Sci-fi is a genre I rarely read but I was intrigued by this book and glad I read it. It was funny, captivating, quirky and enjoyable to read.

I really liked how Ashton approached the concept of inter-planet colonialism throughout this novel. I think he perfectly demonstrated the sense of moral justification colonial actors can have when they have been indoctrinated into the belief that their way of life is inherently superior.

The book was a bit slow to start as relationships were established, but it really picked up for me in the second half, and I couldn't put it down by the end.

Thankyou to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this!!! This book was really just quite fun and kind of silly. The stakes are started super low and gradually get higher. Along with that, the characters are really interesting and bizarre.

Thank you so much for this ARC! Sections in [brackets] are not included in my public review.

The Fourth Consort is a fun read and a unique take on the spaceman's adventure, sort of a fusion with palace intrigue and the classic hero's journey. I really enjoyed how thorough and well-thought-out the alien interactions were -- the translation errors, the irreconcilable cultural and psychological differences, the physiologies. World building details that creative are such a breath of fresh air. The flashbacks were an interesting way to build a character as well.

I was a little unsatisfied by the ending, how parts of the mysteries remained unsolved [the second language, why First-Among Equals chose Dalton despite believing him inferior to the end]. Likely some readers prefer a more realistic ending that way, but I wish they would have been mentioned so it didn't just seem like the author forgot about them. For me, this book was 4 stars until the end.

[I'm pretty sure there is some editing error in Chapter 20. I read it several times and couldn't make sense of there only being one survivor at the camp, but then three men beating up another man.]

TLDR: A fun, fast-paced, super creative spaceman sci-fi; refreshing if not fully satisfying.

I am a huge fan of Edward Ashton’s writing. His take on sci-fi is one of my favorites. I jumped at the opportunity to read and review this. Admittedly, I was a little nervous based on the description. And in the end, I quite like it. While science fiction based, it was more a study of societal expectations and what is and isn’t honorable and moral, across all species. Both Dalton and Neera were two sides of the humanity coin, with Neera concerned with her place in the world above all else. I think, in the end, Dalton is who we should strive to be. He attempted to be a good person and take accountability. I would have taken more snarky translator though. Can’t have enough of that. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The book started off a bit slow for me, but picked up as it went. The present tense verbs in certain sections are not quite my cup of tea, but they do help with shifting perspective in the appropriate sections. I like the humor (perhaps best described as echoes of Guardians of the Galaxy or self-referentially, Hitchhiker's Guide) . The whole human-snail potential romance aspect was admittedly weird, but we're also weird for thinking aliens would be bipedal creatures about six-feet tall in height, but with odd coloring or appendages. I feel a sequel in the offing, which might be interesting.

Edward Ashton's latest sci-fi gem, The Fourth Consort, plunges Dalton Greaves into the heart of cosmic diplomacy. Dalton is humanity's ambassador to the mysterious Unity alliance, a seemingly benevolent confederation of alien species. Dalton soon discovers a web of deceit and intrigue lurking beneath Unity's cryptic facade. With Ashton's trademark darkly comedic tone and sharp wit, readers are treated to a thrilling tale of political maneuvering, alien encounters, and the precarious nature of interstellar trust.

Edward Ashton's sci-fi prowess continues to captivate readers. Following the resounding success of Mickey 7 (soon to be a major motion picture Mickey 17) and Antimatter Blues, his latest offering Mal Goes to War and the highly anticipated The Fourth Consort, solidify his status as a genre-defining author. Ashton's ability to blend thought-provoking concepts with engaging narratives and unforgettable characters has earned him a devoted fanbase. Without hesitation, I'm awarding The Fourth Consort a full five stars and wholeheartedly recommend it to any sci-fi enthusiast seeking a thrilling and imaginative adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Edward Ashton for this Advance Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

This book was frustrating as it was extremely interesting and properly explored TRUE alien intelligence and society. And then the major plot threat was extinguished within five pages with a flashback to a completely introduced point about human biology and evolution that was a cop out.

While this is no Project Hail Mary or The Martian, this was a surprisingly good book (even for a non sci-fi reader like me).

A stand alone story that could very well be an awesome series. I had a great time on this escape to a different reality that embraces what true scifi was meant to be. Great movement and characterization within the bounds of intelligent life and those discoveries.

I hope the author takes us on another shoulder peering ride with Dalton.

I received this ARC for free in lieu of a review.

Rating: 4.8/5

The Fourth Consort is a novel about first contact with alien species and the complexities and difficulties of communication when the underlying basis for life differ. The conflict and the complexity of understanding between different cultures driven by the difference, as portrayed by the author between predator and prey species is the underlying basis for this novel. In this novel the human protagonist is working as a representative of a galaxy wide federation that claims to be trying to raise up and protect fledgling civilizations but seems to be primarily plundering new worlds. Opposing this federation is another confederation that may actually be serving a more benevolent role instead of how they are portrayed. The human protagonist Dalton, while working to connect with this new alien species, becomes increasingly enmeshed in their culture in ways he doesn't understand while slowly connecting with a representative of the opposing confederation, also in ways he doesn't understand. Culture, politics, body structure and the underlying concepts that drive predator and prey species interact as Dalton works to understand and survive the increasing conflict between three different species.

