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Colony One

(The Elderon Chronicles #1)

Tarah Benner (Goodreads Author)

4.11 · Rating details · 249 ratings · 35 reviews

From the author of The Fringe comes a riveting new adventure in space.

Maggie Barnes is at the end of her rope. She’s young and broke living in New York, and her newspaper job has been taken by robots. When she’s offered a job aboard the first civilian space colony, Maggie thinks it’s her lucky break.

For Jonah Wyatt, the Space Force is his last shot at a military career ...more

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Kindle Edition, 334 pages

Published April 22nd 2018 by Blue Sky Studio, LLC

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Average rating 4.11 ·

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· 249 ratings · 35 reviews

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Nov 26, 2018 Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: zzexp_2018-ammp-bairn-bingo, outer-space, favorites, own-it, sci-fi, first-in-series, chick-lit, military, zzexp-2018-read, 2018-releases

10* Fave...

Damn that was good- so good I read it straight through without even pausing to surf the internet or GR! That's an amazing feat for me, if that tells you anything.

The story follows a journalist and a military soldier as they accept 5 year positions on the first colonized space station-Elderon. Their paths intercept after realizing that there is more to Elderon then meets the eye and they find themselves embroiled together in a major conspiracy.

If you like soft space operas then you do ...more

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Jan 04, 2020 Anissa rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: fans of stories set on space stations

Shelves: speculative-fiction, series, science-fiction, 2020

I was in the mood for a space station story so I decided to give this a read. It's been in my TBR pile for a while and one of my resolutions this year is to whittle away at that more than I have in the past.

This was a good story and I already want to go on to the next book (thanks Kindle Unlimited!). The story is told from two POVs, Maggie a journalist who has just been replaced at her newspaper by AI and Jonah, a former soldier whose life is in a bad rut. Both are given the opportunity to work I was in the mood for a space station story so I decided to give this a read. It's been in my TBR pile for a while and one of my resolutions this year is to whittle away at that more than I have in the past.

This was a good story and I already want to go on to the next book (thanks Kindle Unlimited!). The story is told from two POVs, Maggie a journalist who has just been replaced at her newspaper by AI and Jonah, a former soldier whose life is in a bad rut. Both are given the opportunity to work for Maverick Enterprises on the first civilian space station, Elderon also known as Colony One. Maggie's puff pieces are to cast the company in a good light to basically sell the station to the masses as a destination they'd like to visit. Jonah's joined the private Space Force and his prior skillset is suited. Before too long, the fact that the Space Force has more recruits than seems normal and the inclusion of a bot company in the mix, all start to raise questions in our resident journalist. Things on Earth take a turn and then it's an all-out page-turner to the end.

The story was a good one and I have to say the strength lay in the parts about technology and its influence, intrusion and utility in the lives of everyone. Maggie's mother, a nurse, is replaced at her hospital by a bot. The SPIDER technology felt too likely for my comfort. The food lab was fascinating and while initially, the meat making was a bit off-putting, I decided that I could eat it. I thought the "garden" was very cool. The Optix seemed probable, useful and more addictive than mobile phones (if that's possible). Another highlight of the story is the suspense and action that finally kick in at the 67% mark when some robots on Earth start attacking people. I had to smile at an instance of bots going off on a bunch of theatregoers at a showing of Terminator.

There's a lot here to recommend it but there were a few points that were problems for me. There is a very bad case of "snapping" eyes in this story. It's constantly happening and not only did I start to think this should be something people can hear, I wished very much for there to be another descriptor in use for sharp looks given. Hopefully, that wanes in the next installment. And there are a couple of moments of shenanigans I have to call. First, let me say that the story was very much flirting with being romantic suspense. We have Maggie and Jonah but there's also Tripp Van de Graff (who sadly didn't get a POV in this book though he'seemed most interesting) so there's a bit of an attraction triangle. Fine. But Maggie and Jonah, both had instances where they seemed not to know that those physical stirrings in their bodies meant they were attracted to each other. It rang false. They're not tweens and Jonah very clearly got laid almost as soon as we meet him. I'm not a fan of adults acting like they don't know things they clearly should know. Fortunately, the instances are sparse, just enough to annoy not enough to derail the story or entirely damage the characters. The bigger shenanigan offence comes in for Maggie. She's rescued by Jonah after several hours on the floor of an airlock, bound, beaten and gagged and she's pulled free from a bot's death grip around her neck which results in gashes on her neck that are bleeding at a good rate and more bots are in pursuit... but she takes a moment to note how good Jonah smells. Girl, what?! All the shenanigans called and it took me right out of the story.

