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Colony One: A Clichéd Mess with a Disappointing Cliffhanger





Tarah Benner's  Colony One sounded interesting and I was looking forward to reading an engaging and fun science fiction novel, but sadly, it fell short in every aspect. From its clichéd characters to its unsatisfying cliffhanger ending, this book left me feeling as though I wasted valuable time.

Let's start with the characters. One would hope for a diverse and well-developed cast in a story set in a space colony, but instead, Benner presents us with cardboard cutouts straight out of a recycled script. We have the disheveled but perky pop-culture journalist who wants to be "the real thing," the brooding ex-military man who wants another chance, and a typical supporting cast of characters including the goofy sidekick and the mean girl. These characters lack any genuine depth or growth, making it impossible to care about their fates. It felt as though the author had simply assembled a checklist of clichéd archetypes rather than investing time and effort into creating memorable and authentic individuals.

To make matters worse, the dialogue throughout Colony One could be more coherent and inspired. Characters speak in predictable, stilted phrases that only serve to reinforce the lack of originality in their personalities. The interactions between them feel forced and unnatural, adding to the overall sense of artificiality that permeates the entire narrative.

And then there's the ending—or should I say lack thereof? Benner's decision to end the book on a cliffhanger is not only disappointing but also feels like a cheap ploy to keep readers hooked for the next installment. Instead of providing closure or a satisfying resolution to the story's numerous plot threads, the author abruptly cuts off the narrative, leaving readers frustrated. It's a lazy narrative device that smacks of a lack of imagination and a reliance on gimmicks rather than solid storytelling. Needless to say, Benner's gimmick didn't work and I won't be reading the next novel.

Furthermore, I found the world-building in Colony One shallow and underdeveloped. The reasons for the colony are never convincingly established. And although the descriptions of it and its inhabitants provide some detail, Benner fails to create a vivid and immersive setting. The futuristic technology is introduced without much explanation or exploration and I always felt as though our present world kept sneaking in when Benner wasn't looking. 

The novel was disappointing and I struggled to finish it. The clichéd characters, unimaginative dialogue, and frustrating cliffhanger ending all contribute to a lackluster reading experience. If you're seeking an original and well-crafted science fiction story, I suggest looking elsewhere.
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