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Contact #1
Redemption Protocol
John Havoc was betrayed into murdering over three hundred thousand people with a biological weapon. The only thing left in his hollowed out world is retribution.
Havoc is drawn into a top secret Contact mission – humanity's first – after an extraordinary energy source is detected at the limit of reachable space. While the crew of the AV Intrepid struggle with saboteurs and hostile ships, they fail to realize that the alien world holds dangers that threaten far more than their ship. Imprisoned on Plash is a weapon of unimaginable horror – a species eliminator.
REDEMPTION PROTOCOL is a hard hitting space opera/ scifi adventure. It is the FIRST book in the Contact series.
Rated [R]. Violence, sex, profanity.
US English. 166,500 words.
Havoc is drawn into a top secret Contact mission – humanity's first – after an extraordinary energy source is detected at the limit of reachable space. While the crew of the AV Intrepid struggle with saboteurs and hostile ships, they fail to realize that the alien world holds dangers that threaten far more than their ship. Imprisoned on Plash is a weapon of unimaginable horror – a species eliminator.
REDEMPTION PROTOCOL is a hard hitting space opera/ scifi adventure. It is the FIRST book in the Contact series.
Rated [R]. Violence, sex, profanity.
US English. 166,500 words.
570 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2011
17 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Mike Freeman
5 books17 followersTo give his stories a realistic edge, Mike has been bitten by a snake, suffered frost bite, had his wayward yacht sink under him during a force nine gale, held a NATO TOP SECRET security classification and been serially used by a string of beautiful women. He is scared of horses and lives in a sprawling metropolis, where there are none.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 29, 2013
Iron Man on steroids versus aliens plus plus with Mother Theresa (PhD) mediating. What if mankind discovered a potentially new type of energy. Men would kill for it, of course, but not if it kills them first.
A sufficiently well-developed cast and plot to please most science fiction fans. Enough double-crossing and betrayal to fill a mystery novel. Some elementary physics groaners, but that's what you get with our school system. Decent philosophizing to balance the space opera, almost comic book action
Readability is impaired by quirky paragraphing. I know, the Great Experts say to separate action and dialogue into separate paragraphs, but it impairs the flow of the story to have to stop and go back to determine who said or did what. That gets old over the course 689 pages.
A good read.
A sufficiently well-developed cast and plot to please most science fiction fans. Enough double-crossing and betrayal to fill a mystery novel. Some elementary physics groaners, but that's what you get with our school system. Decent philosophizing to balance the space opera, almost comic book action
Readability is impaired by quirky paragraphing. I know, the Great Experts say to separate action and dialogue into separate paragraphs, but it impairs the flow of the story to have to stop and go back to determine who said or did what. That gets old over the course 689 pages.
A good read.
June 5, 2025
Really good military sci-fi yarn
If you enjoy a good saga, this one will keep you up past your bedtime. It did for me. I'd pay to see this on the big screen
If you enjoy a good saga, this one will keep you up past your bedtime. It did for me. I'd pay to see this on the big screen
November 26, 2011
John Havoc has been brutally betrayed (and it is brutal) and he wants to get even. Forge is the guy that did it, and eleven years later circumstances bring them together (though Havoc doesn't know about it, Forge having a different appearance and identity).
There are two stories here. One is the mission to explore the alien world (for the first time in history), and overlaid on it is Havoc's revenge (after all, until Havoc finds out Forge's identity that story can only be set up and not told).
I think that this is a great way to make the exploration story intensely personal, and for me, it worked 100%. We start and end with Havoc and Forge, but the journey in between is thrilling, harrowing, and in places spectacular ("He's moving UP the tower?!"). The book is, for book one of a series, remarkably self-contained. It absolutely works as a satisfying novel in its own right. But throughout lots of things are established in an interesting way that could lead to amazing places later (the minaret and the tank creatures come to mind).
Nothing is easy or given away. Some of the situations are brutal. But the story is ultimately optimistic in tone I think, and I found it overall (as some others have said), quite inspiring. Also in many places I thought the dialogue was a cut above most SF.
If you like a good story set in a future world then get it. You'll enjoy it.
There are two stories here. One is the mission to explore the alien world (for the first time in history), and overlaid on it is Havoc's revenge (after all, until Havoc finds out Forge's identity that story can only be set up and not told).
I think that this is a great way to make the exploration story intensely personal, and for me, it worked 100%. We start and end with Havoc and Forge, but the journey in between is thrilling, harrowing, and in places spectacular ("He's moving UP the tower?!"). The book is, for book one of a series, remarkably self-contained. It absolutely works as a satisfying novel in its own right. But throughout lots of things are established in an interesting way that could lead to amazing places later (the minaret and the tank creatures come to mind).
