A very sci-fi read that is not at all book to cozy up with to relax. I was hoping for something more on the lines of Mickey 7 and its sequel, but this was more about alien-human relations.

This is a 'first contact' story but has so many layers. Earth has been invaded by a company named Unity that hires humans to travel space and make first contact with new species. The goal is to bring them under the Unity fold for peace and prosperity. There is a major competitor, The Assembly, that arrives at the same time as our main characters. Dalton is the muscle, Neera is the support person and an alien is in charge of the ship. There is intrigue, translation issues, misunderstandings of the alien society as well as misunderstandings of their true purpose. Overall an enjoyable read.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ashton's The Fourth Consort. Like Mickey7, the book offers a humorous representation of work; our character is an expandable "ground-pounder," working off-Earth to escape his troubles and make it to a big payday. The book's also a clever take on the first contact plot. Here, first contact involves humans working for an interstellar agency recruiting planets into its federation: How do you convince other sentient species that your vision of progress is the right one? How do concepts of honor square with the overwhelming forces of technology?

Ashton makes compelling use of the problem of translation, as the protagonist's AI companion can't always fully or accurately translate the speech of non-human characters. Sometimes the results are funny, but they also end up being moving, as progressively better translations reveal not only new threats but also surprising intimacies.

Overall, The Fourth Consort is a relatively fast-paced story about cultural difference and communication, well-written with pointed (not quite slapstick) humor. As a point of criticism, I will say that the human characters are directly from central casting, even the details of the protagonist's personal history reading like the equivalent of a prepackaged frozen meal.

Edward Ashton is quickly becoming one of my favorite sci-fi authors. This is a good read if you have enjoyed his other books. I was intrigued by the first contact style story with some alien politics thrown in. This book is humorous and quirky. If you enjoy John Scalzi, you should give this one a try.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy!

Having already experienced Ashton’s writing through Mickey7, I had a modicum of expectation for the dark, sardonic humor The Fourth Consort possesses in abundance. Mixed with a touch of weirdness, even for the Scifi genre, the story of Neera and Dalton goes down in my reading repertoire as creative, a bit disturbing, and just plain fun—but with a grimace. A bit like the old rides at pop-up fairs, such as The Zipper, Ashton’s writing should always be given a go at least once for the experience but never on a full stomach.

Dalton begins the story with a sarcastic disposition, a sullen attitude, and a bleak outlook on everything in existence. He’s a representative for humanity and a type of planetary confederation, Unity, on a mission to establish contact—and, of course, beneficial trading agreements—with previously undiscovered lifeforms in the ever-expanding known universe. His sidekick, Neera, shares a remarkably similar personality, excepting a moral compass.

With these two space hoppers, readers travel to a planet populated with warrior insect-type beings, which I interpret to be some resemblance to praying mantises, given the matriarchal structure of their society and their tendency to kill and eat the males (all off-page allusions) after mating. I’ll leave the details of what the title means to readers, should any decide to pick the book up and give it a read. It’s certainly very Ashton-like.

For a book that doesn’t quite hit the 300-page mark, this one packs an awful lot in a smaller space Ashton’s writing is both dense and concise, making The Fourth Consort a great choice for those who want the genre but not the hefty investment of time. Stopping far shy of the over-the-top humor in first contact comedies like Mars Attacks or Galaxy Quest, Dalton’s experiences with the minarchs still manages to offer something deeper for him to experience.

I appreciated Ashton’s humor immensely. Not much in books can make me laugh, but the wit had an air of intellectuality about it. For all his attempts at professionalism, Dalton sinks into a few spots of familiarity with some of his contacts/counterparts and lets some idioms and exasperations slip. To my delight, the characters clap back at him, showing humanity does not have the corner market on sarcasm.

Overall, 4/5. It’s hard to find fault with Ashton, though some of the background story could have used a tad more development where Unity is concerned. A lot is left to interpretation, which I don’t necessarily like, but it does make for great literary discussions in classrooms or book groups.

