly distributed as in the first book. Nevertheless, it has a lot to offer! There is still a lot of action, especially closer to the end. There are still some things to learn about the world, and some satisfaction to be had when certain people get what they deserve. There are still some parallels to the important real-life issues that were discussed in the first book. The stakes are really high, and many things don't go as planned. The characters are still likeable and human. It's definitely worth reading if you loved the first book.

Both books have some integrity to them, some sense of justice and honor that helps bring the story to a satisfying conclusion. I loved how it ended. It's one of those endings that leave you feeling good after a long adventure full of dangers and worrying.

To sum it up, Aestus Book 2: The Colony was a lot of fun and provided a great ending to the story, even thought it was not quite as strong as the first book, in my opinion.

I will be waiting for other books by S.Z. Attwell. I'm excited to see her journey as an author after such an epic debut.

You might enjoy the book if you loved the first one and want to know how the story ends.

This review was first published on my website about sci-fi by women and non-binary authors where you can find more book reviews, interviews with the authors, short stories, lists and more.

[C.J. Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Aestus: The Colony* is the sequel to *Aestus: The City* and has many of the same merits. Again we have a twisting and turning plot with intense episodes of suspense that keeps us reading in anticipation of what happens next. We learn that the dreaded Onlar creatures that City residents fear are not at all what we anticipated. A plan emerges to reveal the perfidy of the City’s leadership to keep City residents under the control of a dictatorship and to enslave the Onlar. Our main protagonist Jossey again plays a key role as an electrical engineer to disrupt the solar network and to bring down the dictatorship. The plan is to unite the City residents with the Onlar. In the process, the protective Perimeter is disabled, which inadvertently allows a far more dangerous group of raiders to gain entry and to threaten everyone. Again, we have intriguing and well-developed characters, among them Gavin, Tark, and the mysterious Caspar, all of whom must deal with mistrust among themselves to join forces against the evil.

Attwell’s *Aestus* series has been favorably compared to the sci-fi classic *Dune* by Frank Herbert. Both books are set in a vast desert. *Aestus* is not on another planet as is *Dune.* Rather, *Aestus* plays out in a distant future when the Earth has been ravaged by climate change. Equally important, but not so often mentioned, both books are deeply informed by Islamic culture and values. Apparently this Islamic connection was erased in the recent film version of *Dune* according to Haris A. Durrani in the *Washington Post*.

Therein lies what I consider the only misstep in this story, which occurs in the final pages. It’s hard for me to imagine that any group’s cultural values and characteristics will remain virtually unchanged after centuries of time have passed. Yet, many, if not most sci-fi writers, will take contemporary cultural values into the future scenario with them. I include in this not only western writers but also non-western writers such as Chen Qiufan and Lin Cixin. It is hard for me to imagine that Islamic cultures will still have the same restricted, sharply-defined roles for women in the future as are so common now. Jossey, a trained electrical engineer and a trained warrior, eventually chooses in *Aestus* book two to become a part of a culture where women don’t have the option of becoming engineers or warriors. They are wives and mothers. Respected, yes. But constrained as well. I doubt many readers will be thinking about transfer of cultural values, especially when romance has taken the lead in the story line. So I’m probably in the extreme minority here for even bringing this up. For the record, one sci-fi writer who managed to overcome the transfer of contemporary cultural values into the future was Ursula Le Guin. She was quite good as creating her own cultural values and characteristics.

That said, the writing is so excellent in *Aestus: The Colony* that I must highly recommend it. Readability, characterization, plotting and setting are all outstanding. I highly recommended both books. Keep in mind that*Aestus 2: The Colony* is not a stand-alone but is instead a sequel. Begin with the first book, *Aestus 1: The City* for full reading enjoyment.

[Casey Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Aestus series picks up right where Book 1 left off, in middle of the main character, Jossey’s, efforts to rescue the children being used as slaves by her Uncle and to take the city from the latter’s grasp. The main difference between this story and its predecessor is that we know who the Onlar are, and they are no longer the mysterious and dangerous monsters from the previous book. Otherwise, Aestus Book 2 is just as much an edge of your seat thriller as the earlier book. Here, the mystery and suspense are as much about the characters’ personalities and motivations as about the overall plot. In that sense, it is a richer book, because we get to know some of the people more intimately.

I had the same experience reading this book as I had Book 1: I had a hard time putting it down and couldn’t wait to return to it. The ending was more satisfying, if a bit expected (or at least the ending I'd hoped for). The suspense created by wondering who Jossey will choose among her several suitors, if she will choose at all, is as central to the story as whether her people will survive. I found the ending very satisfying, although I wouldn’t mind another volume in the series.

The author is a new talent, but one that will make quite a splash on the science fiction scene if she continues to write in this genre… or probably even in other genres. She has an uncanny talent for maintaining suspense and tension throughout an entire story almost without letup. She is able to get into her characters’ minds and hearts and allows the interpersonal interactions to become as much a part of the story as the overall plot. This leads the reader to be in constant wonder about whether a character feels what he or she suspects he feels, or how interpersonal conflicts between equally likeable characters will be resolved, while still on tenterhooks about the overall outcome of the struggle between the different factions who are in conflict with one another. And the future world in which this occurs is imaginative, yet believable. All in all, it’s a terrifically entertaining book to read

[Glenn Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped into book two of Aestus immediately after finishing the first book because the world S.Z. Attwell had created was fascinating and the characters had become real through her writing. I was compelled to see what would happen next.