Nothing is easy or given away. Some of the situations are brutal. But the story is ultimately optimistic in tone I think, and I found it overall (as some others have said), quite inspiring. Also in many places I thought the dialogue was a cut above most SF.
If you like a good story set in a future world then get it. You'll enjoy it.
May 16, 2012
This is another 4 and 1/2 stars book as it moves very well and has good sfnal action, but it also goes a bit over the top in its later non-stop action which after a while becomes mindless Hollywood-like fare losing the subtlety of the earlier part.
I liked the writing and the dialog to a large extent, but the stereotype hero/villain pair (the ultra-competent tortured hero is just the bread and butter of classic sf and the evil, for the greater good in his opinion, greater good always meaning him on top, villain is same) starts getting tiresome after a while, while the human polities are pure cliches with no subtlety of all.
Still as I liked the writing style quite well and that counts a lot, I would recommend this book. I am not sure if I will continue the series at least for now since the sample from the 2nd volume is same mindless action, but maybe if volume 3 indicates more subtlety I will get back to it
I liked the writing and the dialog to a large extent, but the stereotype hero/villain pair (the ultra-competent tortured hero is just the bread and butter of classic sf and the evil, for the greater good in his opinion, greater good always meaning him on top, villain is same) starts getting tiresome after a while, while the human polities are pure cliches with no subtlety of all.
Still as I liked the writing style quite well and that counts a lot, I would recommend this book. I am not sure if I will continue the series at least for now since the sample from the 2nd volume is same mindless action, but maybe if volume 3 indicates more subtlety I will get back to it
December 20, 2011
Excellent space opera book. It started off a bit rough, and I almost dropped it in the first 5%.. then it started to get interesting, and the last 3/4 of the book was the type you can "hardly put down."
I'd put this author in the Neal Asher level of space opera quality, and look hopefully to his next book. As far as I know, this is the only book Mr. Freeman has written, and yet the quality is that from an author who had already written a half dozen books or more.
I'd put this author in the Neal Asher level of space opera quality, and look hopefully to his next book. As far as I know, this is the only book Mr. Freeman has written, and yet the quality is that from an author who had already written a half dozen books or more.
December 20, 2011
Just superb! I like Banks, Gibson, Asher, Hamilton, Morgan and this one stands easily with the best. I don't think it is centred around the big ideas the way some other books are (although the alien technology, the sequences and the idea of consciousness was cool and really well done – I hope this is explored more) – I think this is more of a human story set in an extraordinary world. Might be using some of the book's own marketing blurb with that but it fits perfectly.
Superb. I loved it.
Superb. I loved it.
September 11, 2011
Well I finished... an improbable start with a main character that reaks of something inbetween the marcho-sexist Duke Nukem and the corniness of Buzz Lightyear. Nothing particularly original about this novel, but stangely enough I found myself reading through to the last page... Blame it on my Y chromosome.
October 17, 2011
Redemption Protocol is action packed, fast paced and extremely readable! I couldn’t put it down.
Freeman clearly has scope to develop the story line further and I am really looking forward to seeing where he takes it next. Bring on the sequal.
Freeman clearly has scope to develop the story line further and I am really looking forward to seeing where he takes it next. Bring on the sequal.
February 20, 2013
awesome
June 9, 2019
Classic sci-fi literature
A good read. Strong characters and very well written only suffering from what so many stories seem to share; something of a race to close everything out at the end. Otherwise very enjoyable.
A good read. Strong characters and very well written only suffering from what so many stories seem to share; something of a race to close everything out at the end. Otherwise very enjoyable.
January 14, 2018
Exciting in places but confused in others. A good story, but perhaps a bit blood-thirsty for my tastes.
Very well written and the story and grammar flow very well.
Very well written and the story and grammar flow very well.
February 26, 2020
Redemption Protocol is a fun science fiction epic. It starts with John Havoc being tricked into murdering hundreds of thousands of people in a mission that goes wrong. He later wakes up on the first contact mission humanity had undertaken. The Alliance mission is not alone though, other human powers are seeking the prize for themselves.
The book has a very cinematic feel to it, so much so that it almost plays like a film and could easily be portrayed on the big screen. It is action packed being on the military side of sci-fi, the technology is consistent and interesting without bogging itself down in unneeded detail.
While Havoc is the main charcter there is an interesting mix alongside him, although a few of those are a little underdeveloped, the main protaganist in particular feels a bit obvious and without depth. But that is a minor issue and does help keep the pace of the story.
In a similar vein the opposing civilisations are a bit obvious, but mean the battle lines are clearly drawn. Like any good thriller it also has some good twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
Although its strength is the action it does have another card to play. The interaction with the alien information system is very nicely done and again in a very visual way. I would have liked to have seen more of this side of the story as it works as a good counterpoint to the action heavy story.
Overal I'd rate this as an excellent science fiction read and is the start of a series that I will be sure to check out.
