Amazon.com.au:Customer reviews: The Lost Colony (The Long Winter Trilogy Book 3)

Top positive review

Better than the 2nd, not as good as the 1st

Reviewed in Australia on 4 January 2021

WARNING: Tiny spoiler but nothing to really give anything away
I mostly really enjoyed this book, it actually drew me in & I read it every chance I got....but the twist...WTF??? I certainly did not see it coming & initially I was just lost, wondering what the hell was happening, especially when James says I know these aren’t my memories. I initially thought maybe they were Arthur’s with a twist to make James understand them better.
Anyway, I certainly enjoyed this book more than book 2 which was just boring & at times utterly ridiculous, but book 1 was definitely the best of the trilogy. I do recommend the trilogy & you do have to read book 2 to understand book 3 (sorry).

Top critical review

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James I Mapletoft

Less boring than the last one, but only just.

Reviewed in Australia on 1 December 2019

I almost didn’t finish the second novel in the series, and actually wrote a review saying that it was so boring that I COULDN’T finish it. Boredom of another kind overtook me and I ended up finishing that novel. In fact the last few chapters of that one made me buy this one. Was it a mistake? Hmmmmm.

Okay, with that out of the way let’s look at THIS novel. Boring? Hell yes. He should have left it as novella. The “twist” is as ludicrous as the Alpha predator having no herds of herbivores to eat. Huge herds of “rexes” but no huge herds of anything for them to eat? Really? And don’t get me started on the “scorpions”.

The ending is a fizzer, and worst of all the link to the epilogue isn’t available yet. You have to signup to his email for that. Not cool, not cool at all.

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From Australia

James I Mapletoft

Less boring than the last one, but only just.

Reviewed in Australia on 1 December 2019

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4 people found this helpful

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Mareezy

Better than the 2nd, not as good as the 1st

Reviewed in Australia on 4 January 2021

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Ian Crane

The best of both worlds

Reviewed in Australia on 17 November 2019

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Riddle caps off his previous 2 parter- and just keeps going. The Lost Colony is the (true) ending to the The Long Winter trilogy that in true Riddle fashion touches on everything from quantum physics, existentialism, creationism all wrapped up in a captivating land before time.
As a Chrisitan, one interesting thing to note is that Riddle can do all this and comes so very close to a complete realisation for the universe without once mentioning God, The Bible or religion.
Which is both a testament to the type of writing he produces but also a little sad. There is so much of the author's own ideas, wants longings and desires wrapped up in this book that it can be a little dissapointing that the ultimate realisation is, Black holes/time travel and the rebirth of time adnorsium.

The Lost Colony was pitched as a novella and the story seemingly ends about 50% of the way through before launching into a well thought out Matrix style denouncement of everything that has been going on. Riddle doesn't stop writing though until the full details and all the loose ends are tied up which is really the reward for sticking through it.
Parts of the book are circular on purpose, there are reparative parts to this book and again, the first 50% feels like padding from the 2nd book as people literally run in circles and it can get a bit tedious.
Gerry ultimately pitches 2 AI as "the angel and the demon" sitting on the shoulders of the universe arguing over the creation of humans and their right to exist. He uses a well-known self help philosophy book as a his "Bible" and even comes around to the foundations of what is essentially establishing the first Church.

If you liked the ending of Lost, Battlestar and you liked the quantum physics in Interstellar there is a LOT to chew on here. Classic Riddle, always pondering if our world is even real or not, I read this in a weekend and would recommend it to everyone.

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Grant O'Connor

An enthralling, imaginative read.

Reviewed in Australia on 25 September 2021

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Science fiction is not a genre I’d usually read, I’m not even sure how I came upon this trilogy, but I’m glad I did.
It has interesting characters who you get really invested in, triumph, tragedy, love and loss. It has plenty of action and, mystery to keep you guessing.
I’m truly in awe of the author’s imagination, creating a world, events and technology beyond the imagination of most.
A truly enjoyable read, I found it difficult to put down, though I confess I found myself a little confused in the second half of the third book, but was all made clear in the end.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good story and especially those who enjoy futuristic sci-fi.
I’ll be reading more from this author.

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SDH

Um... okay. I think.

Reviewed in Australia on 10 May 2021

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Really, really enjoyed the first 2 books in this trilogy. And book 3 keeps the momentum and intrigue going in spades. However, the story soon takes a very weird and somewhat disappointing turn, and ultimately left me rather underwhelmed. It could have been incredibly mind-blowing. Instead, it turns into a half-assed indie film style B-grade Sci Fi ending - confusing, messy, rushed, nonsensical. Pissed me off, actually.

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Amazon Customer

Well constructed and plausible story.u

Reviewed in Australia on 16 February 2020

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I like the fact that the story is develloped in plausible scenario and that at the end it makes the reader filling that it is consistent and congruent with the characters. I like that there is an end as it gives a sense of closure.
Well written. Although we know it is book 3 it does not feel like the story is too dependant on the previous books.
Love it!

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lorraine

very good book

Reviewed in Australia on 4 December 2019

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this was the 3 rd book in the long winter trilogy. I enjoyed each book in the series. the characters were well developed and very likeable. I would recommend this author, he has an excellent imagination which keeps your attention. I couldn't wait to turn each page. if you enjoy science fiction(especially when it starts on earth) you will love this series
Lorraine

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Bec D

Excellent, thought-provoking conclusion

Reviewed in Australia on 19 November 2019

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I really liked this series, and this was a fantastic conclusion to a fascinating story. I found this final installment surprisingly complex, very interesting and extremely well presented so as not to lose the reader along the way. A thoroughly enjoyable book that i just couldn't put down.

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