In the not-too-distant future, three humans have been sent on a one way trip to Mars to begin colonization. Awaiting them there are three worker bots who had arrived earlier to construct their new home and research facility. However, shortly before arrival, the humans are unable to communicate with the worker bots. Fearing something has gone horribly wrong, they attempt a risky and dangerous landing unguided. While successful albeit a little banged up, the three arrive to find their station damaged and the worker bots loaded with conflicting stories of what happened.

On the heels of his critically acclaimed A.I. horror novel WILLIAM, Mason Coile (pseudonym for Andrew Pyper) had written EXILES as well as another yet-to-be-published novel, before tragically passing away earlier this year following a battle with cancer. EXILES plays with themes of isolation and loneliness due to its remote setting, but also delves into a yearning for understanding and what it means to be an individual. With the rise of AI permeating our society today, it’s especially relevant; certainly given the direction we’re all headed.

EXILES is also deeply unsettling. The barren terrain of Mars is a fantastic setting for what is ultimately a locked room mystery. The unseen forces outside the dwelling, the skepticism of what could be lurking in the unknown, and the stubbornness of humanity’s need to be right all lead to some pretty imaginative writing from Coile. I absolutely loved the journey this novel took me on and the author certainly stuck the landing, to say the least. It’s a perfect quick read for October (or even the dead of winter if you find yourself trapped indoors during a snowstorm).

It’s a shame he won’t be around to collect the accolades that he richly deserves for this novel. Thankfully, he was quite the prolific author and has a vast back catalogue of over two dozen novels.