Clarion By Nathan M Hurst

SUMMARY: The dropship had thundered through the atmosphere like a comet, chased and harried by Xannix ships.

The BookViral Review: An intelligent and wholly original military science fiction thriller, Clarion takes the Sol Protocol series to a higher level as readers are treated to another confrontation with the Xannix. Larson, Rivers, Silvers and Dr. Spencer are once again in the thick of it but things are never what they seem as competing factions within the Xannis change the rules of engagement and a shock revelation for Larson puts him once again in the firing line. Science fiction is one of the most popular genres and its success is built by not just keeping up with the expectations of its readers but in finding new ways to explore the human condition. Hurst does this by combining superb prose, masterfully crafted battle scenes, illuminating first contacts and an innate ability to explore the psyche of his characters. Not just the human and alien ones but those of his A.I.s as well. At a little under 400 pages, there are multiple plot threads but each one is deftly handled and as with the first release in the series each is resolved within the story arc as he takes us ever closer to another superb denouement. Clarion is a game changer for Hurst’s human colonists and the Xannix which combined with ever-present social commentary gives his series increasingly crossover appeal to non-military science fiction fans. Especially those who appreciate cleverly conceived tech and its implementation.

A genuine gem of a release in the Sol Protocol series, Clarion demands an uninterrupted read to fully appreciate the quality of Hurst’s writing and it is recommended without reservation. Read it and you won’t be disappointed!