I found this novel to be an interesting exploration of predator and prey species and the impact of their basic nature on their culture. Although somewhat slow in developing the story was interesting and the ending satisfactory.

I really loved that this near future sci-fi placed humans as not the dominant species in space exploration. Instead we have two empires, the Assembly and Unity, that go around taking over worlds, purportedly for altruistic purposes. Our human protagonists is also not portrayed as the sole savior of an alien species. Refreshing!

As usual Edward Ashton provides characters we can care about, admire, and struggle along with. Another winner from this terrific author!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins for the chance to read an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

This near-future sci-fi story takes place almost entirely on a planet, so it could be a good choice for readers who don't love spaceships. It's faster paced that I would have preferred-- there are references to social circumstances on future Earth that aren't really explored, and the main character is always a little too close to disaster for us to take time to learn very much about the two major space-exploring factions, each of which is trying to get a foothold on the planet. It seemed like a lot of word count was devoted to descriptions of the various aliens and environs; as a person with aphantasia, this didn't add any depth for me, but this style of writing might be best for highly visual readers.

I requested this based on the author name alone, without reading any description, merely hoping for something better than the author's last work. This is more enjoyable than Mal Goes to War: A Novel, although the character isn't a *huge* departure from Mickey7-- snarky, mouthy, rather resigned to his approaching doom. The story feels complete, although there's certainly room for a sequel, which I would probably read.

eARC from NetGalley.

The Fourth Consort is my fourth read by the author, who has quickly become one of my sci-fi favorites. Much like Scalzi, Ashton's approach to science fiction is comedic, which this reader highly appreciates. And this story might be his funniest yet.
It isn't actually much of a story in retrospect. More like a Star Trek episode than a movie. But it's so fun, that it doesn't matter.
The novel is essentially an epic interspecies bromance wrapped in court intrigue of a strange planet.
The planet belongs to a matriarchal culture that is somewhat underdeveloped by intergalactic standards, therefore Dalton, our intrepid protagonist subcontracted by a another, highly advanced alien culture to be their in-person representative, and another being in the same position, working for a competing alien advancement company end up courting the same species. Some of this courting is rather literal, hence the title.
Overall, though, it's a comedy of misunderstandings, heavy on dialogue, which in turn is heavy on logistics (delightful logistics!) of first contact and last rites.
Who will survive? Who will rule? And, more importantly, will Dalton, contrary to all the other aliens' opinions, prove himself to be an honorable being? Read on to find out.
The book goes by quickly, entertains plenty, and is perfectly poised for a sequel. Thanks Netgalley.

I wanted to like The Fourth Consort more than I did, but it just didn’t click for me. While the setup had potential—stranded humans, alien politics, and some humorous banter—the story didn’t really hold my interest. There were funny moments, but I never really connected with the characters.

The courts and the idea of duels in a sci-fi setting could’ve been cool, but it just didn’t land for me. The writing style wasn’t my favorite, and by the end, I wasn’t invested in what happened to anyone. Overall, it just wasn’t for me, but I can see how others might enjoy the humor and the mix of genres.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own

I just didn't have the patience for it.

I can see how people like it. It's funny, and has some cool high concept stuff, but for some reason, Ashton's writing didn't compel me the way it did for Mickey 7

What I liked most about the author’s previous book was the personality he injected in all his characters. The lack of that is what disappointed me the most in this book. I didn’t care about anyone in the story, especially the minarchs who all seemed interchangeable. Also, the plot dragged on and became really tedious after the half way mark. This book just wasn’t for me.

Wow, this was truly intriguing. I had doubts going into this if I'd like it or not.. but wow, this story was so compelling, emotional, and interesting. Breaker will forever be my favorite character. Dalton's moral decisions and character development were truly amazing to watch. This sci-fi book truly had me on the edge of my seat, unlike anything I've ever read before. I love that they had translators. It was truly hilarious when the translator and Dalton would bicker back and forth. I even giggled a bit about it and when Breaker made jokes or sarcastic comments. So many great parts of this story, I was in awe and amazed. I felt so deeply for Dalton, the Counselor and Breaker in different moments. I loved this thoroughly! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world Edward Ashton, this was a truly remarkable book!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

This book is so out there. Holy cow I thought it was so good. How far really would you go to survive, and how wild of a shot would you give love.

The beginning is hilarious, humans and another alien race get stranded on a planet (with low technology) that they are trying to convince join them. Above in the sky the ships from booth visitors fight and explode each other. Now the two envoys are stranded on a planet that they must win to their side before their backups arrive.
I had a lot of fun with this book because the author created a situation where two humans are left alone to deal with an entire planet of aliens (different types), but only one has to deal with diplomacy and a very funny sentient translator. I like Neera a lot. She is like a dragon left undisturbed in a cave until she's not and makes her appearances (not very diplomatic ones) occasionally giving her partner a hand.
At the same time, this futuristic setting is highly tainted with an elevated sense of honorable acts to follow rules (their alien rules). It's a very cool mashup of ideas from court intrigue and honorable duels (very French and British regal times vibe), but at the same time, we never know if our main character is going to be assassinated in the next paragraph (he, too, fears it). There are plenty of attempts, lots of political moves, decisions, games to play, and badass action with humor in writing and character personalities, which is characteristic of the author's style.