The Old Lie is a brilliant work of military science fiction and pertinent social justice writing. Coleman explores old themes of the costs of war, colonization, and weapons testing in a far flung yet all too recognizable setting, a near future that has seen humanity join an intergalactic Federation and enlist in fighting their war. Imagining a grim future for mankind alongside reflections on layered parallels in our real history, this novel shines beautifully with its cast of dazzling, tenacious indigenous characters who grapple with what is done to them, and how they participate in their new status quo. Coleman’s characters and vividly imagined settings bring this story powerfully to life, down to the smallest details. An absolute thrill to read, and conceptually a triumph.⁣