I'm going to read the next book so definitely recommended. Come for the space station, stay for the suspense. ...more

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Apr 27, 2018 Henri Moreaux rated it it was amazing

Shelves: americas, russia, scifi-fantasy, space

I've never read any other books by Tarah Benner but saw this one and it piqued my interest - having now finished it I must say I will certainly be looking at some of her others as this was fantastic.

Maggie is a disgruntled journalist stuck writing fluff pieces and finally cracks and blasts her employer via her column after her serious story is bumped and she's informed AI will be taking other from some journalists at the paper. As a result she comes to the attention of one of the men behind a co ...more

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Apr 29, 2018 Cindy Woods rated it it was amazing

Outstanding/Makes you think!!!

After reading this very well researched futuristic book, I'm still up at 3am thinking about the ramifications of a future robotics society. It's scary. It's here! The future is here!
No, I don't own a Google car, but I do use the ez pay kiosk at Red Robin to order dessert and pay my tab; I don't use ECHO or its counterparts, but I recently had robotic surgery and my pharmacy fills my prescriptions robotically. These are now standard advancements in our technology ma Outstanding/Makes you think!!!

After reading this very well researched futuristic book, I'm still up at 3am thinking about the ramifications of a future robotics society. It's scary. It's here! The future is here!
No, I don't own a Google car, but I do use the ez pay kiosk at Red Robin to order dessert and pay my tab; I don't use ECHO or its counterparts, but I recently had robotic surgery and my pharmacy fills my prescriptions robotically. These are now standard advancements in our technology made to improve our lives.
But what happens when these same technological advancements are hacked or even outright developed to commit war on us as in cyberterrorism? This is a concept I have little thought about...until now!
Tara Benner has created a very real so-called technologically advanced society on earth, circa 2075, as well as a newly developed space colony. The lives of average citizens are impacted in ways that I hadn't thought about previously......this story is an enormous wake-up call!
If humans can build/program robotic cars, food services, surgical procedures, media and shopping services to "serve" our consumer/corporate greed, it is no stretch to believe, nay, understand the very same technology to be used against humankind as with cyberterrorism. Again, the future is here! It has happened! And it is scary!
Benner has created characters such as Joshua and Maggie, two people who have never met pteviously, both accepting positions on the newly constructed space colony Elderon. Maggie is a news reporter. Joshua an army specialist. Both average Americans whose lives intersect on Elderon as they become shockingly aware of how dangerous technology can be in the wrong hands. All one has to do is be reminded of WWII and the advanced military machinery of Germany as it swept Europe and Africa! They used blimps as advanced weaponry....we now have drones!
I use these comparisons as I lay awake in deep thought hours after reading Colony One. Ice cold water in the face is nothing in comparison!
Americans suffered 911 with its human hijackers, but what if they had done the same on a larger scale by hacking the airplane computerized systems? Too farfetched you say? Better you wake up and face reality because technology is that advanced, and corporate greed partnered with the focus on world domination is a fact of life.
Benner lays out a, albeit fictional, furistic plot that will knock your socks off! I'm no naive youngster......I've lived several decades and seen/used the comforts of advanced technology and still do, but this is a must-read to all breathing, thinking consumers. Dystopian fans won't see vampires and magic here.....Cold, hard facts are incorporated into the plot. Tech readers, readers of the sciences, readers of military history, readers of consumer technologies combined with those who enjoy the dystoptian genre 'need' to read this book. It is the first in a series that beckons one to open their eyes and do a bit of research. It's frighteningly real....it's already here, and, lest we forget, our lives are changing rapidly in a direction that can be easily forced off-track! READ THE BOOK! For myself, I anxiously await the next book in this amazing series. Tara Benner is amazing!!!! Her research and creative writing is second to none. Although I received an ARC of this book, I pride myself on giving an honest review. This is a full five stars!
...more

