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Harbinger: An Alien Invasion First Contact Techno Thriller

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P.A. Vasey’s first novel, Trinity’s Legacy, the first installment in his Vu-Hak War Trilogy, rose to critical acclaim in 2019. The following two novels, Trinity’s Fall and Trinity Evolution, were multiple award-winning Amazon #1 bestsellers. Harbinger is his fourth—and most ambitious—novel yet.

Already an award winner in 2023 [Global Book Award, Book Excellence Award], BlueInk Review’s praise for Harbinger sums it “An utterly captivating read. The premise—while certainly familiar (see Arthur C. Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama)—comes with impressive twists. The pacing is relentless, the action nonstop, and the climactic ending entirely satisfying. Readers who like smart, well-constructed science fiction thrillers will find Vasey’s latest unputdownable—a page-turner of the highest order.”In 2017, a mysterious interstellar object transited the Solar System. Called ‘Oumuamua, the Hawaiian word for “scout,” it buzzed past the inner worlds, bound for deep space. By the time it was noticed, it had already passed Earth. It was soon forgotten, dismissed as a comet or planetary fragment. Earth’s scientists turned to more pressing matters.But ‘Oumuamua was no mere rock. An alien spaceship looking for habitable planets, it sent a machine probe to Earth, containing a quantum computer. After crash landing in South America, the probe was found by tech billionaire Christian Becker, who used its computational power to give himself groundbreaking technology and unlimited wealth.… Until something goes wrong.War veteran Will Logan is kidnapped and brought to Becker’s highly secret research campus. Becker is certain that Will and his missing wife, Alex, are the saboteurs.But nothing is what it seems ...

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2023

613 people are currently reading
2675 people want to read

About the author

P.A. Vasey

6 books23 followers
I’m a full-time cancer physician (Medical Oncologist). I was born in Newcastle, UK and moved to Brisbane, Australia in 2004. My professional writing credits include over 200 publications including peer-reviewed research papers, journals, book chapters, conference contributions and electronic outputs in the field of Cancer Research.

I’ve always loved sci-fi and dreamed about being an author in this genre as long as I can remember. My reading faves include ‘old school’ legends such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Dan Simmons and Frank Herbert, but I devour almost everything by Alastair Reynolds, Neal Stephenson and Kim Stanley Robinson. Recently I’ve gotten into Richard Morgan and Ann Leckie, and try really, really hard to like Peter F. Hamilton. Also, every time Lee Child brings out a new Reacher I set aside a weekend to just immerse myself in that fabulous character’s mind and world.

It may be a cliché, but yes, I am a Star Wars, Marvel and Tolkien tragic, so if not working or reading or writing, you’ll find me rewatching these movies… and trying to out-quote my two daughters (I usually don’t win).

Finally, I keep fit by cycling as much as I can, and I meditate to stay sane and keep everything in perspective and balanced. My wife, Andrea, can tell you how successful I am at the latter…