Heads up—this book contains explicit language and descriptive violence.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the DRC/ALC, for which I willingly give my own, honest opinion.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book, releasing February 25th!

This was my first Edward Ashton novel and I really enjoyed it! It's sort of a first contact story (there are other elements beyond that as well) and falls into my favorite genre of sci-fi with the more anthropological elements of cultural adaptation and (mis)understanding as well. It was a quick read but stayed engaging-I liked most of the characters and the pace was brisk but not too speedy. I was initially not sure how Ashton would pull off a satisfying ending, but I liked where it ended up. A lot of the bigger ideas and implications stayed fairly surface level, and I would have been interested to learn more about the larger context of the two groups running the show who were in conflict, but I also think it wasn't a bad choice to keep the scope of this more narrow.

Simple but effective, quick pacing, likable main characters (Dalton and Breaker specifically), and a good amount of humor throughout. Recommended for a quick and enjoyable sci-fi jaunt!

The Fourth Consort by Edward Ashton

I’m so glad I took a chance on this book! Ever since I joined NetGalley, I dreamed of the day when I would just be auto-approved for all of my favorite authors. So a few months back, when I got an email from NetGalley telling me I was auto-approved for a bunch of books by authors I had never heard of, I decided to say “what the heck!” And I downloaded all of them, thinking maybe I’d find something good, maybe I wouldn’t. So I was very pleased to be sucked right into The Fourth Consort by Edward Ashton. I didn’t know anything about this book going in, it I quickly learned that it was a first contact style book. Humanity is linked up with a conglomeration of other species (although they are way down in the pecking order) and the protagonist is part of a first contact team for a low tech species of alien bug type people (I kept picturing them as mantis-like). There is a rival alliance of aliens who get into a shooting match in orbit with this conglomeration resulting in our protagonist stranded on this planet with one other human and a rival alien from a stronger, more violent and honor based culture. The book was a really fun page turner, hampered just a bit by the protagonist being a great guy who was pretty great at everything he tried. He read like a super-competent cis white guy Andy Weir- style main character and was the least interesting person in the story. But other than his bland super-competence, the book was a lot of fun! I would totally read something else by this author and I hope he continues these characters’ stories.

I enjoyed this book, but there were a couple discrepancies in Dalton's character. Or seeming discrepancies. Neera sees Dalton as muscle, and that is what comes across. The almost sterotypical guy in movies who is more muscles than brains. But Dalton worked in tech. Had a higher level degree. Wasn't just muscle. But he kept coming across as if he couldn't reason out results to actions. How what he did would affect outcomes. By the end, I didn't feel that way anymore and very much enjoyed how the book played out.

As with any Edward Ashton book I’ve read: I couldn’t put it down; it was engaging from the beginning to the end; I was forced to immerse myself in a different world than mine; and there was a satisfying ending.

This alien world was a stretch for me and I had a difficult time imaging the life forms with it. Not because of his descriptive writing, but I just couldn’t wrap my mind around it. I liked the humor of the AI interpreter tech and unfortunately can see a future where we think the way we run our world would be beneficial to all worlds in the cosmos.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book.

‘Dalton Greaves is 3 years into having been hired as a human envoy of the “Unity” organization. His job is to make contact with and recruit new alien species for inclusion in Unity, but soon finds himself into some thorny difficulties this time. Neera is his human team-member aboard the “Good Tidings” starship and both work for their very demanding alien boss, Boreau. Unity has a competitor, the Assembly.’ That whole premise is not easily ascertained from the first few pages of this Uncorrected Digital Gallery and needs to be re-worked and clarified for the benefit of future readers. This novel takes a fascinating SciFi deep dive into alien cultures, structure and ceremonies as opposed to traditional space opera battles. The mysterious Dalton finds himself with some support from his AI-based alien language translator in a topsy-turvy, dangerous world where trust may be a fleeting commodity. The end was yet another unexpected twist. I would really like to see this engrossing stand-alone storyline continue. Four TREACHEROUS Stars! 251 pages, from a NetGalley free ARC copy provided for an honest review.

