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The First Olympians: A Science Fiction Adventure
For centuries, miners under Olympus Mons have toiled to save Earth. They are humanity’s last hope, sending home the raw materials needed to revive the blue planet.
Gordon finally earns the illustrious explosives apprenticeship he’s worked so hard for when his life is destroyed. After security robots murder his mother, he takes up her cause and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the entire outpost.
Dalrene cares about two things: her granddaughter and overthrowing the Martian AI that rules their lives. When it fights back, she’s forced to choose between keeping her family safe and freeing her people.
Alex wanted to be a space pilot, but instead she’s stuck training to take over the family business. When Gordon opens her eyes to the truth about her family’s wealth and power, she takes up a dangerous quest that pits her against the most powerful man in the solar system. Her father.
Gordon finally earns the illustrious explosives apprenticeship he’s worked so hard for when his life is destroyed. After security robots murder his mother, he takes up her cause and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the entire outpost.
Dalrene cares about two things: her granddaughter and overthrowing the Martian AI that rules their lives. When it fights back, she’s forced to choose between keeping her family safe and freeing her people.
Alex wanted to be a space pilot, but instead she’s stuck training to take over the family business. When Gordon opens her eyes to the truth about her family’s wealth and power, she takes up a dangerous quest that pits her against the most powerful man in the solar system. Her father.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2022
9 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 4, 2022
A fantastic flight into the future of human colonization of Mars and the pitfalls of relying on AI for everything. Characters are likable and it's a fun read.
December 6, 2022
The First Olympians provides an engaging & steady drive from beginning to end. A melding of Orwellian & dystopic coming-of-age themes, an oppressed neo-proletariat, and epic martian settings, the occupants & miners are kept toiling by a domineering megacorp in controlled habitats. Most of the habitants know little of actual freedom in choice or thought except in rarely private moments. They start with fairly simple desires & dreams shared by humans since the dawn of civilization, despite all past & future attempts at suppressing or controlling them.
And those simple thoughts & dreams are enough to propel Falco's characters into trajectories which collide & spring into life, as they struggle with dispassionate forces & pragmatic allies in consistently lethal environments. Yet the fight isn't always external, as Falco's characters still struggle with their own motivations & fears, often with crushing odds & with scant hopes; always with a backdrop of stark, deadly beauty & the airless beckoning of stars.
As a beginning foray into Falco's universe, there is immediacy & gravity, emotional & personal entanglements, as well as much potential for expansion & character growth. There is always airless action, or the everpresent dangers of politics & the planet; while intimate moments provide character & reader the ability to develop with each other.
The First Olympians offers a refreshing change from intricate Earth-based sci-fi dramas, dystopias, and offworld space operas; presenting an uncomplicated start as the author's first published book in their planned series, while also being appropriate for teenagers, young adults, & those of us who are older.
And those simple thoughts & dreams are enough to propel Falco's characters into trajectories which collide & spring into life, as they struggle with dispassionate forces & pragmatic allies in consistently lethal environments. Yet the fight isn't always external, as Falco's characters still struggle with their own motivations & fears, often with crushing odds & with scant hopes; always with a backdrop of stark, deadly beauty & the airless beckoning of stars.
As a beginning foray into Falco's universe, there is immediacy & gravity, emotional & personal entanglements, as well as much potential for expansion & character growth. There is always airless action, or the everpresent dangers of politics & the planet; while intimate moments provide character & reader the ability to develop with each other.
The First Olympians offers a refreshing change from intricate Earth-based sci-fi dramas, dystopias, and offworld space operas; presenting an uncomplicated start as the author's first published book in their planned series, while also being appropriate for teenagers, young adults, & those of us who are older.
December 10, 2022
Well written, good flow with well rounded concepts and delivery. An enjoyable read.
December 6, 2022
An gripping romp, the page turner reminiscent of Philip K Dick and Isaac Asimov with the fast pace of an Elmore Leonard or Dan Brown. I literally couldn't put it down and read it cover to cover in one day. Very sobering and frighteningly plausible warning about A.I.
December 8, 2022
Firstly I was grateful to be able to read a book that was so amazing. I read a lot of books and this one really settled into my head.
The characters were well-written and fit the scenarios perfectly, It truly was a book I could not put down.
Out of 5 stars, I give it 10!!!!!!
