Colonyside: A Novel: Planetside, Book 3

This takes place a couple of years after the ending of the previous book.Carl Butler is living alone on a backwoods planet. He's developed a healthy interest in gardening and the quiet lifestyle has done wonders for him. Then General Serata shows up and ruins the idyllic setting. He recruits Carl for another job: a powerful CEO's daughter has died under some flaky circumstances. Since Carl's own daughter died young, he feels an affinity for the guy and accepts the job.Similar to the previous two books, this is a combination of mystery and military sci-fi. Carl tries to solve the mystery while dealing with shady defence contractors, stubborn military officials, crooked politicians, protesters, a toxic alien environment, and his own moral dilemmas.Carl is a fantastic character. He's a balding no-nonsense retired colonel with an amusing way with words. He wasn't given an obligatory romantic relationship in this series, so that was good. He has a few friends and that's it. He screws up at times, so he's not perfect. He still drinks too much. But I loved tagging along with him for three books. The ending left a door ajar, so maybe there'll be a Book 4 in the future.

Liked the read, but the formula is getting predictable. Would probably still read a fourth one, but if it’s the same formula different setting, I would stop after that.

I have buzzed through this trilogy the past drew weeks and have thoroughly enjoyed myself at most every turn. The main character, Carl Butler, is not just believable, but some (as one of the blurbs say) you want to buy a drink. Imagine the stories he'd have. In fact, I hate that this is just a trilogy - maybe Butler is getting too old or cynical for more adventures. But he seems like a guy who has trouble saying 'no'. I gave Colonyside four stars because it didn't have the same "spark" as Planetside and Spaceside, but I'd still recommend any one of the three. In fact, you should read them all.

I’d forgotten what it was like being a kid with a well worn Sci-fi paperback jammed in my back pocket - looking up to the stars with my version of a thousand yard stare and yearning for adventure. Well, that kid has awakened and he’s had one hell of a ride through time and space with “Planetside” to “ Spaceside” and finally to “Colonyside.” Good guys, bad guys, politicians, big green monsters and backstabbers - all brought vividly to life from the creativity of Michael Mammay…and then there’s Colonel (retired) Carl Butler - a man with a dislike for red type, rigid rules and planetary desperadoes. All I can say is… Hang on for the ride.

...Michael Mammay has a knack for writing in a compact, get to the point style with snappy dialog that cuts through all the typical over-explaining minutiae and hand wringing that bogs down so many SF books and his ability to introduce and describe characters and situations with a sentence or two is refreshing and a rare talent indeed. With his military background you'd think that his take on the genre would be over-bearing and eye roll inducing but he nails the story again in this third outing with Col. (ret.) Carl Butler and I can't wait for his next effort. Buy it. Enjoy it.

Loved the opening scenes where Carl is trying to become a gardener. Hee Hee! Poor Colonel Butler, now they have a law enacted to prevent genocide from species on new planets! The Butler law!!! The poor man just can't get a break.Luckily he has Mac, Ganos, and a new liaison Fader to help him out. Once again he is put through the wringer, but he is always true to his conscience. Michael Mammay has become an auto-buy for me. I have read all three of his books and enjoyed them immensely.

Solid 4 star book. Wish it was 500 pages. The world building is fantastic. Love the military slant. Hope this series continues. Carl makes me think of Hosh Brolin. Not to old and just seasoned enough, would make a great series on NF. If you like Altered Carbon don’t miss this.

Colonyside is every bit a good as Mammay's 2 previous books. There is mystery, danger & action in a colony on a distant planet. There are political, corporate & military conspiracies & conflicts. The characters are well drawn & realistic. You don't have to be a fan of military SF to enjoy this novel.

As I have mentioned in my reviews of the previous books in the series, these are more investigative thrillers than Sci-Fi. However this one does rely more on science fiction than the previous 2This time round they investigate the disappearance of a rich businessmans daughter, but with the usual military and political issues that this series thrives on

First, this and the proceeding books in the series are very enjoyable, easy reads. I just want to note how the author really captures some nice, small details of military life and relationships. Anyone who has served in the US military in the past 15 years will find themselves quite at home with the characters in the series, and likely knows real life people who strongly resemble these archetypes.

Very well written, good story and enjoyable read. Start with the first book if possible, but this one works as a standalone too.