This second book takes off into more adventure and was a fun continuation of the story. New complications and challenges are brought into this tale which deepen the challenges of the first book and make them take on new meaning. The solutions and problems they thought they understood in the first book become more complex as new truths come to light.

This second volume does have evidence of a possibly rushed edit (which is the only reason I dropped one star), but the story and the characters are still wonderful and in my opinion override the parts I felt could have had another editing pass.



There are many subplots and character arcs that are brought to payoff in this second book. I love that the characters grow and change. The story did seem to end somewhat abruptly but it ends in a place where it could be considered completed. That said, I think there is room for more exploration of the characters and issues raised in book two. I think the tale could continue in a new and exciting story if the author chooses to create a book three in this series.



I hope to see more exciting stories from S.Z. Attwell whether she continues the tale of Aestus, or takes on a new challenge!

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently read the first book in this series, Aestus: The City for the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition and decided to complete the series by reading the second book, Aestus: The Colony.

Book two picks up immediately where book one left off. While you could read either as a stand alone, book one has an ending that leaves you hanging and book two really needs book one to fully grasp the storyline and characters. In The Colony, S. Z. Attwell continues to tell an apocalyptic story filled with heroes, bad guys, monsters, deception, death defying action, and love interests. There are some interesting twists and turns, a lot of action and suspense, and even more of a focus on the main protagonist, Jossey.

As with the first book, it is quite possible that, as an elder, male reader, I am just the wrong audience for this book. I am sure that young girls would find Jossey to be an interesting “coming of age character” and the Aestus series an introduction to the world of Science Fiction. I just found Jossey’s nativity annoying and book two even more of a young love story than a science fiction one.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition for the Aestus series! Really enjoyed the twist and turns of the plot this time around, along with a nice surprise thats adds greatly to the larger world at hand. I dont like to get to into plot or details in reviews but I did really enjoy how Attwell writes the love interest and emotions of various characters, nothing that all out takes ways from the grander plot or makes things overly obvious but rather adds more nuances to different characters decisions for the grander plot.

I think this book really opens up a lot of potential for future books in the series, though Im not sure how many are planned. As well as some nice potential for spins offs which is mostly me just hoping to get more from this book's universe.

All in all I really enjoyed Book 2: The Colony, I would recommend this book series to anyone looking for a new dystopian sci fi series, especially if you are looking for sci fi that's not in space or other planets. I can't wait for the next instalment.

[Anja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice sequel to The City but different.

A lot less action although the opportunity is there. The battle in the tunnels starts and then...nothing. Next scene, everyone's captured. What? How? Why?

Jossey's inability to read the emotions of men was endearing in book 1 but rather annoying in book 2. Same with all the main characters inability to just say what's on their minds. Spit it out, ffs!

The cultural difference between me and the characters feels bigger in this book. That is nót on the writer; that is my problem. But it leaves me a bit...ugh.

The story about Jossey and Tark now feels both finished (happy end) and prepared to give more (new colony by the sea but there is danger?).

Would I read a third book? Yes, definitely. Because Atwell is still a very good writer. But am I eagerly looking forward to it? Sorry, not really.

[Leslie Nettleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aestus: The Colony is the highly anticipated follow up to Aestus: The City. It picks up right where the first book leaves off- Jossey has been captured, betrayed, stabbed, and dumped from the city that has always been her home. Her knowledge of the city leader's genocidal plans have made her dangerous. Now, with the help of her brother, Tark, and his people, she must decide how to fight back. Can she stop the city's plans without causing harm to their unsuspecting residents? Can she save her new people? Will she have to choose between them? She can't do anything alone, but who can she trust? Is it possible to have a prosperous society that doesn't rely on exploitation and slavery? Is there room in this world for both communities?

[Athene Z. Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Aestus: Book 2: The Colony, political and social dynamics come into play amongst the populations, and Onlar culture is sensitively portrayed. The leader of the Onlar is well crafted, with admirable leadership qualities. While the protagonist has foresight regarding the main plot conflict, it's borderline unrealistic how obtuse she is when it comes to her romantic prospects. Atwell is skilled in creating tense action and fight sequences. The action, especially in the latter half of the novel, carries a sense of unease that makes this sequel a page-turner.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by S.Z. Attwell, this is the second book in her Aestus series. I really enjoyed both books, great characters, fantastic interactions with an engaging, enthralling and fun storyline filled with action, and all taking place in a masterfully created world. I highly recommend this series.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the story, the personal thoughts of the main characters got the flow out of the book. The book could do , to my opinion, with less pages. Writing style is easy to read. It takes you on a journey. At the end I lost the connection with the storyline and the raiders. Maybe that will be explained in a next book.

