Just 25 light years from the dying Earth is a fresh, earth-like planet that beckons with radio transmissions. The six last surviving humans make the journey through space--to find a world riddled with mysteries, and answers to questions nobody had thought to ask...in the ghostly city of Avamish. Paul and Licia Menard struggle with the defunct customs of distant Earth as a beautiful blue princess and a mysterious shaman guide them in an often terrifying world. .,."a riveting, involving read from page one to page last. What a great central concept: a world without metals, and all the implications there of. I found the solution to the mystery of Avamish to be another letter-perfect John Argo humanitarian notion: the beauty of the dream, of the ideal, even in the face of scientific impossibility due to the lack of metals. I also found myself admiring the originality in the spousing/despousing social hierarchy of the Aeries. I loved this book. I loved the characters..(and)...an Earth devastated and nearly forgotten, a new hope in the stars--both for mankind in general and for a specific man with an unusual alien love. Keeps coming back to me in my thoughts--a sure sign that this is a great read."--John K. Muir, author of 7 books and media critic (SciFi Channel, Cinescape, Deep Outside SFFH, etc.) "The premise ... is interesting, and Mr. Argo's prose is spare and crisp ... definitely thought-provoking."--Catherine Witmer, Scribblers Reviews "I highly recommend this book. Pioneers is well written, the characters well developed and believable. Their journey will keep you reading till the end. I for one will be looking for a sequel!"--Mary Adair, Kim Ganoa Reviews "Highly recommended!"--TracyEastgate, Under The Covers Reviews "A Memorable Gem: This is a gem. Ingenious and well-realized setting; three-dimensional, accessible characters; engrossing story; artful imagery that lingers in the mind long after the story ends. No cheap flashiness here, just clear, quality prose."--Susanna Nied, editor/translator