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.

Backstory:
The year is 2056 and society is ruled by oligarchs who’ve all but destroyed the planet. Our main character, eve, is a young ethics and religion researcher who’s tasked with figuring out why members of a mars colony sent over in previous expeditions are suddenly committing suicide in such high numbers.

Love this premise so much. A dive into what makes humans humans, what we truly value and what makes a community? Yes please. We could have had that book, but, we didn’t. The religious, specifically Christian throughlines in this book are striking and not even subtle. I felt like I was being hit over the head constantly and all other aspects of the story were neglected to ensure a religious perspective was the one taken.

The book also features the cardinal (no pun intended) sin of referencing real life brands, products and people in a fantasy sci-fi book. It pulled me out the story.

The main characters dad might be the most insufferable character I’ve read this year. He’s the atheist in the book, rejecting any possible religious reasoning behind the suicides and instead angrily demanding it must be science, whilst bullying his daughter and being unbelievably arrogant. Such a prominent scientist should be chomping at the proverbial bit to run experiments and come up with hypothesis on why the suicides are occurring but instead he’s just… angry. He’s also a terrible dad and other characters and eve even acknowledge this but he’s never resolved of this.

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!

3 Stars, Chaos and Danger

THE LAST VOYAGE
by Brian D. McLaren

I don't usually give such a low rating, I don't find myself selecting books that I don't like. This book has a plot that is intriguing, but there was too much other stuff in it that I didn't care for.

One of the main characters is a religious leader, there are copious amounts of emphatic religious profanities, yet it is published by #HodderFaith an imprint of #JohnMurrayPress #HodderandStoughtonLimited #HachetteUK

It is a #cliffhanger. There are #woke tendencies.

In a world controlled by oligarchs that are all intertwined with global crime syndicates that have few if any morals.

One of the oligarch syndicates that still has morals and works for the good of civilization has decided to take a few select individuals to Mars on a last voyage to join the other people they've already relocated to Mars with the intent of starting the last colony of the human species, as a one way trip. They are taking humans to have children to start their own civilization, with one of the males not taking part. But, there is another person who lets the reader know ...For those who are wondering... that it is a nonbinary or third gender person. I wasn't wondering. How does a nonbinary person add to the human race? Part of the ...Look at me.... generation.

The book is about the last voyage, except that the entire book takes place on Earth and a minute part on Mars. It's all about getting ready for the trip to Mars.

I received a complimentary copy of #thelastvoyage from #netgalley the publisher, and #BrianDMcLaren I was not obligated to post a review.

#sciencefiction #fantasy #AdultFiction #mentalillness

3.5 stars
This story started off really interesting, lots of talk of how things work and the status of the world run by oligarchs, but after a while it started to wear on me a bit. The whole story is deep conversation after deep conversation which...made it so that then there was no tension. There should have been as things were happening that should have made me more like what is going to happen next?? But instead it was like okay let's sit down and talk about this and I don't know. It wasn't bad, a lot of the conversation was very interesting, but it did wear on me after a while. I am curious to see where the story goes and would be interested in reading the next book when it comes out.

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

The story idea of a disparate group heading to Mars because the world is about to destroy itself is interesting. There were structural problems, for me, that got in the way of that interesting story. First, there is way too much exposition in the dialogue. I have no problem with exposition in stories, but people don't speak in paragraphs unless they are giving a TEDTalk. Second, our character who likes to use big words seems to do just to use big words as if the writer pulled up a thesaurus and made every sentence more complicated just to show it could be done. I am not a big fan of naming actual people in the present and the progenitor of future calamity, but that's a personal preference.

Finally, and this is a challenge for me because I have a theological academic and personal background. This is a book published by a faith imprint, but Eve has merely watered down beliefs that vaguely adhere to Christianity but doesn't express any specifics other than to fold them into a syncretic smoothie of world faith systems. When Refa said he was a Christian, Jew and Muslim, I felt that was the standard of all faith holders on the ship. There was nothing to get mad about and the huffing and puffing seemed either exaggerated or performative.

I would love a vibrant debate between a person of deep faith and a parent wounded by zealotry (or perceived zealotry) in the past. But a lukewarm pablum of religious beliefs being attacked by polysyllabic vile just felt over the top to me. Perhaps the other books expose the exaggerated response for what it is, but I, sadly, was not sufficiently engaged enough to want to continue.