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Emotional Toll and Consequences
Extinction centers around a lieutenant and his crew facing political and interpersonal conflicts in their colony while preparing for the devasting impact of the asteroid headed their way. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As mankind takes its first tentative steps beyond Earth to the planets and moons of the solar system, we edge that much closer to setting up colonies on new worlds. How will those new habitants function? Will they be dependent on the Home World for survival, and what happens if that umbilical cord is severed? How will those colonists react, and, more importantly, how will they survive?
I found the science in the novel to be well-developed. What kind of research did you do to make sure you got it all right?
You’re absolutely right, a ton of research work went into this project. For the story to be believable, the science has to be solid, and that’s what I tried to ensure while writing Europa. Everything from the appearance of the ice plates on the surface of the moon, to ’tidal flexing’ as a result of Jupiter’s immense gravity squeezing its icy shell, to the risk of asteroid impacts is taken from what we currently understand about the Jovian System. In my story, the only difference is that Europa rotates on its axis because of an asteroid collision in the near future. If it remained tidally locked with Jupiter as it is now––one side continuously facing the planet—there would be little gravity and no rise and fall of Jupiter in the ’sky’.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The tenacity of the human spirit. Strip away all the securities and luxuries of the modern world, remove family and friends, and put survival back on the table. Push the species to the brink of extinction and watch how people respond. Would basic instincts dictate their actions, selfish and short-sighted? Serving to advance individual goals. Or, would altruism reveal itself, and people suck up the pain and suffering and put community first. How would leaders make decisions that were never black and white but varying shades of grey? And could they shoulder the emotional toll and consequences?
Can we look forward to more science fiction from you soon? What are you currently working on?
This year will be an exciting one! Extinction will be released in April by Podium Entertainment, followed by its sequel, Emergence, six months later (December 2025). We’re currently working on the final revisions and cover art for that one.
My second series, the First Command Trilogy, will be released by Aethon; First Command in February, Second Chances in March, and Trinity in April.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
At long last, humanity has moved beyond Earth and begun seeding new worlds. Colonies extend across the solar system, from Luna to Mars to Saturn’s satellite Titan. Even Jupiter’s moon Europa has become home to a couple thousand brave souls willing to risk their lives adapting to its frozen and deadly landscape.
After his previous mission in Africa ended in a violent uprising in which he lost every man under his command, Lt. Ryan Braeder’s posting to Europa is his last chance to salvage a military career that’s in tatters. Here on Jupiter’s moon, he’s been tasked with easing tensions between the military and an unruly civilian board.
It seems the governor and his cronies are attempting to usurp military command in a play for control. But Braeder’s diplomatic efforts are met with defiance as mistrust grows on both sides, threatening the colony’s safety. And that’s before events Earthside turn his world upside down.
Braeder can only watch helplessly as war erupts on his home planet, releasing a biological plague that sweeps the globe. Supply transports to the colonies are canceled. In a few short months, Braeder’s friends, his family—everyone he has ever known—are dead. The human race hovers on the brink of extinction.
Now, Braeder’s got one chance to save the colony on Europa. Can he implement a ration plan that borders on starvation, avoid a full-blown mutiny, and prevent Earth’s survivors from bringing the deadly plague? One thing’s for sure: the future of his species depends on it.
Extinction
Extinction, by Michael Simon, is a gripping science fiction thriller set in a future where humanity has expanded its reach into space, establishing colonies on distant moons like Europa. The story follows Lieutenant Ryan Braeder and his crew as they face life-threatening challenges, including an asteroid hurtling toward their colony and the political and interpersonal conflicts that arise within their community. Packed with intense action, layered characters, and thought-provoking dilemmas, the book explores themes of survival, leadership, and the resilience of the human spirit.
One thing that immediately stood out to me was Simon’s knack for creating a palpable sense of urgency. The vivid descriptions of the colony on Europa, juxtaposed against the cold, harsh beauty of space, made me feel like I was right there with the crew. Simon’s detailed account of the frantic repairs and the race against time kept my heart pounding. The writing here isn’t just visually engaging; it’s visceral. The character development is another highlight. Ryan’s struggle with past traumas adds depth to his role as a leader. He’s not just a hero in the traditional sense but a deeply flawed and human one. His flashbacks to a harrowing mission in Africa, where he lost comrades and civilians alike, are heartbreaking and explain the inner demons that drive his decisions. Yet, Simon doesn’t fall into the trap of making Ryan’s pain the only focus. His interactions with his crew, particularly the no-nonsense Captain Tracy and the eccentric engineer Gunner bring levity and camaraderie that balance the narrative.
What intrigued me most were the political undercurrents woven into the story. The civilian Board’s conflicts with the military crew over control of vital resources like the greenhouse provide a nuanced look at the challenges of governance in isolated environments. The debates felt grounded and real, reflecting the broader question of how power and responsibility are shared in high-stakes situations. The tension escalates as the Board’s agenda clashes with Ryan’s duty to protect the colony. I found myself frustrated on Ryan’s behalf during these moments but also appreciating how Simon painted even the antagonistic characters, like Governor Bordeaux, with shades of gray rather than simple villainy.
Extinction is a must-read for fans of character-driven sci-fi. It’s a book that will appeal to anyone who loves space exploration stories with a strong emotional core and thought-provoking ethical dilemmas. Simon’s writing shines with its blend of high-octane action, complex characters, and atmospheric world-building. This is a story that lingers, making you ponder the fragile line between extinction and survival.
ASIN : B0DJMSMMVZ
LITERARY TITAN 