The Fourth Consort
by Edward Ashton
Science Fiction
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Feb. 25, 2025
St. Martin's Press
Ages: 14+

After the death of his father, Dalton Greaves' life stops and he finds himself moving from day to day in a fog until his girlfriend dumps him and he gets a job offer a minute later from a woman, Neera.

Now he is working as a representative for Unity, a group of 'pan-species' working to bring all sentient life into a single 'benevolent brotherhood'. There is another group that calls themselves the 'Assembly' who also claim they are trying to do the same, and they do not like/trust humans.

Neera and Dalton find themselves visiting the same planet as an Assembly ship, and after an event in orbit, both teams find themselves marooned. With Neera staying in the ship, Dalton finds himself dragged into a political fight, becoming the fourth consort of the ruling queen.


I have the feeling this was intended to be a 'Mickey' story. There are so many similarities! I get that things like that happen, a story goes one way so a pending idea will no longer work, (though I can think of a few ways to merge the stories...)

There were some funnies, but I felt the story was a little flat. The characters, especially Neera, are not thought out in great detail, almost as if they are hurried replacements from an original idea. And none of them gave me a reason to care for them, though Breaker, I didn't/don't trust him.

It's not a bad story, though it could use a lot more world, character, and plot building, but it moved along at a decent pace.

If this becomes a series, which I can think of a few ways it could, I would be interested in reading the next.

Not a lot of violence or other questionable content so it's suitable for readers fourteen and older.

3 Stars

I adore Edward Ashton’s books! He’s so good at what I will call ‘cozy sci-fi’. There are always stakes, but Ashton expertly weaves peril with humor and heart . The characters in this story, even the AI translator, are all infused with their own personalities, which made for some really funny scenes. The Second and Third consorts were hilarious and had me laughing out loud several times. And Dalton was a fantastic MMC. Discovering his past and how he came to be where he is was fascinating, and watching his character development throughout the story was so rewarding. But my favorite thing about the story was the interactions between Dalton and Breaker, their unlikely alliance, and eventual friendship. It was just so wholesome and charming. If you enjoy the humor and heart of Andy Weir, Martha Wells or John Scalzi I highly recommend The Fourth Consort! 4.5/5 Stars 🌟

I can tell that this is a very well written sci-fi with different beings a species and aliens. I did enjoy the political aspects of the story and the vulnerability of the characters. But, I think this helped me realize that while I can appreciate it as a good book, sci-fi just isn’t for me.

It was an interesting storyline with unique characters, I especially like the insect-like characters. I think that the flashback parts could have been done a little better; they seemed not to flow very well with the story. Overall I really enjoyed it.

Edward Ashton has a beautiful way with words as he tells a story so outlandish YET so beautifully poignant and relevant to our humanity that one can’t help but follow along with no hesitation. Packed with wry humor, suspense, and some gritty action, I highly recommend this for fans of sci-fi genre.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading a lot of books, but The Fourth Consort by Edward Ashton might just be one of the most entertaining stories I’ve ever encountered. Edward Ashton has this incredible ability to blend dark humor, sci-fi action, and surprising depth into a narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a wild ride that’s as thought-provoking as it is hilarious, this book is definitely for you.

The story follows Dalton Greaves, a human representative of Unity, a supposed intergalactic confederation that aims to unite all sentient life. Except, in true Ashton fashion, nothing is quite as it seems. Dalton quickly realizes that the so-called benevolent mission of Unity is far from what he's been told. The only other Unity members he encounters are more concerned with plundering than peace—specifically Boreau, a massive, shady snail-like creature, and Neera, his human sidekick who’s caught up in a dangerous game of survival.

The narrative takes a sharp turn when Dalton finds himself stuck between the Assembly—a mysterious, morally upright collective—and the chaos of alien worlds, where things are far from friendly. On top of that, he has to deal with Neera, who may just be more dangerous than the aliens or the political intrigue that surrounds him. The tension in this book is palpable, and it's a constant back-and-forth between humor and life-or-death situations that keeps you on your toes.