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Mar 25, 2020 RH Reader rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, good-read-again

I loved it! I was a huge fan of The Fringe because I like how Benner handles romance, so I was looking forward to that. I'll admit - I absolutely hate Other Women drama, so I wasn't a fan of the girl in the first chapter. But that was way before anything really started, so I could get over it.

We all know Benner is a huge fan of active supporting characters, but I was just so happy we only saw the hero and heroine's POVs. So happy!

I'm an idiot, though. Spoiler (seriously, don't read this if you d ...more

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May 20, 2018 Lindsay rated it it was amazing

Tarah Benner is my favorite author. I have enjoyed reading every book.
I read Colony One in a day knowing I didn’t want to read it yet because I would only want to read the next book in the series. So now I will impatiently wait for what comes next. There is no indication of another book, but I have hope there will be a part 2.
This book continues her fast paced writing style that draws the reader in and makes them experience the world along with the lovable characters. My favorite aspect of her ...more

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Dec 06, 2020 Thais rated it really liked it

Shelves: audible, arc-giveaway, sci-fi

I'm a sucker for sci-fi and the blurb of this book picked my interesting.

I must say I thought about DNFing about half way through. The pace is painfully slow. Ao much so that the blurb basically tell you the whole story, it took about 40% until something other than what's in the blurb, to happened. And even so, it's not very important to the story, although it was fun.

But I'm happy I continue because the story pickup the pace after 60% and became very interesting, as well as the characters. I'm ...more

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Jan 16, 2020 Jan M rated it it was amazing

Good, heart pounding aventure

I had a good time and couldn't put this down. I enjoyed following along with Maggie up to a space station. Being a reporter let me believe someone poking her nose into a lot of other people's business was logical. Then things get bad and I am running along with the story. I liked the futuristic touches that rang true.When I read the epilogue I saw how well the author took what is available now and made leaps that are really not that exaggerated, goodness! I highly re ...more

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Mar 23, 2021 Noodle The Naughty Night Owl rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-unlimited, science-fiction

7/10: Good solid read, something to get your teeth into.

Right on, Space Flight Barbie. Time to grab some interviews.

I did enjoy this one, but not quite enough to make me read on in the series.

I’m not sure what I did to deserve a free flight to space with a cannabis-infused tonic and an underwear model, but I’m not going to question my karma.

But Maggie Barnes was funny.

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Aug 09, 2018 Terena rated it really liked it

I always enjoy Tara’s books 📚. I love each and every one of them and this one is no exception. She builds an environment and characters that are 3 dimensional, you can visualize the rooms they are in. See the curls spring from Maggie’s bun and see the bots working.

There is military, technology, journalism, robotics and space - and they are awesome together! I recommend this book.

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Mar 10, 2019 Suki Rickey rated it liked it

Book 1

Book 1 was an interesting read and had a few errors. It was interesting reading from different perspectives, but was a little slow on the plot development. Also. The main Character girl was a little whiny. Overall the plot and characters are interesting and I look forward to book 2.

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Feb 03, 2021 Amy Schleppenbach rated it liked it

A chic flick in space sci-if novel about a rich coporation building a space station and staffing it with the elite against an earth based threat.
The usual mix of spies, military, corporate greed, rich kids playing at being poor, rouge robots, conspiracies, haunted-by-the-past soldiers, cheeky reporters, and more.

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Mar 15, 2021 Ryan marked it as abandoned

Page 1 has us in frigidly cold Siberia. We're introduced to four characters (Jonah, Rogers, Jefferson, and Lovingood). We're told Jefferson has brown fingers and will steal the skittles from your MREs if you aren't careful.

