Michael Mammay’s Planetside series is a refreshingly grounded take on military science fiction, blending classic genre elements with gripping mystery plots and a protagonist who’s equal parts grizzled soldier and reluctant detective. Across the first three books, Planetside, Spaceside, and Colonyside, Mammay delivers character-driven stories that are smart, sharp, and emotionally resonant.
Book One: Planetside
Planetside kicks off the trilogy, not with interstellar warfare or sweeping galactic politics, but with a tightly contained mystery. Colonel Carl Butler, a seasoned military officer with a no-nonsense demeanor, is sent to a remote planet to investigate the disappearance of a high-ranking official’s son. What unfolds is a taut, twist-laden narrative that remains planet-bound and station-based, proving that compelling science fiction doesn’t need to span light-years to hit hard.
What sets Planetside apart is Butler himself. His grounded, pragmatic voice draws you in immediately. He’s a man who knows the chain of command, respects the people under him, and isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers when something smells off. He’s not your typical gung-ho action hero, and that’s exactly what makes him so compelling. The book deftly shifts gears several times, keeping the mystery engaging without resorting to spectacle. It’s a lean, fast-paced read with real substance.
Book Two: Spaceside
The sequel, Spaceside, builds brilliantly on the foundation of the first book. While it continues the fusion of military procedural and science fiction, it adds deeper emotional complexity by exploring the mental and psychological toll of the events in Planetside. Butler is still recovering, and his struggles are portrayed with an honesty that’s rare in the genre. His dry wit remains intact, but now there’s an undercurrent of vulnerability that adds further depth to his character.
The pacing here is a deliberate slow-burn at first, giving us time to sit with the characters and the corporate-drenched world Mammay builds. The second half ramps up the tension and stakes significantly, delivering the kind of payoff that makes the buildup worth it. This entry again blends mystery, military intrigue, and science fiction ethics seamlessly, proving again that Mammay isn’t just writing about war; he’s writing about people in the machinery of power.
Book Three: Colonyside
By the time we reach Colonyside, it’s clear this series is something special. Carl Butler remains one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve met sci-fi. Sharp-tongued, fiercely intelligent, and wholly unpretentious. He’s not out to save the world, he’s just trying to do the job, survive, and maybe, if no one pisses him off too much, leave things a little better than he found them.
Mammay’s greatest strength lies in voice. Butler’s narration is dripping with dry humor and tactical insight, and the dialogue is crisp, believable, and really entertaining in its understated sarcasm. But beneath the banter lies a story that wrestles with real stakes: trust, betrayal, and the blurry morality of military operations and corporate interests. The action is well-paced and never gratuitous—every fight scene, every chase, serves the story and deepens our understanding of the characters.
Colonyside expands the scope while keeping the intimate tone that’s defined the series. Ethical questions about loyalty, responsibility, and the cost of doing what’s “right” hit harder because we’ve come to care deeply about these flawed, complex people. The mystery at the heart of the book keeps you turning pages, but it’s Butler’s voice that keeps you invested.
Overall
The Planetside series is a favourite sci-fi for me. It’s not flashy space opera, it’s smart, character-focused storytelling with just enough grit, action, and intrigue to keep you hooked from page one. If you’re looking for a series that blends military sci-fi with noir mystery, and features a protagonist who feels authentic, snarky, and deeply human, Michael Mammay’s series is absolutely worth your time.
I was super happy when I realised there’s a book four for me to look forward to!
