I recently dove into Nathan Hystad’s epic sci-fi series, The Survivors Collection, which includes the first six books in the saga. As a fan of the genre, I was intrigued by the premise of a world suddenly invaded by alien ships, and a lone man left to piece together the mystery. The collective narrative is over 1,500 pages long, so I was looking for a thrilling expedition through both character and world-building.
Hystad’s work begins with The Event, where the protagonist, Dean, finds himself grappling with his wife’s death as alien ships descend upon Earth. Her mysterious warning—"When the ships come… wear the necklace"—drives Dean’s quest for answers. This central mystery is compelling enough to keep readers engaged, and the narrative moves briskly, combining elements of suspense, intrigue, and action. Several readers, like the one who found it "fascinating, fast-paced, and exciting," echo my sentiments. I appreciated the seamless transitions and tight editing that ensured I remained absorbed without having to wade through slow patches.
One of the book’s undeniable strengths is its character development. Dean evolves from a mild-mannered accountant into a reluctant hero. I found a great connection with him, especially through his emotional struggles. Richard W. noted that the character development "keeps defining the characters as the books continue," which I wholeheartedly agree with. Each of Dean’s interactions unfolds yet another layer to his personality and motivations.
The series does an excellent job of showcasing different alien cultures and environments as Dean travels beyond Earth. The writing style is remarkably vivid, making it easy to visualize the strange new worlds and the variety of alien races Dean encounters. One reviewer mentioned, "the cool descriptions of different worlds," which I found compelling. It truly felt as if I was journeying alongside Dean through these diverse terrains.
However, the series isn’t without its drawbacks. Some readers felt that there were instances where the storyline “lingers too long on side stories or personal social circling among the characters.” While I found most side plots engaging, I can understand how they might deter from the main action for some. The pacing varied across different books, particularly in the beginning, where things seemed to get slow, echoing Mark L. Adams’ comments regarding the first few books. That said, the thrill that follows kept me hooked enough to push through.
Another point of contention is the believability of certain scenarios. A few readers expressed concerns about the logic behind some plot elements, with one going as far as saying they found it "implausible." There were indeed moments where I raised an eyebrow at the actions of some characters, but I found that it’s relatively typical in sci-fi, where readers often have to suspend disbelief to fully enjoy the adventure.
Overall, The Survivors Collection exceeded my expectations with its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and vivid world-building. While there were some slower passages and minor continuity issues, these did not detract significantly from my enjoyment. If you’re a fan of sci-fi with a hearty mix of action, mystery, and emotional depth, this collection is definitely worth reading.
By the end of this journey, I was left both satisfied and wanting to know more about what happens next with Dean. If you’re seeking an exhilarating foray into the cosmos with plenty of twists and turns, I highly recommend starting with this series. I can’t wait to see where Nathan Hystad will take us in the subsequent volumes!