One of the things I appreciate most about The Fourth Consort is the blend of different genres. It’s not just a sci-fi adventure; it’s a dark comedy, a love triangle, and a first-contact story all wrapped up into one. The characters are complex and compelling, and the dialogue is sharp and witty. As Dalton navigates this bizarre and often dangerous world, you can’t help but laugh, even in the most tense moments.

Ashton’s writing is incredibly engaging, with moments of levity that make you genuinely care for the characters, even when they’re being swept up in the absurdity of their situation. Dalton, for all his flaws and confusion, is someone you root for, and Neera—well, she’s a force to be reckoned with. The chemistry between them is unpredictable, and watching their relationship evolve is one of the most interesting aspects of the story.

The book also raises a lot of philosophical questions about survival, morality, and trust. Dalton is put in situations where he has to decide how far he’s willing to go to make it out alive, and those decisions are often complicated by the fact that everyone around him is as self-interested as he is. The layers of intrigue and deception are fascinating, and they make you question what you would do in his shoes.

In short, The Fourth Consort is a brilliant blend of humor, heart, and hard choices. Edward Ashton has crafted a story that’s as unpredictable as it is entertaining, and I couldn’t put it down once I started. If you love sci-fi with a twist of comedy and a touch of romance (or danger, depending on how you see it), this book should be at the top of your list. The journey is wild, the stakes are high, and the laughs are plentiful—what more could you ask for?

I enjoyed the reflective humor and overall story. Different that what I typically read, but not without enjoyment. Definitely glad to have read it, and already recommended to a friend that I believe will enjoy it even more.

This book is irreverent and snarky in all the best ways. It drops you into an insane situation and somehow things keep getting weirder. I could absolutely see this being a series with The Fourth Consort as it's prequel, and I would absolutely read more to find out where these characters head next. This is absolutely a fun sci-fi romp and I found myself laughing, rolling my eyes and having heartfelt emotions all within one page. I recommend this for anyone who loves a quirky and weird plot, emotionally damaged ex-military characters, snarky AI and ambiguous world building. I'm usually all about lore, and I would've devoured every bit of it in this book if it were offered, but I did feel that the ambiguity fed the story and kept the plot moving, especially in a book that I imagine to be a standalone (or at the very least, is not a sweeping epic).

If you've enjoyed works by John Scalzi, find Col. Jack O'Neil endearing, and don't mind sympathizing with creatures that are essentially a giant cross between a beetle and a praying mantis (at least as I imagined them), I definitely recommend this one. If you are easily offended, prefer to avoid strong language and are new to sci-fi, you might want to skip it.

Edward Ashton has one favorite main character type, the seemingly incapable bumbling idiot, who is actually more capable then his self perception permits him to see. For The Fourth Consort our lead 'fool' is Dalton Greaves, a human who willingly joined the interstellar Unity with the task of finding other civilizations and convincing them to join with Unity.

Unfortunately for Greaves, his current mission has him stranded on the planet of the insect Minarchs. He's not alone, he has his fellow human Neera, who recruited him and Breaker. However, Breaker is from the stickmen race and part of the Unity competition, the Alliance. Highly reliant on technology to do the hard work of communication Dalton and Breaker are in competition to bring the Minarchs over to their side. This is not without risk or politics. Especially when the AI translator can only offer percentages on the accuracy of its language model.

The Fourth Consort is a story of first contact and learning about others. Dalton is frequently befuddled, and is our narrator. But his self deprecation and humor hide a keen intelligence with little hints scattered that sets the stage for a well delivered conclusion.

While intended as a standalone, I hope this universe is revisited.

Recommended for readers of science fiction, Star Trek away teams or political intrigue.

Fourth Consort is an adventurous trip to another world, where everything may not be as it seems. Whether it is the alien you are competing against or your co-worker, the qualities of a friend can be found in unlikely places. The dynamics of an alien society may not be as different from human interactions. Like all good science fiction, this novel presents opportunities for the reader to learn more about himself and his own world. With humorous as well as adventurous moments, I enjoyed reading this novel.