The characters were well-written and fit the scenarios perfectly, It truly was a book I could not put down.
Out of 5 stars, I give it 10!!!!!!
January 6, 2023
Fun book
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting. I liked how the main characters grew and I was left wanting to to read more. Dear author please write a sequel to this story!!!
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting. I liked how the main characters grew and I was left wanting to to read more. Dear author please write a sequel to this story!!!
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December 24, 2022I just finished this book and it was amazing, I didn't want it to end, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great book!
December 5, 2022
The only other time I was this into something was when I went semi-pro in Simpsons Road Rage
January 21, 2023
A story about social classes and how bad secrets are always kept in the upper classes. A wonderful David VS Goliath science fiction story. That keeps you wanting more and continuously turning pages!
March 16, 2023
Fun read. Well written with good pacing and likeable characters. Sci-fi side was well done but a little on the weak side for my tastes. Was also hoping for a little more depth and action in the story, which fell a little flat for me. Wish it would’ve further explored genetic manipulation and AI.
March 15, 2023
“The First Olympians” is an out of this world debut dystopian Sci-Fi adventure by Graeme Falco.
Gordon Onyango is desperately seeking an explosive apprenticeship on Mars at the Olympus Outpost. Generations of his people have resided underground, on this planet, since the earth experienced a cataclysmic event known as X-Day. His ancestors moved to Mars to mine minerals that were supposed to help save earth. His people are suffering because an evil AI known as The Foreman treats them like slaves. Limited rations and resources have made their quality of life horrible. Just as Gordon is achieving his goal of getting the coveted apprenticeship, he discovers that matters, in his underground world, are worse than he realized. Shortly after losing his mother to a horrific death, brought about by the enemy capturing her, Gordon joins a group leading an opposition. Events lead him to the discovery that things are very different in the outside world than his people believed. A special young lady also helps him see the truth.
“The First Olympians,” is an incredibly well-written science fiction story that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. While the story initially appears to be directed at Young Adult readers, the author quickly captured my attention with the uniqueness of this story and his exceptional gift for writing. He provides intricate details that help bring the settings to life, whether they be in the underground oxygen-deprived tunnels or up in a rocket ship that is a technical masterpiece. I also found the characters relatable, whether they were likeable or not, I could understand what drove them to act as they did. The main characters had flaws as we all do, and their internal struggles were clearly timeless. Readers will easily relate to this story, despite everything taking place in the future. Corporate greed also extends well into this time.
I highly recommend “The First Olympians,” for readers of all ages. I would suggest that high school teachers consider this story as a suggested reading. In addition to capturing the interest of sci-fi fans, I think it will also spark an interest in students who aren’t normally fans of reading. Twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat while I felt myself cheering for the underdogs.
I look forward to reading future works by Graeme Falco and I hold out hope that there will be additional books to follow this one in a series. It is truly an impressive work, and I am not done with these characters yet!
Gordon Onyango is desperately seeking an explosive apprenticeship on Mars at the Olympus Outpost. Generations of his people have resided underground, on this planet, since the earth experienced a cataclysmic event known as X-Day. His ancestors moved to Mars to mine minerals that were supposed to help save earth. His people are suffering because an evil AI known as The Foreman treats them like slaves. Limited rations and resources have made their quality of life horrible. Just as Gordon is achieving his goal of getting the coveted apprenticeship, he discovers that matters, in his underground world, are worse than he realized. Shortly after losing his mother to a horrific death, brought about by the enemy capturing her, Gordon joins a group leading an opposition. Events lead him to the discovery that things are very different in the outside world than his people believed. A special young lady also helps him see the truth.
“The First Olympians,” is an incredibly well-written science fiction story that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. While the story initially appears to be directed at Young Adult readers, the author quickly captured my attention with the uniqueness of this story and his exceptional gift for writing. He provides intricate details that help bring the settings to life, whether they be in the underground oxygen-deprived tunnels or up in a rocket ship that is a technical masterpiece. I also found the characters relatable, whether they were likeable or not, I could understand what drove them to act as they did. The main characters had flaws as we all do, and their internal struggles were clearly timeless. Readers will easily relate to this story, despite everything taking place in the future. Corporate greed also extends well into this time.
