Generation 23 by Ivan Ertlov is a crime thriller set in outer space on board a massive spaceship called the Trappist where a colony of humans lives in a dystopian yet peaceful society. The main character, Maria Gomez, is a Justiciar, the title given to the one who carries out the rule of law on board the mammoth spaceship. Maria is police officer, detective, prosecutor and judge all rolled into one. Her investigation of a minor crime by a low-level worker escalates into a case of multiple murders. Though top level officials want to declare the case closed, she finds evidence the crimes are a cover-up. As Maria learns dark secrets about the purpose of the colony's mission, she has a choice; keep quiet and allow their finely tuned society to continue traveling through space for many more generations, or expose the lies, bringing on certain revolution of the masses on board the spaceship.

Generation 23 succeeds in its effort to bring together two popular genres, crime thriller and futuristic science fiction. The no-nonsense detective work of Maria Gomez and her associates plays out like the gumshoe private eyes of old black and white movies. She is sexier and she carries a weapon with a whole lot more power than the old-time revolvers, but her crime solving methods and skills are more or less the same. The science fiction element of the story is also intriguing and very well thought out. Having her investigation taking place on board a spaceship far out in space, with a colony of human beings whose whole life is confined to that same ship, made the overall setting seem fragile, as if one wrong step by the main characters would bring the whole thing crashing down. I highly recommend Ivan Ertlov’s Generation 23 for readers who like equal doses of science fiction and crime thriller mashed together into a satisfying blend of adult-oriented reading fun.

"Two bodies in one day, two violent deaths." Who is behind the mysterious deaths in Generation 23, and what is their motive? It's the fourth year of the 23rd generation for the humans who left earth before it was destroyed and journeyed to faraway planets in the colonial generation ship: the Trappist. Maria Gomez is one of the Indispensables, who uphold the law for the Nobles and ensure the workforce remains controlled. She takes on a mission to apprehend a chicken thief but discovers some secrets that make her question what she stands for. Is Maria bold enough to fight for justice and forgo her privileges? In a bid to explore something different, Ivan Ertlov creates an addictive, action-packed sci-fi story with elements of dystopia, crime, and thriller in Generation 23.

Generation 23 is not just a book. It's a feeling; one that engulfs you in a surreal atmosphere that you won't want to leave. If you love elaborate fictional worlds with detailed parts that fit together perfectly like a jigsaw puzzle or a mathematical equation, you will definitely love Generation 23. I was drawn into the book by the vivid dystopian world and the climactic, heart-racing hunt for the truth. Ivan Ertlov's book shows us that it is important to challenge our beliefs regularly and keep searching for the truth even if the most influential people around us believe differently. Maria is given a powerful voice and a distinctive personality that is easy to relate to and like. Although I would have loved a follow-up to the story because of its open ending, I am thrilled to find out about the sequel to the book even though it is set in a century earlier.

During a routine murder investigation, a law enforcer on a spaceship traveling from Earth to another planet discovers their voyage across the stars is based on lies in the scintillating science-fiction novel, Generation 23 (Hallowed be Thy Noble Name: Goliath Chronicles 1) by Ivan Ertlov. Maria Gomez is a Justiciar aboard Trappist, the space ship traveling to another planet to establish a settlement. Her job is to keep the peace and dispense justice among the workforce. Called to investigate the murder of the chief archivist, Maria realizes something is off from the moment she steps into the murder scene. While going through the archivist's data, Maria uncovers some shocking facts in the dead woman's research. It reveals discrepancies in the history of the Trappist and its voyage. Matters become more complicated when she meets the Samaritan, the anonymous benefactor to the underprivileged workforce. With more murders committed and her own life threatened, her loyalty to the Nobles wavers. Have the Nobles misled the voyagers? Is it possible Earth survived?

Generation 23 (Hallowed be Thy Noble Name: Goliath Chronicles 1) by Ivan Ertlov is an exciting science-fiction novel with action-packed scenes and a brilliant backdrop. It is a cleverly written story with an intricate plot, a unique setting, and fascinating characters. Although the story takes place in outer space on a spaceship, a dystopian society is an intrinsic aspect of the plotline. The characters and their circumstances are lifelike, and it is easy to relate to their resentment and outrage. It is a phenomenal science-fiction novel that will delight and thrill everyone who loves science-fiction and dystopian stories. Due to sexually intimate scenes and strong language, the book is more suitable for a mature reader.

Generation 23: Hallowed Be Thy Noble Name by Ivan Ertlov is a sci-fi fantasy with elements of dystopia wound through it. While Earth has gone, humanity hasn’t. They are on their way to find a new home, traveling on generation ships to the stars and the distant planets. On the ship called Trappist, 23 generations of the journey have passed and a small handful of justices are managing to keep law and order. They are the Indispensables, the most feared and respected of the Nobles' workforce, the people who keep everything in check. Maria Gomez is an Indispensable. She has made peace with spending the rest of her life on the ship and spends her time doing her job. Then a chicken thief changes it all for her. The biggest case of her life, her mission will challenge everything she believes in and change life as she knows it for everyone.

Generation 23: Hallowed Be Thy Noble Name by Ivan Ertlov is a gritty sci-fi novel that will have you on the edge of your seat. The first in the Goliath Chronicles series, it sets the scene perfectly for the second book and takes sci-fi to another level entirely. Part sci-fi, part dystopian story, this book is packed with action, some a little violent but not outside the realms of the story, and has some brilliantly developed characters. The story is based around a political hierarchy of the crew and passengers but it doesn’t have a political feel to it. What it does do is open your eyes to the potential for political corruption. I really enjoyed this story; it had a solid plot, moved at a steady pace, and offered enough action to keep me hooked. Perfect for fans of sci-fi, dystopia, or a story that might be outside your normal genre – it’s well worth the read.