The Third Test

De: Alyssa Hazel

Narrado por: Son of Sonnet

Colony 76 is silent. Distracted by civil war, its mother planet Kasian has been unable to reconnect. Until now. Catina, an Acolyte stuck within her Tests, spearheads a mission of mercy. Though each crew member has their own motives for being there, they must all band together to make it home. For those who live on Colony 76 dwell in the deep. And the dark.

©2023 Alyssa Hazel (P)2025 Alyssa Hazel

A Mystical Sci-fi Thriller

In the best way possible, this is a small story in a large universe. The vast majority of the tale centers around a single ship and a single colony. But just enough detail is given to make you aware of the larger universe and wanting to know more.

The tale itself is quite enjoyable, even if Alyssa is a monster for putting a fictional 10-year-old child through all this trauma. A dark thriller that does not revel in the shadows it explores, this surprisingly deep tale of horror and providence deserves a spot in any sci-fi lover’s library.

Solid Sci Fi Story

I'm in a rather weird position, as I read Second Initiative before this one, so obviously I already knew some of the events going into it. So obviously you should consider this all with a grain of salt if you're going to read through this review as i'll compare the two.

The third test involves Catia setting out on a pilgrimage to a 'silent' colony as a way to finish the Third Test. However, things go foul almost immediately, and suddenly she finds herself in a new position she wasn't prepared for. Great premise for a story, with part 1 largely being the trek there (Relatively short) with the rest unfolding as they land and make contact with the seemingly lost colony.

So, the premise is great. Honestly reminded me a bit of Pitch Black. It introduces us to the universe, the major religion, and the Mitrite that seems to be the cause of both war and a potential needed power source for the human race. Humans need it. They War for it. And the events of the Novel imply there has been a 'lot' of blood shed involving it. We learn that it also considered holy, something that gets explored later, and I imagine it's... a bit more complicated given Hazel's propensity to delve into the weird and cosmic horror, something a bit more reinforced in the second novel.

But I didn't enjoy this as much as Second Initiative. Some of it is due to length, given Third Test is a little under half as long as Second Initiative. It also just barely touches the meta physical, although in this book it could have been removed without changing the plot. But given the events of Second Initiative, it's also absolutely needed given it serves as a set up.

So taking it as a stand alone book, it's good, it's enjoyable, but not as good as the next one in the series. But taken as a prequel book to the events of the second, and down the line the third book... well, I think time will tell. Solid read, would recommend.

Solid Sci-fi and character exploration.

not only do you get to explore the universe of this sci-fi with gritty interplanetary FTL travel, you really get into the feeling and thoughts of each character in visceral descriptions. Definitely must pick up If you enjoy intrigue, character development and interactions, and a gritty sci-fi universe with FTL travel with a cost.
can't wait for the next chapter of this story!

Leaves you wanting more

I listened through twice. i'm glad there are sequels because I'm not ready to say good bye to this universe

Quick easy space survival listen

Narrator does a really good job using different voices and accents for different characters and situations.

Story reminded of part Alien, part The Martian, and even elements of Dune. A space acolyte story without two lesbians creating a baby out of the force.

I follow this author on X so I’m already familiar with her work. I enjoyed “Among the Juniper Trees” from this same author .

This is only about 5 hours long so can be listened to in a single day. I enjoyed this audiobook enough to get it on Kindle also.