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5 stars
469 (41%)
4 stars
395 (35%)
3 stars
186 (16%)
2 stars
62 (5%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Paul Ataua.
2,214 reviews293 followers
December 10, 2025
Will is slow to come to terms with the death of his wife, Alex, whose body was never found. He finally goes on a blind date and while the woman doesn’t turn up, he is suddenly kidnapped, which leads to the most bizarre of events including reconnecting with his wife, leading to a host of mysteries. The concept was really good and there was an interesting story, but regards the blurb, which presents this as a ‘ captivating’, ‘impressive’, ‘pacey’, ‘relentless’, ‘unputdownable’ thriller, it really isn’t any of the above. It’s just an OK read.
Profile Image for Richard Ferguson.
Author 11 books84 followers
January 16, 2025
Seems to have been written by someone who has seen way too many grade B movies and read way too many grade B books. The plot is formulaic to say the least. It involves the usual regular guy who saves humanity from the usual evil aliens. Throw in advanced AI, trusty good-guy sidekicks, and supposedly highly advanced aliens who are stupider than the regular guy who saves the world. This basic (overdone) premise is written in a style/prose that reads like it was written by a teenage boy. Perhaps that is intentional.
94 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2024
Wow - lots of over the top reviews here - this isnt the 3 body problem you know! Its much less than that so lets keep our 5 stars for the truly great! Review inflation is like grade inflation and its found here to the extent that one wonders what is prompting it. This was a mildly entertaining ramble founded on a plot that was seriously incredible in the true sense of the word. The issue for me in stories like this is one of credibility - there are limits you know. A quantum computer that has absorbed some human instincts from a dead woman and that can do just about anything including raising the dead. Must be tongue in cheek duh !
Profile Image for Glenn.
82 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2024
Ultimately I enjoyed this book and commend the author for some original (to me) ideas. I also appreciate it being tied to a real event: Oumuamua (not a spoiler). But thankfully the book wasn't too long, because it's an adventure story with one very annoying and stupid protagonist, who thankfully has some smart people around him. Read the book for the originality and the surprise ending. The characters are also pretty well developed, but as I said, not all are ones who you root for.
Profile Image for Kadin.
451 reviews5 followers
May 20, 2025
Riffing off the discovery of the strange and mysterious Oumuamua, the first known interstellar asteroid to pass through our solar system, Vasey provides an interesting and enjoyable sci-fi novel that combines aliens, corporate greed, artificial intelligence, stupid politicians, threat of invasion, and plenty of action.
Profile Image for Celeste.
995 reviews26 followers
October 19, 2023
Harbinger is a thrilling science fiction novel written by P.A. Vasey. It is a fantastic book with an interesting mixture of science, space exploration, mystery and action woven into its pages. Although it is a work of fiction, the plot is supported by detailed descriptions of scientific and technological facts and procedures. This together with the descriptions of spaceships, alien technology, conspiracy and events that sometimes go beyond imagination make this book realistic, spine-tingling at times and thought-provoking.
An interstellar object enters the Solar System and as soon as it passes Earth it is forgotten. However, this “rock” represents more than anyone can think of for the future of our planet. Is it a source of great discoveries or a menace? I highly recommend this book to find out what happens next and its surprising ending.
871 reviews28 followers
October 19, 2023
Harbinger is the new science fiction thriller novel by awarded author PA Vasey. The gripping plot of the book unfolds with intensity, gradually immersing readers into its compelling narrative. The reading brings each chapter to a fitting end that urges the reader on to the next for more. And as the story progresses, the well described characters are thoughtfully developed, bringing forth interesting and endearing interactions.
Young enthusiasts of techno-thrillers are destined to be delighted by this enthralling offering, while readers of all ages who relish the enchantment of sci-fi will find themselves irresistibly drawn into its mesmerizing embrace. I strongly recommend this book to all the science fiction lovers.
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books206 followers
November 12, 2023
A thrilling sci-fi page-turner...

PA Vasey's "Harbinger" is another thrilling foray into the world of science fiction. In 2017, an enigmatic interstellar object, 'Oumuamua, passed through the Solar System, and Earth's scientists paid little attention. But this was no ordinary celestial rock. It was an alien spaceship with a mission. 'Oumuamua sent a machine probe to Earth containing a powerful quantum computer. Tech billionaire Christian Becker seized this opportunity, harnessing its computational might to amass wealth and groundbreaking technology. However, a sudden twist disrupts his empire, leading to the mysterious kidnapping of war veteran Will Logan. Becker suspects Will and his missing wife of sabotage, but as the story unfolds, nothing is as it appears…

Vasey's writing is both captivating and accessible, drawing readers into a narrative filled with intricate characters, vivid descriptions, and a pulse-pounding plot. "Harbinger" excels at blending suspense with thought-provoking science fiction. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last, crafting a world where the impact of alien life and technology on Earth becomes a gripping exploration of human destiny. While the novel features scientific and technical terminology, Vasey skillfully integrates it into the storyline, ensuring that readers can follow the action seamlessly. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
588 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2024
Good SciFi Drama; Poor Socio-Political Angles

This SciFi book starts off great, lots of good, Hard SciFi — even integrating a recent real-life scenario involving an Interstellar Visitor to our lovely Solar System.

Then The Author introduces the human elements into his plot, and the rest of the first half of this book is mostly about interpersonal relationships, some non-sensible gun fights, and so on — a leap in the wrong direction from the very interesting Hard SciFi at the beginning of the Book.