[Ryan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Colony was a fantastic sequel to Aestus. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's story as it continued in post-apocalyptic Türkiye. The insight into Muslim culture through the series added another layer of depth I found intriguing. With interesting twists and turns, the story held my attention to the very end.

[G.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story worthy of a five star review. Picks up where book one finished. The only distraction was the repetitive - prolonged - love interest dialog. I look forward to a third book if the author decides to continue the saga..

[Yuri Karabatov · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending seemed a little rushed, and details skipped that had not been skipped in the first book.

[Niamh Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in two days. Insane. I love this series and really loved the characters. The conflicts and development of both situation and characters really had me hooked.

[Emma Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

As great as the first book with even more tension, immaculate pacing and a super satisfying end. Seriously, just read it.

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attwell certainly shines once again in this sequel to the first Aestus book. Her ability to intertwine an edge-of-your-seat plot with perfectly believable characters in a future world made up from an idea of Earth in a post-climate change dystopia surpasses any other author’s work I’ve read this year.

Attwell’s books are tomes, with the first book weighing in at nearly 700 pages and this book clocking in at 550. However, don’t let the page count intimidate you. These books are so well written that I’m willing to bet a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee that you’ll finish the book in a matter of days rather than weeks/months.

Have you heard the term “un-put-downable”? Following this blog post, I’m going to email Webster’s dictionary to petition them to have the word added to their dictionary and place photos of the Aestus books directly next to the definition. Trust me – this series is a must-read for all fans of science fiction, but especially for those fans of Dune, The Stand by Stephen King, and Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey.

ATTN: SPOILERS BELOW!

The Colony, book two of author S.Z. Attwell’s Aestus series picks up straight off where the first book ended. Read primarily from the perspective of the strong female protagonist, Jossey, we are once again thrust into the world beyond the City and learn who the Onlar truly are. In my review of the first book, The City, I compared the series to Frank Herbert’s Dune series. I maintain my comparison throughout book two – not only in its likeness to the harsh conditions and dueling factions but also in the author’s brilliant world development and character building.

If you recall the ending of The City, Jossey’s love interest (or rather, one of her love interests) Caspar violently stabs her to presumably maintain his cover in the City. Similar to the transition from the original Halloween movie to Halloween 2, readers experience a gapless continuation in the story.

The Colony explores the lives of the Onlar. Similar to the Freemen of Arakis in Dune, they live in the harsh conditions of the planet’s surface, led by Jossey’s elder brother Tark. Jossey’s grave injury mends under the care of Tark’s people and she’s slowly accepted into the colony. The primary plot involves the discourse between the Onlar and the City. The leaders in charge of the City spread falsehoods about the Onlar, making them out as a type of alien villain set on destroying the human race. The Colony slowly peels back the veil and the truth gets revealed. Ultimately, the story culminates into an epic clash between the Onlar, Karapartei, and the City’s Patrol force.

Meanwhile, Jossey finds herself in the middle of a love triangle - no, a square - with Caspar Savas, Gavin, and Altan of the Onlar all vying for her affection.

Who will win the ultimate battle of survival? Who will win Jossey’s heart?

You’ll have to read Aestus Book 2: The Colony to find out!

[Rebecca Glaessner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addictive reading.

This sequel follows the first seamlessly. The characters develop even more depth and strength as the plot moves forward. Though the world is fascinating and the plot is fast paced and thrilling, the characters are what shine, carrying the story on their shoulders effortlessly. Their connections to eachother (positive and negative), their loyalty to their values and their internal struggles and changes are all believable and deeply real. I’m excited to see where the series will go from this point. The author’s skill for story, concise writing, tension, and character development will make future books in this world just as addictive. Attwell holds true to each character’s values, offering the reader a satisfying and fulfilling ending payoff as the characters grow and change and face the conflicts of the plot. I look forward to joining Attwell’s vivid characters again as they take the next steps of their journey through Aestus.

[Iman Masmoudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aestus II is one of those excellent works of literature that challenges its readers and upends their expectations, but somehow still manages to maintain the most loved elements of the first book: the complex characters, the detailed world, and the inspirational story that manages to speak to our time (without shouting out too many simple answers as some works seeking to have a "message" are liable to do). The book is remarkable for many things, but I particularly appreciated the delicate balance Attwell struck in terms of the pace of the story, not too fast that we don't get to live with the depth and tensions of the tale, but always pulling you along. If you loved Book 1, as I'm sure you did, you will really enjoy this sequel! No spoilers, but it's a doozy!! I can only hope this isn't the last we'll see of this world and these much beloved characters!

[Halime Omari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to Aestus delves deeper into the nature of the Onlar, as Jossey is kidnapped from her city and uncovers the truth about a colony of people outside the underground world she grew up in. Former enemies become friends, and trusted allies become untrustworthy. Jossey must reevaluate where her loyalties lie and even stop her own family from spreading more corruption.

This captivating story is just as hard to put down as the first, with mysteries and romance woven throughout. While I would have liked to see more romantic development between characters, I was pleased with the satisfying ending. MashaAllah. I’m eagerly anticipating more from Attwell and I hope she continues this series because it ended too soon!