The novel “Triton” by John Walker was published for the first time in 2020. It’s the first book in The Descendants War series.
The starship Triton picks up a distress call from the Gerdon System, and Captain Rudy Barrington expects the colony that transmitted it to be under attack by pirates. However, the mysterious attackers are equipped with far more powerful weapons than the colonial fleet, and only the intervention of another starship of unknown origin saves the Triton from destruction.
Commander Titus Barnes, who took command of the Triton after Captain Barrington died during the battle, suddenly finds himself dealing with two alien powers. Willing or not, humanity gets embroiled in an interstellar war. The Triton’s first operation after significant technological upgrades involves rescuing two archaeologists who have discovered ancient artifacts.
“Triton” begins The Descendants War series. It has the characteristics of very classic science fiction, set in a future where humanity has expanded into space, colonizing several planets. There’s a significant military science fiction component, even though the novel begins with the captain of the colonial fleet’s starship Triton expecting to face pirates capable of subjugating civilians but incapable of fighting a military starship.
After having only failures in finding traces of alien civilizations, two of them reveal themselves through the presence of a starship in the Gerdon System. The Kahl are an aggressive interstellar empire whose leaders believe they have the right to rule the galaxy. The Prytin are the most important species in an alliance that seeks to limit the Kahl’s ambitions and invite humans to join them.
In this first book, I can’t honestly say that the plot contains any original elements compared to previous works, nor that it’s particularly sophisticated. Compared to the classic space operas that appeared in pulp magazines, it includes elements that are decidedly more typical of modern works, starting with the character development, which goes far beyond certain stereotypical representations too often found decades ago.
John Walker also pays attention to the villains with a subplot that follows the Kahl Empire’s General Renz Divol and some of his associates. The author develops them as well, giving them personal stories that help us understand their motives and certain aspects of Kahl society. This first novel ends with a key moment in the mission of Milna Lithe, an agent of General Divol who is trying to locate a mysterious figure known only as the Prophet.
The parts about the encounters between humans and Prytin and the ones focusing on the Kahl are structured so as not to slow down the generally fast pace. A good portion of the novel is still devoted to battles and, therefore, intense action. Plot twists, revelations, and various surprises help maintain the reader’s interest.
The element of science fiction archaeology included in this novel seems used mainly to cause another armed conflict. The two archaeologists protagonist of this subplot find artifacts that suggest ancient, advanced technologies, so it’s possible that this element will be significantly developed in the sequels.
Overall, “Triton” is an easy read, as it seamlessly blends some narrative elements. The various subplots reach important moments and will continue in the sequels. In short, John Walker wrote a story arc that developed over a number of books, meaning it makes sense to start The Descendants War series only if you’re prepared to read the sequels as well. You can find it on Amazon USA, UK, and Canada.
