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AS1
Gideon, a young and gifted electromagnetics engineer, finds himself stationed at Green Bank Observatory, with the United States' most powerful radio telescope at his fingertips. Utilizing groundbreaking techniques, he stumbles upon an unexplainable radio signal emerging from just outside our solar system. Soon, he is thrust into a world of science and politics as humanity steps into the unknown. Trust morphs into fear as the dark shroud of the discovery is lifted, revealing the true intentions that will forever alter the course of the human race.
AS1 is a hard science fiction epic that combines meticulous scientific accuracy with a gripping narrative. This tale of discovery, speculation, and deceit will captivate fans of acclaimed works such as Arrival and Project Hail Mary, offering a realistic and thought-provoking journey into the unknown
AS1 is a hard science fiction epic that combines meticulous scientific accuracy with a gripping narrative. This tale of discovery, speculation, and deceit will captivate fans of acclaimed works such as Arrival and Project Hail Mary, offering a realistic and thought-provoking journey into the unknown
518 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2024
449 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 17, 2025
This book took me by surprise. It is labeled Hard Science fiction, and the book is all of that, well researched and completely plausible, what; surprised me is how much more the book had to offer its readers. From the first page to the last the reader is continuously challenged to think about how our society works, character relationships, and science. It will have you rooting for goodness in the world and beyond-both with skepticism and hope. Two thumbs up!
November 23, 2024
FANTASTIC!
This is an excellent, hard-science fiction novel about an impending extra-terrestrial, first contact event. As many other reviewers have noted: it moves along at a smooth, thrilling pace with realistic, intelligent dialogue, comprehensive data analysis, and interesting hard-science. For those who love well-written science fiction novels, this should be included in your “to read” list. This would make an excellent, thought-provoking movie / TV series.
If I had to pick "The Best Novel of the Year" that I've read, this would be it.
This is an excellent, hard-science fiction novel about an impending extra-terrestrial, first contact event. As many other reviewers have noted: it moves along at a smooth, thrilling pace with realistic, intelligent dialogue, comprehensive data analysis, and interesting hard-science. For those who love well-written science fiction novels, this should be included in your “to read” list. This would make an excellent, thought-provoking movie / TV series.
If I had to pick "The Best Novel of the Year" that I've read, this would be it.
April 23, 2025
Amazing
This tale is truly unique in every way. Who knows. maybe there is a chance this will happen. I loved that one of the first communications said, We are aliens, you are aliens. That was so true. Hard to understand another culture from beyond the stars. But in the end, they did.
This tale is truly unique in every way. Who knows. maybe there is a chance this will happen. I loved that one of the first communications said, We are aliens, you are aliens. That was so true. Hard to understand another culture from beyond the stars. But in the end, they did.
April 10, 2025
a plot that keeps you reading.
Awesome book. Easy to read. Realistic plot. The story leaves you wondering how it was going to end. Well, it ended better than I could have imagined.
Awesome book. Easy to read. Realistic plot. The story leaves you wondering how it was going to end. Well, it ended better than I could have imagined.
June 30, 2025
I loved this book. It had everything I look for in a first contact story. Mysterious aliens, peaceful encounter, friendly, then the reversal and the danger and betrayal. Fantastic ending that I did not see coming.
April 8, 2025
Great Story
What a terrific story! I went on Amazon to see what else
Mr. Lewis had written and was so disappointed to see this was a first novel for him. I highly recommend for sci-fi fans but also for anyone who just likes a good story. I read this book in three days and truly could not put it down. It pulls you in from the get go and doesn’t disappoint. Cannot wait for this authors next book !!
What a terrific story! I went on Amazon to see what else
Mr. Lewis had written and was so disappointed to see this was a first novel for him. I highly recommend for sci-fi fans but also for anyone who just likes a good story. I read this book in three days and truly could not put it down. It pulls you in from the get go and doesn’t disappoint. Cannot wait for this authors next book !!
October 22, 2024
Northwest Great Books is dedicated to reading good literature. We pride ourselves on exploring new ideas and concepts through good stories, and AS1 is just that. We found it to be well written, thought provoking, and completely plausible. Absolutely 5 stars.
April 21, 2025
Dear Trevor - you can find beta readers for free, friend. I beg of you, please do not self publish anything else that hasn’t been workshopped and at minimum beta read by people who do not know you and will therefore not be concerned about hurting your feelings.
July 9, 2025
Unexpected Gem
From beginning to end it had great pacing. It wasn't always action packed, but something was always happening. No long frivolous character back story or development at the beginning. Instead it was sprinkled throughout in a smooth flowing organic way. Too many hard sci-fi books suffer from pacing because of those issues.