I highly recommend “The First Olympians,” for readers of all ages. I would suggest that high school teachers consider this story as a suggested reading. In addition to capturing the interest of sci-fi fans, I think it will also spark an interest in students who aren’t normally fans of reading. Twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat while I felt myself cheering for the underdogs.
I look forward to reading future works by Graeme Falco and I hold out hope that there will be additional books to follow this one in a series. It is truly an impressive work, and I am not done with these characters yet!
February 28, 2023
This book serves as a soft breeze in the Sci-Fi genre. The plot was unique, gripping, and relatively new. The most important thing I liked about the first Olympians is that it is relatable. Is Artificial Intelligence ruling the world? We can see that coming in the future.
The action and adventure in the book were a hit and acted as catalysts in adding more thrill to this great book. And let us not forget about the cover! Robots fighting the humans! Sign me up for this book!
The writer did an amazing job in crafting a magical dystopian sci-fi that will remain on shelves for years! The hidden themes of slavery, no freedom of speech, or any freedom for that matter, the secrets hidden by the authorities, the characters were all there for a purpose, the atmosphere of the story, and the environment of Mars, all were terrific!
I really liked Gordon’s character. He was so relatable and his inner monologues were great and made his personality more relatable. At first, he seemed introverted when he was waiting to become an apprentice. But as the story unfolds, Gordon became a brave person and an outstanding leader. The plans and ploys the characters developed against the robots, the final showdown, and the conclusion leave you hooked and begging for more!
The characters of Darlene and Alex were also intelligent, courageous, and amazing. The relationship between the characters was amazing. I liked the friendship between the characters and how they all trusted, relied on, and fought for each other.
Filled with all the amazing elements, let’s not forget about the writing style and pace of the book. The style of writing was descriptive and compels you to make images of all the scenes and fights in your mind. The story was fast-paced and was enough to hook you from the start till the end. The book was easy to read due to the flowy sentences that talked to you.
All in all, a must-read for everyone out there. We loved reading this book and so will you!
The action and adventure in the book were a hit and acted as catalysts in adding more thrill to this great book. And let us not forget about the cover! Robots fighting the humans! Sign me up for this book!
The writer did an amazing job in crafting a magical dystopian sci-fi that will remain on shelves for years! The hidden themes of slavery, no freedom of speech, or any freedom for that matter, the secrets hidden by the authorities, the characters were all there for a purpose, the atmosphere of the story, and the environment of Mars, all were terrific!
I really liked Gordon’s character. He was so relatable and his inner monologues were great and made his personality more relatable. At first, he seemed introverted when he was waiting to become an apprentice. But as the story unfolds, Gordon became a brave person and an outstanding leader. The plans and ploys the characters developed against the robots, the final showdown, and the conclusion leave you hooked and begging for more!
The characters of Darlene and Alex were also intelligent, courageous, and amazing. The relationship between the characters was amazing. I liked the friendship between the characters and how they all trusted, relied on, and fought for each other.
Filled with all the amazing elements, let’s not forget about the writing style and pace of the book. The style of writing was descriptive and compels you to make images of all the scenes and fights in your mind. The story was fast-paced and was enough to hook you from the start till the end. The book was easy to read due to the flowy sentences that talked to you.
All in all, a must-read for everyone out there. We loved reading this book and so will you!
January 25, 2023
The interplanetary style of living has long astounded humanity. There are a lot of ongoing space explorations, which inspire a lot of movies. Let's read a novel that transports us to a new setting with a greatly enhanced standard of living. Introducing GRAEME FALCO's THE FIRST OLYMPIANS. The tale is depicted and made appealing on the cover page. Sci-fi, action, and adventure make up the genre.
The story takes place in outer space where miners are always trying to preserve the Earth by supplying all the essential raw materials. However, the situation was not entirely perfect; covert actions were going on that the general public was ignorant of. Things quickly changed when a few people banded together to oppose this organization. These people include Gordon, who put a lot of effort into earning the apprenticeship, but soon his life took a terrible turn when his mother was murdered by security robots. The second was Dalrene, who only had her granddaughter in mind, and the third was Alex, whose entire life's purpose altered when she discovered the grim reality of her family's company.
How are they going to combat evil? What secret activities are they? Who is the leader on the other side? Read this to find all the answers!
The author does a great job of presenting the novel, as the development of the characters together with the unfolding of the narrative elevates it to a higher level. Because of how the tale is structured from the beginning, it takes a little while to read and some patience to appreciate each scenario. The author has done a great job of mixing all the genres. Try it; you'll like the fictional universe the author has built.
