The metal of a man is measured by what is inside.

Despite every attempt to secure their community on the beautiful but dangerous planet of Avalon, after five years the colonists are forced to flee, using the technology left behind by the Caretakers. As head of security, it is Al Clark's responsibility to find a new, safe home for the settlers, but this could prove a difficult task. Continuing on from book two, Thera follows the adventures of Clark and the would be settlers into new worlds and dangers as they desperately look for a home.

This is good, solid,, old time science fiction, exploring both people's perceptions as well as the nature of the planet's encountered. Although characterisation is not a main feature, the protagonists have grown sufficiently over the previous volumes for this not to be a problem and the story itself holds excitement and thrills. The reader is drawn into the hopes that, against all odds, a new safe home will be found and that Al, himself, will survive. Possibly the least involving of the three books, Thera is still a fitting and engaging conclusion to the trilogy.
The narrator, John McLaughlin, is new to the series, replacing the excellent Jonathan C.Meyer. He also delivers a good performance but, without the emotional involvement of his predecessor, the reading does not have quite the same impact.

My thanks to the rights holder of Thera, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me a complimentary copy. The whole Al Clark series had been a pleasure to hear, innocent but full of adventure with some thought provoking ideas. As such, the books are for all ages, from youth to the older science fiction fan.

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