The book has a very cinematic feel to it, so much so that it almost plays like a film and could easily be portrayed on the big screen. It is action packed being on the military side of sci-fi, the technology is consistent and interesting without bogging itself down in unneeded detail.
While Havoc is the main charcter there is an interesting mix alongside him, although a few of those are a little underdeveloped, the main protaganist in particular feels a bit obvious and without depth. But that is a minor issue and does help keep the pace of the story.
In a similar vein the opposing civilisations are a bit obvious, but mean the battle lines are clearly drawn. Like any good thriller it also has some good twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
Although its strength is the action it does have another card to play. The interaction with the alien information system is very nicely done and again in a very visual way. I would have liked to have seen more of this side of the story as it works as a good counterpoint to the action heavy story.
Overal I'd rate this as an excellent science fiction read and is the start of a series that I will be sure to check out.
July 5, 2015
This is the book that started me on Sci-Fi. I got it when I first bought my Kindle, because I was downloading a whole load of free sample books without really thinking about it. This was one of the few that I really loved. I've bought all the rest of the series as a result, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sixth in the series.
The characters in the series are fantastic - I love Stone! - and the slow whittling down of the crew leaves you constantly guessing who will make it and who won't. The Talmas makes a fantastically evil adversary throughout the rest of the series. Even though the book involves the creation of a new range of sciences, or so it seems, it's all explained well enough to be understood by non-Phd's like me. As for the non-science moments, one of my favourite parts is the scene with Fournier's coffee.
The characters in the series are fantastic - I love Stone! - and the slow whittling down of the crew leaves you constantly guessing who will make it and who won't. The Talmas makes a fantastically evil adversary throughout the rest of the series. Even though the book involves the creation of a new range of sciences, or so it seems, it's all explained well enough to be understood by non-Phd's like me. As for the non-science moments, one of my favourite parts is the scene with Fournier's coffee.
Read
August 7, 2011If the Stainless Steel Rat were the lead character in Alastair Reynolds' "Revelation Space" series, you'd end up with something like "Redemption Protocol". Fun and fast-paced, but perhaps too many different ideas crammed into one book, without all of them being properly developed. The book begins with a large cast of characters, and I braced myself for the mental effort needed to keep track of them all. However, in the bloodbath that follows, the ensemble cast is quickly whittled down to a manageable number and the story then gets going. The ending is nowhere as stunning and breathtaking as reviews on Amazon suggest, but is certainly worth the 700 pages needed to get to it. I'll be interested to see what Mike Freeman comes up with next.
February 4, 2015
A very good book
Although I found the beginning a little slow, when the story matured, it literally blossomed into a griping tale that forced me back for more every time I had to put it down.
Extremely well developed characters and a solid original story, completely worth your attention and time.
If you get it, make sure you start reading it on a Friday, so that you can take the book in large chunks...or in one binge sitting, yes, it is that good.
Can't wait to see what the rest of the series is like. Indeed a good novel and a great start.
Although I found the beginning a little slow, when the story matured, it literally blossomed into a griping tale that forced me back for more every time I had to put it down.
Extremely well developed characters and a solid original story, completely worth your attention and time.
If you get it, make sure you start reading it on a Friday, so that you can take the book in large chunks...or in one binge sitting, yes, it is that good.
Can't wait to see what the rest of the series is like. Indeed a good novel and a great start.
May 26, 2016
Downloaded FREE from Smashwords.
I thought this was a FANTASTIC read and one of the best SF books I have read in a while. Story plot was unique and interesting, and had lots of varied and interesting characters, although there was not much character development. The chapters were relatively short and the action was quite fast-paced. It was quite a long book for a freebe (i.e., 166,500 words). 1st book of the Contact series and I will certainly be buying subsequent books in this series. HIGHLY recommended.
I thought this was a FANTASTIC read and one of the best SF books I have read in a while. Story plot was unique and interesting, and had lots of varied and interesting characters, although there was not much character development. The chapters were relatively short and the action was quite fast-paced. It was quite a long book for a freebe (i.e., 166,500 words). 1st book of the Contact series and I will certainly be buying subsequent books in this series. HIGHLY recommended.
May 24, 2015
It was long, but mostly pretty engaging. The resolution was a little unsatisfactory; I guess some more questions would be answered in the long series of R. P.-initialed sequels. The author is pretty fond of the thesaurus but also oddly enamoured of the word "bemused".
Want to read
February 15, 2013Kindle freebie, 2/15/13
March 28, 2015
I never finished reading it. I lost interest after some of the (IMO) unnecessarily graphic torture.
October 24, 2014
Twaddle, gave up after 5%, in danger of self-harming.
If there was an option for negative rating I would have given -3 stars.
If there was an option for negative rating I would have given -3 stars.
July 30, 2016
Great as an action/adventure book. So-so as sci-fi.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews