First Alien

by Maddie Marzola

A mysterious landing.

A mind-controlling alien.

Two women battling each other for the fate of the world.

When an alien spaceship lands in Southwest England, there will be consequences for those caught in the web spun by the creature waiting inside.

Lucy Campbell, a sly and arrogant thief, quickly forms an alliance with the Skaara – but is she selfishly pursuing her own agenda, or is this a desperate attempt to keep herself and her brother safe?

Agent Stephanie Davis is sent to investigate, but she soon finds it hard to trust anyone with a mind-controlling alien on the loose.

First Alien is a fast-paced, enthralling alien encounter novel

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2023

About the author

Maddie Marzola has been many things before becoming a writer - English tutor, science graduate, barista, football player, and ice cream vendor. Nowadays, she splits herself between an ordinary 9-to-5 clerical job and an extraordinary 5-to-9 writing life. Allowing for some sleep in between.

Science-Fiction is by far her favourite playground - a fascinating world of endless possibilities, a blank canvas where to paint wild scenarios and impossible dreams. Not all of these make it into her books, but there’s fun in trying.

The UK has been home for most of her adult life, and she found her writing family in Bristol.

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really good start to this new, English, sci fi series! Well written, good ideas & levels of tension, unnerving in parts! I did really enjoy this new authors work & will for sure look for more by her! A good apocalyptic adventure!

[L Gookey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, what an amazing book 🙂‍↔️

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an entertaining read and not bad. But I think that it could've used another round of editing. With that, a mediocre story could become a great story.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie writes such engaging and relatable characters! Despite Lucy and Stephanie seeming at odds throughout the book, they are working for the same side and it's so good to see them finally coming together! Stephanie stepping into the role of support system for Lucy was so satisfying. As tough as Lucy is, she needed that one safe place, if even for just a moment, and I was so glad to see Stephanie be that for her.

I'm so curious as to what Matt's family's connection is to all of this also. I'd love to learn Matt's backstory and see where their connection started. I love him and Lucy as a couple, and I'm really hoping that they make up. Matt can hopefully provide Lucy information on how to deal with the Skaara and team up with her and Frank because if I'm sure of anything, the Skaara are not done with Lucy yet.

Also, THAT CLIFFHANGER IS BRUTAL!! I was so fascinated by the plot and what was happening, I about screamed when the book ended! I have to know what happens next! Maddie has a way with storytelling that kept me captivated from the start. If anyone hears any general screaming, that's just me waiting on the edge of my seat for the next story :D

[G.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and well written, this story made me wonder almost through the end if the alien was good or bad. Seriously, I still don't know for sure so I am expecting maybe a book two of the story since many things have been left unfinished. Kind of like when you watch a movie and you think to yourself, "There surely be a sequel to this!"

The main protagonists are well fleshed but neither likeable nor 'hate able'. This kind of story could have so many different endings. I mean there is one, but obviously left open for more.

What are those 'pods' in the truck? What is that little puzzle box Lucy had to steal and why was it in her boyfriend's parent's home. Were the pods actually to help the mother ship's landing or to prevent it? (Yeah I would love me some kind of twist like that) And most of all, was the author hinting at something when Lucy was talking to Matt and he had long pause in between his answer? Was he under Skaara control?

Over all a great read especially if like me you love alien stories.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

Mind controlling alien, sarky heroine, dedicated special agent what's not to enjoy. This story is great fun, it grabbed me from the first page. Lucy, her boyfriend and her brother are hiking when they discover an alien spaceship in the woods. Loved the characters, loved the story, read this in one sitting. Maddie is a new author to me and one that shows talent. Highly recommended.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Alien by Maddie Marzola is a thrilling tale of a mysterious alien landing and a freaky mind-controlling creature that makes alliances. Lucy and Agent Davis fight for the world's fate. With a fast-paced and enthralling storyline, I couldn’t put it down. Maddie Marzola's writing is captivating and skillful, delivering an engaging and intriguing story. I highly recommend this book.

Other Books in the Series:
The First Landing

[Anna Ori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read another book by Maddie Marzola! A talented writer just at the beginning of her career, but very promising!

[Linda Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would have gotten 5 stars from me except it was left hanging. I hate books that leave you hanging for a conclusion and I am coming across more and more of them