Colony's Dawn

Book One of the New Europa Trilogy

Fiction - Science Fiction
419 Pages
Reviewed on 12/20/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite

Colony's Dawn by N. Joseph Glass commences with Raffaella discovering a secret chat embedded in the data logs she was required to log. This leads to a meeting with a secret action group that believes the rules constraining colony life are based on propaganda. Then Gift and Mike discover a false chip embedded in essential equipment. The next operating issue is caused by a failed update when no update has been released. Soon Gift and Raff realize they are dealing with dangerous saboteurs. They avert life-threatening incidents but find themselves somehow bearing the blame. Could the saboteurs be among their workgroup, or the “All Lies” activists, and what do they ultimately want?

Colony's Dawn by N. Joseph Glass is a work of speculative science fiction that evokes the roots of the genre. I liked the detailed world-building that generated the New Europa culture. The lead character, Gift Ojo, had an appealing personality and her characterization contained some surprises. Although she was an individual, she was not subversive. I admired her loyalty to the colony and satisfaction with her working life. She was willing to break a few rules, mostly in pursuit of the common good. I began to expect a certain outcome, but was intrigued to discover my assumptions were only half right. Nothing was as it appeared, yet essential truths were embedded in every fabrication. I found the narrative point of view essentially optimistic and was left with a pleasant sense of hope once the conflict was resolved. Colony's Dawn by N. Joseph Glass belongs on the bookshelf alongside my favorite apocalyptic and alternative future stories.

K.C. Finn

Colony's Dawn is a work of fiction in the science fiction, dystopian drama, and suspense subgenres, and is the opening novel of the New Europa Trilogy penned by author N. Joseph Glass. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. We are introduced to protagonist Gift Ojo, a cheerful Nigerian Italian who thrives in the seemingly idyllic utopian colony life she has grown up in. Her joy, however, falters when conspiracy theories turn into whispers of discontent and acts of sabotage. What Gift thought was a tranquil haven is teeming with hidden challenges, sinister agendas, and more strife than she could ever imagine.

Author N. Joseph Glass has crafted a deeply engaging and highly immersive science fiction novel that smacks of literary charm as it slowly envelops us in a world filled with secrets and struggles. The novel navigates Gift's journey as she grapples with unexpected circumstances that force her to confront the darker truths of her society. I was really impressed by the close personal narrative focus on Gift and the speech and thought presentation to help readers totally empathize with her plight. Glass weaves a tale of innocence confronted by the harsh realities of survival, exploring themes of optimism, resilience, and the transformation that comes with unexpected challenges. It’s done at a gradual pace that is always interesting, always adding more and more detail to the simmering plot. Overall, I would certainly recommend Colony's Dawn as a compelling exploration of societal upheaval and individual growth, suitable for fans of well-penned, emotive, and interesting science fiction everywhere.

Samantha Gregory

Colony's Dawn: Book 1 of the New Europa Trilogy by N. Joseph Glass tells the story of a young woman called Gift Ojo, who lives in a place called New Europa. Sealed off from the rest of the world, they all go about their lives, safe from the dangers outside their habitat. Over time, wild conspiracy theories have started spreading throughout New Europa, warning that things are not all that they seem. When systems fail and there are clear signs of sabotage, Gift finds her entire world turned upside down. If she does not learn the truth, New Europa could fall.

N. Joseph Glass has created an intriguing story with Colony's Dawn. It is well-written, with believable characters throughout. I liked Gift; she is a little naive when it comes to her home, but that is how she was brought up. It is only when things go wrong that she starts to see it for what it is. There are comparisons to be made between this fictional world and the real world. Many people do seem to live in a similar kind of denial. I think this adds to the story and makes it a little more grounded in reality and therefore relatable. The author has a knack for world-building and I could really picture the places in the story. The story moved at a decent pace, with a few twists along the way. I think that dystopian and sci-fi readers will enjoy this book. I would definitely recommend it.