Title: Last Alarm: The Charleston 9
Author: Thomas A. Woodley
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1663243881
Pages: 250
Genre: General History
Reviewed by: Alyssa Avina

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The hardest battle a person can fight in their life is one which begins alone. When the odds are against a person, and the world seems to be putting up walls at every turn, it is in that desperation and isolation a person can find their truest best-selves, and it allows

the moment whereas a person can find allies or support of any kind to be so much more impactful. It also puts into perspective what it is they are fighting for in their life.

That is the heart of author C.L. Roberts sci-fi epic, Last Days of Colbosh. The novel takes place in the 23rd century, with Earth now forming a Colonial Earth System of planets. Having survived a war with an alien race known as the Artrans, due largely to the intervention of another alien race which humanity had been keeping under lock and key, the humans gave this alien race their own home world and their thanks for survival. Yet soon this world is doomed, and the lone survivor of this alien race finds himself working as a galactic mercenary. Desperate for vengeance against the people responsible for his people’s fate, the lone survivor finds himself outrunning the vengeful forces of the Colonial Earth Systems. It will take the aid of his oldest allies and enemies to face the wrath of a mysterious enemy which could not only spark another war, but end all life in the galaxy.

One of the biggest things that stood out to me immediately in this book was the rich world-building which the author tackled. It is always so clever and unique to see an author who creates not only a singular fictional world, but an entire galaxy of them. Also the author’s ability to flesh out these worlds and still emphasize the importance of the character development made this such a strong narrative. The added depth of mystery and suspense the author included made this such a captivating story which really drew the reader into the story time and time again.

For any reader who is a massive fan of projects like The Expanse, Mass Effect, and Dead Space, this is the perfect book for you. The imagery the author infuses into the story really allows the haunting nature of the threat Colbosh and his allies face come to life, and also allows the powerful sci-fi themes and atmosphere to feel fully alive on the pages, bringing readers back to it time and time again.

A mesmerizing and entertaining story, author C.L. Robert’s Last Days of Colbosh is a must-read sci-fi epic which will be impossible to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this fantastic book and get lost in this spine-chilling universe today!