Some implausible things then occur involving a small group of people, some large numbers of mass casualties and damage — yet, very little police or military response. Hmmm … governments just aren’t good at keeping such things quiet, so what gives?

The Author then throws in some inter-galactic fighting, and political mischief then overcomes common sense (well, what else would you expect?). Unfortunately, the latter developments overshadowed how good previous parts of this book were, and a well-intentioned plot becomes significantly less enjoyable.

Yes — Definitely go out and read this book … maybe you can get 5-stars of enjoyment out of it (whereas I could not).
Profile Image for Laura.
280 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2023
So good!

A thoroughly enjoyable read! What a rare treat to read a futuristic sci fi adventure book that's well-written. Usually, these books have painfully awkward and simple writing (though this book does have plenty of my pet peeve of characters who are always smirking and folding their arms over their chest). This book grabbed me right from the start, beginning with the eerie cover art, actually. The story moves along at a good pace, keeping you intrigued and wanting to know what the heck is going on. The main character is mysteriously kidnapped, but treated well, for reasons unknown. Secrets about his beloved deceased wife come out, and you're wondering the whole time who are the bad guys and who are the good guys. Highly recommend this book, even if you're not normally into this genre. 
Profile Image for Tom Steele.
97 reviews8 followers
June 14, 2024
Very predictable for the most part

Some plot twists near the end, but nothing groundbreaking and the twist regarding the plans to share the information was just stupid. It didn’t make any sense for the change in plans at all. Alex wouldn’t have agreed to the change and if “she” did think that was for the best, she would have said so much earlier.

Most of the book would require you to be far left of center line on the IQ chart in order for you not to suspect the major part of the plot. You could walk with a dog and white cane and still see that coming.

This reads like an attempt at a screenplay more than a clever book to me.

It isn’t terrible, it just isn’t great. I probably should give it 3.5 stars. If you are looking for a fun Michael Crichton knockoff story to read by the pool, you could do worse than this, but it isn’t a game changer either.
Profile Image for Carlos Armando.
203 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2023
"Harbinger" by PA Vasey is a gripping novel that delves into the realms of mystery and the supernatural. The book skillfully weaves a captivating narrative, drawing readers into a world where ancient secrets, dark forces, and human resilience collide. Vasey's writing is rich in vivid descriptions, making the setting and characters come to life.
I would highly recommend "Harbinger" to those who enjoy dark fantasy and paranormal thrillers. The book's ability to keep you on the edge of your seat and its skillful exploration of the battle between light and darkness are truly remarkable. It's a thrilling and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
1,267 reviews27 followers
October 18, 2023
This fascinating and interesting story transports readers on an astonishing journey into the immense depths of space. A mysterious interstellar object is the beginning of everything; however, things are not what they appear to be at first glance.
I liked this fictional novel that deftly combines many points of view, enveloping readers in the lives of numerous people who are impacted by the finding.
Each character in the novel has a distinctive viewpoint, from the committed scientists solving the mystery surrounding the extraterrestrial object to the doubting government officials until the war veteran, Will Logan.
The author deftly examines themes of curiosity, adventure, and the potential for life beyond our own planet as the tale develops.
Profile Image for Yolanda Gomez.
570 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2023
This book is truly amazing, I loved the plot and how it evolves; it kept me totally interested and couldn't stop turning pages. Harbinger by PA Vasey is a science fiction book where you can find an incredible story about the first human contact with aliens. I loved to see such a well developed story and characters. This book tries to tell what would happen if humans used the aliens' technologies to increase their incomes and innovation, and how terrible it could be. This book is full of mystery and intrigue, and that's what I enjoy the most. I felt connected since the beginning to the very end, I loved to read a book where I truly don't know what is going to happen because nothing is as it first appears. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for CarlitasFox.
1,473 reviews28 followers
October 20, 2023
A page-turning sci-fi novel
I was looking for something with action and mystery, finally I came across "Harbinger" which is the first book in the sci-fi series called "Trinity" written by PA Vasey.
The moment an interstellar object appears in the solar system, scientists begin to wonder about it. In the meanwhile, life for ordinary people seems to be the same until something else occurs that disrupts their lives.
The setting is so well-depicted that it allows you to feel as if you were in space; with well-portrayed and dynamic characters, this is definitely a page-turning story. I liked the way the characters dialogue to find solutions to the problems that occur in space. For sure, I'll continue reading the saga which I highly recommend.

Profile Image for Liz.
1,389 reviews32 followers
October 20, 2023
"Harbinger" is a techno thriller book written by PA Vasey. His great ability to leave the reader waiting for more is completely amazing. His writing style immerses the reader in an extremely captivating world. Its plot is futuristic and, at the same time, has current overtones, and I think that makes it extraordinary.

In 2017, a mysterious interstellar object transited the Solar System, but this object was not so mysterious, it was an extraterrestrial spacecraft in search of habitable places. This ship went unnoticed until shortly after its crash landing and was found by technology billionaire Christian Becker, who used its computing power to obtain innovative technology and unlimited wealth. Recommended!
33 reviews
October 21, 2023
There is not enough praise in the world to accommodate this book. I literally could not put it down. The twists and turns are amazingly done, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. This is probably the most engrossing book I have read in a while! I can't wait to read the other books from this author. At this rate, I will have to read them all! I could not stop reading this and ended up reading it cover to cover in one sit down. Following Will through this story and trying to determine exactly what is going on and why he and his wife seem to be at the root of things is deeply enticing from the start. If you are looking for an engaging, edge of your seat story, look no further! This book checks all the boxes! Any sci fi fan or average bookworm is going to love this one!
Profile Image for Saya Jacaranda.
755 reviews11 followers
October 21, 2023
I enjoyed reading it.

“Harbinger” by Vasey is a book that will definitely keep you entertained. William is the principal character and full of intriguing actions and thoughts. He and his best friend Nico have a relationship to envy. Who doesn’t want a friendship stronger than anything? A friendship where you can have fun, be serious, help each other and grow together. This is definitely one of my favorite parts of the book. And Caroline is another amazing character. She always has a fitting answer on her lips. These people all together will definitely keep you entertained for as long as the pages last. If you are into apocalyptic plots and fiction this is the right book for you. I enjoyed reading it.
915 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2024
First contact stories always attract me, although most of them do not have a benign result for humanity. I wonder if that is true because we, as a species, are so damn violent towards ourselves and other living beings. We cannot imagine another sentient lifeform, most likely with more advanced technology if they are coming to us, that would not want to kill us. Star Trek is the great exception. This story has so many elements that are fascinating: sentient AI, alien life, cool technology and the question whether humanity can develop itself sufficiently to meet alien life in the future without having to resort to catastrophic responses. This novel has engaging characters, a good story line and the writing is solid and intelligent. I will read more by this author.
Profile Image for Harry J..
Author 2 books
June 13, 2025
I enjoy first contact tales and this one promised, in the reviews, to be action driven and worth reading. Not all that original from the 'thriller' point of view but enough to keep me reading.
Sorry for the spoiler, but halfway through it looked like a setup for alien zombies, then it morphed
into a familiar trope of predicted human shock at alien presence only to be plot-twisted at the end.
It did keep me reading, I must say about the author's style, but I do prefer scientific feasibility
in my scifi tales and this one alluded to magical 'quantum' properties, as well as FTL communication,
telepathy, and DNA sillyness. Yet Vassey is an award-winning author, so I might check out his earlier Trinity novels, or more likely his new novel Homo Machina.
Profile Image for Rocio.
342 reviews4 followers
October 19, 2023
"Harbinger" by P.A. Vasey is a science fiction work that intrigued me and excited me. The story revolves around the arrival of an alien object that passes through our solar system and the emergence of advanced technology, making it captivating. I was absorbed from the beginning as they explored the challenges.
The creation of engaging characters, as well as their characterization and plot development, succeeded in building a solid story, which is always a key aspect for me in a good novel.
A quick and fluid read with unexpected twists, this story kept me on the edge of my seat until the end, which I found thrilling and well-crafted, and I recommend it to science fiction enthusiasts.
Profile Image for Chico's Mom.
961 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2023
Harbinger by P.A. Vasey is one of those science fiction books that would teach you that greed destroys everything. It's a classic tale of a rich man who discovers something and tries to exploit the resources and in the process, he finds himself in a pickle where he can't control what he has created or developed. It's a page turner because of the author's captivating writing style. Aliens are possibly out there, with novels like this makes me feel a lot prepared and safer because people have great ideas on how to help humanity protect and fight back. I enjoyed reading this book and I wonder if there would be another book to follow.
Profile Image for S Tyty.
1,276 reviews29 followers
October 19, 2023
This book is magical, it mingles two amazing themes, the supernatural and the mystery ones. I enjoyed this story, where the solar system is mentioned, a lot. I have always enjoyed reading anything related to it.

The author resorted to a lively and vivid description of events, inviting us to keep flipping pages until the very end. The narrative's pacing is well-thought-out and all the details are placed strategically in the story so that we are engaged until the last word. It has just the right amount of twists and turns.

Everything in this story seems to have been thought and meditated so that no loose ends were left out there.
67 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2024
a thrilling and wild ride

PA Vasey has crafted a very exciting tale here. I had a hard time putting it down. Lots of scene changes and so many plot twists and surprises it will make your head spin. The phrase that sums up this story is “nothing is as it seems”.
I got a bit frustrated with the main character, Will, as he was often clueless and slow to realize what was going on. He had no special tactical or technical skills, an unlikely hero, an everyday guy. With some help from a research scientist and a seemingly benevolent AI he knows he has to try to stop an alien invasion.
Profile Image for Santiago Flores.
1,042 reviews11 followers
October 25, 2023
Entertaining

The author delivers an electrifying twist on the extraterrestrial genre. Also, he created a narrative that catapults us into a world of secrets, manipulation, and unexpected alliances. The narrative's complexity keeps readers on the edge, challenging assumptions and playing with our perceptions.
As the plot unravels, "Harbinger" proves that nothing is as it appears, unveiling hidden layers of a thrilling conspiracy. Vasey's skillful storytelling and the enigmatic world he builds make "Harbinger" a compelling and original page-turner for sci-fi enthusiasts.
3 reviews
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April 28, 2024
I enjoyed the book, decent pace and character development. [some spoilers ahead]
I think more could have been done with the internal conflict between the AI Pandora and residual aspects of Alex -- that would help define why Pandora chose to stop the aliens and then why it decided to side with the US government at the end of the novel. Of course, there is the cliffhanger and potential for bringing back all the characters to deal with the "others" at some point. I would recommend this book as a fun read.
16 reviews
August 9, 2024
I had to stop reading early because this entire book was so preposterous. I love sci-fi but I hate when characters act insanely because that’s what they have to do to move the story forward that the author wants. Do not recommend you waste your time.

SPOILERS

This book might be for you if:
You want a character who falls unconscious for hours every time she does something weird so it can never be interrogated. And then upon waking it’s basically dropped by other characters.
You want a character who has learned to raise the dead.
You want that character to be an alien AI.
So much more I could say, but it isn’t worth your time. Just skip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Thibaldo Manrique.
262 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2024
It's ok

I enjoyed the first few chapters. After that, it became tiresome that the author tried to create tension by withholding information that was readily available to the characters from them. It made no sense. Then the "coincidences" piled up. Several key points in the story happened by coincidence, and they yanked me right put of the story very time. The end was the most disappointing part. Well written, well edited. It had a lot of potential.
Profile Image for Max Janatsch.
23 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
I honestly don’t understand the negative reviews — I was hooked from the very beginning! The pacing is fantastic, and the character development is strong enough that it made this book really hard to put down. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story, and I kept wanting to know what would happen next. I truly hope this turns into a series because I’d love nothing more than to dive into a second book. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a gripping alien invasion techno-thriller!
44 reviews
August 16, 2024
This novel started promisingly: The premise augered hard SciFi and exciting characters. Unfortunately, after some surprising reveals, the narrative degenerated into one action/fight sequence after another. Additionally, the nature of one character managed to shift whenever the situation needed a sudden rescue, making consistency irrelevant. Good editing might've helped.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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