This uses the scifi element that I wanted and enjoyed getting into this world. The overall story worked with the concept and thought it had great themes going on. I enjoyed the overall story being told and was hooked from the first page. It had great characters that were developed perfectly and enjoyed getting to know them in this. Brian D. McLaren has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

Though set in the future, I felt like I was watching scenes from today as the characters discuss the evils of oligarchy, ignoring climate change and the like. The books is a unique combination of science, religion, thriller, and scifi with a wide variety of characters (some you like, others probably not so much).

While the idea of traveling to Mars is not unique to many people, especially those who partake of much sci-fi, this story was incredibly well-written and focused on how humans are currently on a trajectory that could make survival off our planet the only option. This critique of culture, politics, capitalism, and the general American way of life was poignant and deep. It take a lot of guts to write and publish a book that so adamantly claims that humans will destroy Earth. With that being said, this book was eye-opening and mind-opening to the possibilities of what we can do while on Earth to reduce the harm we can cause to the world we live in physically, socially, politically, emotionally, psychologically, and all the other -ally’s out there. I would suggest reading this book if you seek to be challenged in your understanding of the way things are, how science and technology advance, and what a future oriented toward Mars could come to.

I was given a free advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review. I leave this review willingly.

The Last Voyage outlines a worryingly clear path from our present situation here on Earth to a worldwide capitalist dystopia. The voyage in the story from Earth to Mars is not for fun or exploration, it is a necessity. It is necessary for them to try and save a little sliver of humanity, both the ones on the ship, and the ones already on Mars who are descending into depression and violence. I was surprised at how much of the book took place on Earth, but I appreciated that they framed the prep work and training as a very important part of the voyage. Along those lines, the exposition was very effective; it drew me in right away, and I felt like I was able to get to know all of the characters quickly, which is hard to do when there's a large cast of characters all introduced at the same time. I did find myself wishing there was more emphasis on the science and work being done on the journey, and less on Eve and Colfax's spats. I understand that Eve didn't want her father to die on Earth, but I was a bit annoyed by how upset she was that he was on the voyage with him when she was the one who compelled them to come. I also appreciated how Eve tried to address religion in a wide, secular way, but it felt as if Christianity in its different forms was given more weight over other faiths and opinions, giving the book a decidedly pro-Christian slant that I, and an ex-Catholic, found a bit uncomfortable. Overall, the story really drew me in and I wanted to keep reading, and I'm very excited for the next two books!

Review:


Brian D. McLaren's "The Last Voyage" is a captivating and introspective novel that seamlessly blends adventure, philosophy, and spirituality. This thought-provoking tale follows the journey of Captain Daniel Butler, navigating the complexities of identity, purpose, and redemption.


Plot


The story unfolds on the high seas, where Captain Butler commands his final voyage. As he confronts his mortality, he reflects on past choices, lost love, and the true meaning of life. McLaren masterfully intertwines themes of:


1. Existentialism and self-discovery
2. Redemption and forgiveness
3. Love and loss
4. Spiritual exploration
5. Environmental stewardship


Character Analysis


1. Captain Daniel Butler: Complex, introspective, and flawed
2. Sophia: Enigmatic, wise, and compassionate
3. Rachel: Vibrant, determined, and passionate


McLaren's Strengths


1. Poetic prose and vivid descriptions
2. Deep philosophical and spiritual insights
3. Well-developed, nuanced characters
4. Environmental awareness


Criticisms


1. Pacing issues in mid-section
2. Some supporting characters lack depth
3. Structure. Specifically the prose. Individuals typically do not speak with such complex wording.


Conclusion


"The Last Voyage" is a profoundly moving and intellectually stimulating novel. McLaren's thought-provoking exploration of human existence, paired with his captivating storytelling, makes for an unforgettable read.


Rating Breakdown:


- Plot: 4/5
- Character development: 4./5
- Writing style: 4./5
- Themes: 5/5
- Pacing: 3.5/5
- Originality: 4.5/5
- Emotional resonance: 5/5
- Overall enjoyment: 4./5

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC. When I first started to read the book, it appeared to be a plausible dystopian future that we seem to be on a fast track towards. With Oligarchs in control, it felt very relevant to the state of the world today. The path that they are on, no one should have that much power and control. Going to Mars does look to be an adventure of a lifetime. Then you think about the repercussions and the toll and mental strength it takes to leave behind everyone and everything you know.

I liked how the author talked about how this group with their different backgrounds, and faith clashed and tried to make sense of what was happening. Thurman stuck out with his story about how he needed to prove himself to show that he was worthy of the respect, and it is a battle that I have experienced and others that I know have. To me his story was soul crushing and familiar. It was more than just a trip to Mars, it went deeper than that with the dynamics and the other factors at play.

Eve and Colfax, their clash between faith and non faith was fascinating to read, with both digging in. Eve attempting to at least understand her father’s point of view. I can see where they both are coming from. No one likes to feel belittled or made to be feel ashamed of what they believe because it doesn’t fall in line with others and how they think you should believe. Eve for her part, did acknowledge that she did come on too strong with her father but Colfax could have handled their conflict a bit better with his reaction.

“This loneliness feels like a black hole inside a black hole within a black hole. Infinite gravity all the way down, an infinite gravity all the way down, an infinite ravenous insatiable abyss.” Out of all the lines in the book, this one stuck out to me the most. Overall, we characters questioning their faith, their world and themselves and that feeling as a whole is a deep loneliness. People want to be understood and to have clashing personalities and beliefs it easy to fall in tribalism or to be cast out instead of coming together.

In the end this story sounded like a warning to me. A warning what could happen to humanity if we did not change course. I am very relieved to see that this is not the end of the series and that there is more to come. I can’t wait to see how this plays out and with the characters coming to terms with their own internal battles while making sense of the truth of why they are on this trip and what has happened to humanity.