I don't think I've ever seen so many red flags on a first page before.

Abandoned. ...more

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Apr 25, 2018 Anita Johnson rated it it was amazing

Another winner...

Another winner from Tarah Benner!! Her Fringe series is my all time favorite. She writes tough, vulnerable and likeable heroines which is so refreshing. Her male leads are great, tough but honorable. I can't wait for the next book!! ...more

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May 16, 2018 Bob rated it really liked it

Good story, weak ending

First, let me say i have enjoyed every book i have reaf by Tarah Benner. I wont stop reading cause this book had a weak ending. Still love her style.

The ending just seemed to come out of nowhere, it left we wondering if a few pages were missing.

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Jun 11, 2018 Amy rated it it was amazing

I LOVED this book!!!!!!

Tarah Benner is, by far, one of my favorite authors. This story is full of twists and intrigue.....never a dull moment. I read the book in a day. I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to read the next installment!!!!!

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Jun 24, 2018 Karami rated it it was amazing

Amazing

This book completely sucked me in and I can’t wait to read the next one! I normally have at least one negative thought(usually editing) but this was perfect. Read it and become enmeshed in their lives like I am.

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Jan 07, 2019 Emma rated it really liked it

4 out of 5 stars.

I loved the author’s Fringe series and tried to get into this one a couple of times. But I always found it so slow at the beginning. I’m glad I finally pushed through, though. It’s an excellent book.

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Nov 17, 2019 Rylee rated it it was amazing

This was so good! It was so hard to put down once I started, it keeps you interested and wrapped in the story from start to finish. I only wish I had ordered the second book sooner so I didn't have to wait to read more. ...more

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Feb 26, 2020 Diane rated it did not like it

Cliches abound.

Poorly written, every cliche in the book of how not to write a gripping story abound. Only finished reading so as not to completely waste my money. Not an original paragraph throughout, pulp fiction at it's lowest, cheesiest form. ...more

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Oct 10, 2020 David Griffin rated it it was amazing

An Honest To God Page-Turner

Wow! I had a hard time putting this book down. This is awesome sci-fi reading. A cozy mystery wrapped up in science fiction. What more could you ask for? It's so good I will be reading the next book in this series. And looking at her other works. ...more

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May 09, 2018 Ed rated it really liked it

quite enjoyed this book... looking forward to the next book. write quicker please😆

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Aug 09, 2018 Amber rated it it was amazing

Great book

What a twist ending it started out very slow and does up toward the end with a big cliff hanger but I'm rd all worth it ...more

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Aug 26, 2018 Megan rated it it was amazing

So good!

This book was great! Really liked Maggie and she was even pretty funny at times. Can't wait for the next one. ...more

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Mar 04, 2019 Jennifer Creador rated it it was amazing

So good

Loved it. Definitely buying the next book in the series. Tarah has a way of grabbing me from chapter one.

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Jun 15, 2019 Gail Simmons rated it really liked it

Can’t wait to start book two lots of intriqué

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Aug 19, 2020 Mike added it

Awesome from beginning to end. The end is a perfect hook into book 2.

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Oct 01, 2020 Brittany McGee rated it it was amazing

Tarah always rocks!

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Oct 02, 2020 Dave T rated it it was amazing

Another great series starter

I know this genre is new for this author but she is off to a great start with this one.

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Oct 04, 2020 Leroy Clary rated it it was amazing

Enjoyed the entire book

Well written. After this review I will buy book two in the series. Glad I found this writer and series.

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About Tarah Benner

Tarah Benner

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Tarah Benner is the author of The Fringe, the Elderon Chronicles, the Lawless Saga, and other dystopian novels for adults. Her specialties include badass heroines, tormented heroes, and totally binge-worthy end-of-world stories. Contrary to popular belief, Tarah does not transmit her books from a secret underground bunker. She lives and writes in Colorado Springs with her two dogs, a cat, and her ...more