The story takes place in outer space where miners are always trying to preserve the Earth by supplying all the essential raw materials. However, the situation was not entirely perfect; covert actions were going on that the general public was ignorant of. Things quickly changed when a few people banded together to oppose this organization. These people include Gordon, who put a lot of effort into earning the apprenticeship, but soon his life took a terrible turn when his mother was murdered by security robots. The second was Dalrene, who only had her granddaughter in mind, and the third was Alex, whose entire life's purpose altered when she discovered the grim reality of her family's company.
How are they going to combat evil? What secret activities are they? Who is the leader on the other side? Read this to find all the answers!
The author does a great job of presenting the novel, as the development of the characters together with the unfolding of the narrative elevates it to a higher level. Because of how the tale is structured from the beginning, it takes a little while to read and some patience to appreciate each scenario. The author has done a great job of mixing all the genres. Try it; you'll like the fictional universe the author has built.
December 10, 2022
4 and 1/2 stars. Graeme is a fantastic new voice in speculative fiction.
The First Olympians has great pacing, interesting characters that truly feel distinct from one another, and a story with enjoying.
I think the summary is a good litmus test for whether or not you'll be interested in it:
"For centuries, miners under Olympus Mons have toiled to save Earth. They are humanity’s last hope, sending home the raw materials needed to revive the blue planet.
Gordon finally earns the illustrious explosives apprenticeship he’s worked so hard for when his life is destroyed. After security robots murder his mother, he takes up her cause and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the entire outpost.
Dalrene cares about two things: her granddaughter and overthrowing the Martian AI that rules their lives. When it fights back, she’s forced to choose between keeping her family safe and freeing her people.
Alex wanted to be a space pilot, but instead she’s stuck training to take over the family business. When Gordon opens her eyes to the truth about her family’s wealth and power, she takes up a dangerous quest that pits her against the most powerful man in the solar system. Her father."
I don't want to spoil anything, so if you're interested in that plot at all I say give it a shot!
The First Olympians has great pacing, interesting characters that truly feel distinct from one another, and a story with enjoying.
I think the summary is a good litmus test for whether or not you'll be interested in it:
"For centuries, miners under Olympus Mons have toiled to save Earth. They are humanity’s last hope, sending home the raw materials needed to revive the blue planet.
Gordon finally earns the illustrious explosives apprenticeship he’s worked so hard for when his life is destroyed. After security robots murder his mother, he takes up her cause and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the entire outpost.
Dalrene cares about two things: her granddaughter and overthrowing the Martian AI that rules their lives. When it fights back, she’s forced to choose between keeping her family safe and freeing her people.
Alex wanted to be a space pilot, but instead she’s stuck training to take over the family business. When Gordon opens her eyes to the truth about her family’s wealth and power, she takes up a dangerous quest that pits her against the most powerful man in the solar system. Her father."
I don't want to spoil anything, so if you're interested in that plot at all I say give it a shot!
December 21, 2022
I don't read much SciFi but loved this one. Well-developed, complex characters, relatable themes, and a believable, futuristic setting. Advanced science and out of control AI. No aliens here! The writing is fast-paced. It's a thrilling page-turner that really kept me engaged. Hope there is a sequel in the works!
December 4, 2022
It is definetely a different style than other books I've read, but once I started, I couldn't put it down. It was a little hard at times with the constant swapping between characters, but I was able to follow along and it was fantastic! You definetely should give this book a read!!
January 18, 2023
It started slowly and I kept wondering until finally the two worlds collided and developed. Then it was as advertised. Good world development and characters were ok. Rather in the vein of Robert Heinlein books I have read.
June 7, 2024
It started slowly and I kept wondering until finally the two worlds collided and developed. Then it was as advertised. Good world development and characters were ok. Rather in the vein of Robert Heinlein books I have read.
December 4, 2022
The Next Classic Sci-Fi Novel! A MUST-READ for any reader!!!
December 5, 2022
Really good book with interesting characters and easy to follow plot.
December 10, 2022
I was pleased I got a copy to read and while there were a few typos and misspellings, it is still worth reading.
March 9, 2025
I would say it is more 4 5 for me
I liked characters and plot overall
I liked characters and plot overall
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews