The First Colony series has had multiple series arcs, from establishing the first interstellar colony, to fighting for humanity’s very survival from a heinous enemy that followed the colonists from Earth’s star system. This arc was explored in the first three books of the series. Books 4 – 11 explored a second arc where the colonists further explored New Earth and made some significant discoveries. I’m not going to distill a story that took 7 books to write into a few sentences. However, it was the growth and struggles faced by the characters during that second series arc that led me to write a third series arc. Impulse – First Colony Book 12 introduced some new characters, and I was able to explore some of the struggles that the colony faced as it matured into a post-war society. Struggles that included interspecies dealings and diplomacy, or a lack of diplomacy among various groups, both human and not, that struggle to move on from a brutal history.
Infinity – First Colony Book 13 continues to build on the rich history established in the preceding books, but I think the story can stand on its own. Infinity is an exploration story built around the development of FTL technology. Most technological developments go through a learning curve as it’s perfected, and FTL is no different. What goes hand in hand with this concept is exploring a new planet, encountering new life forms, and a good old fashion adventure story.
I am currently working on First Colony Book 14. Yes, I’m continuing the series. No, I don’t have any number of books planned. However, I do think that there is potential for a few more books in the series. I have several ideas written out, but this will depend on whether there are enough readers interested in keeping this series going. The stories I’m writing in the First Colony series have moved beyond the initial characters established in the earlier books, although they still show up on the center stage. I never enjoyed reading stories that felt like a rehashing of earlier events. In my mind, characters grow and change over time. It’s been twenty or thirty years since humans arrived on New Earth. Plenty of time for characters to evolve and, in some cases, regress, but the problems they face also change over time. The story for Infinity seemed like a natural progression of this series as the characters learn and adapt for what may come in the future.
I’m extremely excited about the upcoming release of Infinity – First Colony Book 13, and I hope that whoever reads it, enjoys a little escapism for a jaunt through interstellar space. There definitely will be a few bumps along the way.
Happy trails.
Ken
Venturing into the unknown means pushing the limits of everything thought possible.
10 years ago, the Ark II departed on a long journey through interstellar space, but shortly after they reached their destination, all communications ceased. All attempts to re-establish contact have failed.
Utilizing prototypical FTL technology that he invented, one brave man will lead a small expedition into the unknown to discover the colony’s fate.
The challenges of establishing the first interstellar colony nearly destroyed humanity. What new challenges will the second colony bring?
Great series with a wealth of strong characters and exciting story lines. Please keep it going! I will certainly be reading and enjoying them!
Thank you, Jim.
Thanks for the new book unfortunately no time to read but plenty of time to listen
When will it be out on Audible?
Hi Robert,
The book will be out on Audible in mid-May.
Ken
Thank You!!
SO looking forward to this book. And even more jazzed to hear you’re writing #14! Woot!
Thank you!
Ken,
Really love the series! Thank you so much for your continued dedication. The Acheron series is also fantastic and I look forward to more of your work on that. I always find myself excited to get the emails with a new release from you. This story was awesome that it allowed characters to stand on their own without Connor. As always, fantastic work. Thank you again!
Thanks, John. I really appreciate it.
Ken
Wow!!! just finished vigilance. Im hook, I have been reading none stop on my wife tablet for 3 days straight.
Hi Virgilio,
That’s great, I’m so glad you like the series. Your wife might want her tablet back though 🙂
Ken
Hi, I just finished Book 10, and downloaded the next three books in the series. As a woman who almost exclusively reads sci-fi (with a special soft spot for space operas), I have to say it’s really refreshing to have female characters written by a man who are capable and strong, not simpering, helpless idiots, or sexy space vixens.
My hope is that you consider more chapters/story arcs told from your female character POVs, as opposed to them being actors (albeit capable ones) in the male characters’ POV chapters, with only the occasional chapters being told from a female character’s POV.
This isn’t a criticism, but encouragement because you’ve done a great job with the female characters as this series has progressed, and I hope you feel that you can “speak” from their POV. I’m sure you would have plenty of women Beta readers (me!) happy to give you feedback on authentic voice, stereotypes, tropes, etc. Thank you, and keep up the great work, I’m in awe of your work ethic.
Love book 13 so far but now I have to wait for 14 with great anticipation