Skip to Content

Book Review: Breaking Colossus by Matt Wright

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here.

Breaking Colossus, the latest novel by Matt Wright, is an enthralling and action-packed space opera that will take readers on a thrilling adventure through a vast, intergalactic conflict.

As someone who loves science fiction and space operas, I was excited to read this book. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

What’s the Story About

The book is set in a universe where the Ascendancy and Dominion Constellar are at war, and there is fear and prejudice against the Arrows, a genetically modified race designed to fight in the war.

Against this backdrop, the book follows the journey of Trin, a protagonist who is fleeing through Ascendancy space in a small ship, trying to evade pursuit. Her core has been damaged, and she has only two fragmented memories driving her: a human face and a promise to find their son.

This intriguing premise immediately drew me in and kept me engaged throughout the book.

The novel begins with Trin discovering the Titanus, an Ascendancy bladeship, and using her technology to cloak herself from detection. She reflects on the ongoing war and her fear of humans’ fear of Arrows. From this point on, the action never lets up, as Trin is pursued by the Ascendancy, forcing her to use all of her wits and resources to evade capture.

Meanwhile, the novel also introduces Roth Soleis, an intelligence officer on a bladeship in space. Roth has a perfect memory, which he finds both a blessing and a curse, and is torn between military duty and family when his father, the legendary Grey Soleis, is reported missing in action.

Characters

As the story progresses, we are introduced to a range of compelling characters, each with their own motivations and secrets.

Alora Soleis, Roth’s mother and the queen of her homeworld, must navigate a treacherous political landscape while also dealing with personal grief and loss. She is a strong and capable leader, whose grief and loss give her a vulnerability that is both relatable and compelling. Ourania, the hierophant of the local chapter of the religion of the stars, known as Sterology, offers a fascinating exploration of religion in a futuristic setting. Platon, head of security for the queen, is tasked with keeping her safe while also dealing with threats both real and imagined.

One of the most interesting characters in the book is Roth Soleis, an intelligence officer on a bladeship in space. Roth’s perfect memory makes him a valuable asset to the military, but it also brings with it its own set of challenges. His internal conflict between fulfilling his duties as an officer and his desire to find his missing father, Grey Soleis, is a compelling storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The various supporting characters are also well-written, each with their own distinct personality and voice.

Themes

What makes Breaking Colossus such an engaging read is its skillful blend of action, politics, and religion. The book is packed with thrilling space battles, tense political intrigue, and thoughtful reflections on the nature of belief and faith. The universe in which the book is set is also well-developed, with different factions and species that add depth to the story.

The book presents a universe that is complex and nuanced, with different factions and species all vying for power and control. The Arrows, a genetically modified race created to fight in the war, face prejudice and discrimination from humans despite their contributions to the war effort. This storyline raised important questions about the treatment of marginalized groups and the effects of war on society.

Wright’s world-building is impressive, with a richly detailed universe that feels fully realized and believable. The various planets, cultures, and technologies that populate the book are all intricately described, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.

Despite its serious themes, Breaking Colossus is also highly entertaining. The book is filled with action-packed sequences that will have you eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.

Writing style

The author’s writing style is highly descriptive and immersive, making the world-building and character development feel effortless and natural.

The story moves at a steady pace, with action scenes interspersed with moments of introspection and character development. The various subplots all tie together in a satisfying way, and the ending leaves the reader wanting more. The dialogue is sharp and to the point, with sensory details being used to create an immersive atmosphere, such as the sound of chairs being moved aside and the automatic sliding of the door.

Matt uses a lot of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the characters and the setting, and there’s a focus on creating a strong atmosphere and mood throughout the book. There’s also a lot of attention paid to character development, with each character having clear personalities and motivations.

Verdict

Overall, I highly recommend Breaking Colossus to anyone seeking a gripping space opera that is as intellectually engaging as it is thrilling. It is an excellent debut novel from a talented writer who is sure to make a name for themselves in the genre.

As the first book in what promises to be an epic series, Breaking Colossus lays a solid foundation for future installments, introducing readers to a complex and intriguing universe that begs to be further explored.

The book is fast-paced, exciting, and filled with memorable characters and moments. It is a promising start to what looks to be an epic and thrilling new series from a talented writer, and an engaging read that will appeal to fans of both science fiction and action/adventure novels.


I hope you enjoyed my book review for Breaking Colossus by Matt Wright! Happy reading! ❤️