Extinction: A Military Sci-Fi Thriller

Extinction, Book 1

By: Michael Simon

Narrated by: Roger Wayne

In this military SF thriller, a colony on one of Jupiter's moons will either be the last bastion of human civilization . . . or ground zero for its extinction.

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.

©2025 Michael Simon (P)2025 Podium Audio

Critic reviews

“Leviathan Wakes meets Battlestar Galactica in this high-stakes story of survival on the moon of Jupiter. Heart-pounding and thrilling, Extinction follows an unlikely leader as he races to save humanity against impossible odds.”

(Claire Barner, author of Moonrising)

"An interstellar yarn wrought with suspense and indelible characters.”

(Kirkus Reviews)

"Packed with intense action, layered characters, and thought-provoking dilemmas . . . This is a story that lingers, making you ponder the fragile line between extinction and survival."

(Literary Titan)

Very believable

Great story and narration leaves you looking forward to the next release. Honestly can't think of any negatives...11

pretty good

I likes the amount of detail didn't feel too far after in future tech

the resilience of the lt.

I enjoyed the storyline which had multiple ups and down. I also enjoyed the readers voice.

One of the best Military Sci-Fi books I’ve listened to in a LONG time!

I almost didn’t listen to this book after seeing a reading under 4 stars on average. Free book, so what the heck? I don’t understand how this hasn’t gotten 5 stars across the board. You have absolutely no choice but to get emotionally invested in every character of the book. I cannot wait to listen to the 2nd book of the series! Great, very unique story with issues both pragmatic and simple but at the same time, nuanced and complex. If you’re wondering if you should listen or not, JUST DO IT! It’s free after all and you won’t be disappointed.

Forboding and Desperate

Excellent!. Its a superb read of a desperate struggle to survive on a frozen hellscape. Looking forward to book 2's release.