Recovery of a Colony Ship

Colony Ship Eschaton

By: John Thornton

Narrated by: Alexander Doddy

Michael and Jamie live in Dome 17. The last place safe for humans, or any life, on a dying Earth. They are adventurers who have explored other domes, but everywhere else is dead. Will Dome 17 meet the same fate? The committee has a risky plan to try out unproven technologies: a faster than light scout ship, and teleportation. Both technologies have severe limits. Only two people can be carried aboard those FTL scout ships for a one way journey. Teleportation can only work when a receiving pad is at the target location. So can they make both these technologies work to save the last of humanity? A century before, the people of Earth had built gigantic colony ships with enclosed habitats. They were filled with flora and fauna and people. These ships were launched into space knowing it would take generations to reach other solar systems. Those space pioneers would live out their lives in transition to a new world. But the colony ship program was considered a dismal failure. All of the colony ships were considered lost. Will Michael and Jamie travel to one of the colony ships? Will it be a derelict? Or will it be a chance for a new home for humanity? What will they find as they try the recovery of a colony ship?

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Perfectly Average

Earth is a wasteland, Only one dome on earth is still inhabited, and they need to escape before the clock runs out. This story sits right in the middle for me for whether it is good or not. Our two heroes are tasked with finding a new home for the last survivors on earth, and they are sent to find a colony ship that may still be habitable.

I liked Michael and Jamie, but there were parts where their their actions didn't match what we know about them, and it threw me off. I liked the plot, but there were parts which seemed to drag on as nothing seemed to be happening. Some world building is necessary but there can be a lot all at once that can be broken up and spaced out. Without giving spoilers I can only say I found this story enjoyable but it wasn't as good as it could have been for me. So it was a solid 3/5 across with interest for the sequel, as sometimes the start can be a bit rocky. It is one of those moments when you can't decide whether it's trying to be a fun story or a serious one.

The narrator did good overall with the characters and story, but the transitions between chapters sounded like the last word of the end chapter and the reading of the next chapter heading were said in the same breath which was jarring to hear.

In the end I would recommend this book, It is book one in a series and there is good potential in it.

***I was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an unbiased review***

book review

I found this book to be quite simplistic and not having a whole lot of depth. I did not get strong character sense nor did I get solid World building. I thought the main characters were two dimensional and did not portray a sense of anything but their own personal desires.

Looks like a kid’s book

Story was interesting with plenty of action to keep up the pace. Definitely good for a younger crowd.
The narration was decent but had pauses in the wrong place’s. Like if I was reading and had to stop and turn the page before completing the sentence. Had to consciously put the word together with the prior sentence.

I received this free review audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

Review Recovery of a Colony Ship

Do you remember the feeling of adventure, that inner child feeling of anticipation, wonder, excitement ?
This story brings that feeling back, as writer John Thornton weaves his tale of two young adults flying into the unknown. Alexander Doddy's narration is a great performance. He brings each character to life. Another enjoyable listen :-)

Grim Future

Summary: Michael and Jamie are sent on a desperate mission to find a new home for the sad remnants of Earth’s population.

Additional Comments:
- It’s a pretty grim future if the remaining population numbers in the thousands.
- The title is … functional, but it might have more zip with just the main colony ship’s name.
- Narration was all right, but the male AI voice got on my nerves. He did great with the female AI though. Other characters are good too.
- I’ve not heard too many stories of this type, but it’s definitely a type. I’m not a big dystopia, end of the world fan, but I enjoyed this tale. (I think it helped to have it read to me.)
- There are frequent references to a disaster in Dome 3, but that thread’s not really explored. I would have liked to see that be a prologue or something for the amount of references it garnered.
- Michael and Jamie are likable enough as main characters, but for Adventurers, they’re kind of naïve. How do they manage to get their stuff stolen out from under their noses on day one?
- The plot reminds me a bit of a video game. They have a mission which promptly goes awry, and they have to figure out a new way to reach their end goal.
- The wrap up is quick.
- The religious fanatics have a fiercer reputation than most of the people Michael and Jamie meet.
- I liked most of the side characters, especially Abigail and the quartermaster guy from Earth.
- Some of the tech was very cool. I like the part about them trying to get into the colony ship.
- I didn’t get a great feel for the colony ship itself. I think some of that was because of the terminology and acronyms. OCM and RC were both explained eventually, but I’m pretty sure I was confused on that (along with the characters) for about an hour. The dimensions were mentioned at one point, I think, but then, later, there was talk of other habitats as worlds.
- The last hour or so had quite a bit of action. I wish the main characters did more of the fighting though. Legionnaires = awesome.

Conclusion: Scifi adventure across the stars to find a home.
*I received a copy of the audiobook. I was not required to write a review.

Great start to exciting adventure!

Book 1 of 10 in the Colony Ship Eschaton series is brought to life on audible.com! John Thornton's good guy / gal duo Michael and Jamie are fun to get acquainted with and their encounters near and very far bring surprises, laughs, tears and suspense. Be prepared to binge-listen to the cool British voice of Alexander Doddy who narrates with heart, soul and who even does such a great (and perfectly American!) voice for Roxanne, a main character who is not quite human, that it made me want to do a happy dance!

Exciting adventure through space!

This book is a very fun read (listen) Michael and Jamie go on an exciting journey to save their people. Adventure, unexpected twists, and a whole lot of heart!!

Okay Sci-Fi

Okay book, adequately written and performed. A solid story, but unimaginative.


"This book was provided at no cost for an honest review."

profoundly bad narration.

profoundly bad narration. The narrator keeps reading every single sentence as though it's a Whimsical joke. even when what he's reading is really dark or serious.

A real clunker

The only thing worse then the writing in this book was the narrator. What was a interesting idea turned into a real clunker. Save your money.