Even though the high technology isn't displayed too much, it's very believable as everything could be taking place in modern day society. Magnetic propulsion, as a reactionless movment, has long been theorized as the best way to travel between worlds and potentially the stars.
Character development is done well but some of them do feel a little one dimensional. It is likely a side effect of the smaller backstory development but I wouldn't change that by much. Maybe sprinkle more background info throughout so we understand what drives them better. The main character Gideon is great but I would've like to see him use his intellect a bit more. Aside from the signal discovery and processing, and a couple scenes here and there, it could have been any random Joe-shmo off the street thrust into his position. Even though they didn't come until later, I really liked Linda and Rajit as supporting characters. Everyone else is pretty forgettable.
Well now, this story has what has to be the most interesting alien species I've ever seen written. I've been reading sci-fi for nearly 30 years, including some of the greats like Isamov, etc. I've not read about a species quite like them. The author did a great job of making them and their motives feel truly alien. The sense of dread and forboding they present by simply being silent is pervasive but their intentions are finally revealed in the last few chapters. The journey was worth the wait, as the epilogue was saudade but satisfying.
I'm also happy, yet melencholic that this is a self-contained book. When was the last time a sci-fi book on amazon wasn't part of a trilogy or 99+ part series? It's honestly refreshing and this book stands out more in my mind because of it.
From beginning to end it had great pacing. It wasn't always action packed, but something was always happening. No long frivolous character back story or development at the beginning. Instead it was sprinkled throughout in a smooth flowing organic way. Too many hard sci-fi books suffer from pacing because of those issues.
Even though the high technology isn't displayed too much, it's very believable as everything could be taking place in modern day society. Magnetic propulsion, as a reactionless movment, has long been theorized as the best way to travel between worlds and potentially the stars.
Character development is done well but some of them do feel a little one dimensional. It is likely a side effect of the smaller backstory development but I wouldn't change that by much. Maybe sprinkle more background info throughout so we understand what drives them better. The main character Gideon is great but I would've like to see him use his intellect a bit more. Aside from the signal discovery and processing, and a couple scenes here and there, it could have been any random Joe-shmo off the street thrust into his position. Even though they didn't come until later, I really liked Linda and Rajit as supporting characters. Everyone else is pretty forgettable.
Well now, this story has what has to be the most interesting alien species I've ever seen written. I've been reading sci-fi for nearly 30 years, including some of the greats like Isamov, etc. I've not read about a species quite like them. The author did a great job of making them and their motives feel truly alien. The sense of dread and forboding they present by simply being silent is pervasive but their intentions are finally revealed in the last few chapters. The journey was worth the wait, as the epilogue was saudade but satisfying.
I'm also happy, yet melencholic that this is a self-contained book. When was the last time a sci-fi book on amazon wasn't part of a trilogy or 99+ part series? It's honestly refreshing and this book stands out more in my mind because of it.
October 16, 2025
Crashed and burned
This novel features a USAF "5-star general" (a rank which doesn't exist) based at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas (which is a training facility, and has no runways). He orders a recognizance mission of three F-22s to investigate something in the ocean "1,700 miles west of Mexico", which is not a mission F-22s have (and their range is ~1,800 miles, so...they're not coming back). The US President flies on a "Boeing 747-800" (which also doesn't exist), the team who got one week of astronaut training are launched to ISS in 6 hours (which is possible, barely; usually it's a day or more because orbital mechanics are a bitch) but don't "fully" experience null-g until they get there. They return to Earth from the ISS and touch down on the launchpad in their "rocket" like how a SpaceX Falcon booster lands (not how reentry works).
Look: I expect to suspend my disbelief for the fictional part of fiction, but that makes it even more important that the factual parts are not egregiously wrong.
That said, what really did me in here was that every single character was unbelievably naïve and dangerously credulous, and not just the inexperienced "new to all of this" characters. The President of the United States doesn't feel like she has any agency, the Secretary General of the UN second- and third-guesses himself at every turn, the "five star general" is completely ineffective at taking charge in spite of (because of?) him constantly yelling at everyone and everything. The scientists have no intellectual curiosity: not only believing without question everything they're told, but immediately latching on to it as bedrock truth, fighting passionately for it, and then having their souls crushed when years later they finally realize they were lied to.
I debated a one star rating, but I've decided I'm reserving that for novels I couldn't finish. Went with two because I made it to the end, forcing myself through the final hundred pages where all of the above came together in what was a highly predictable train wreck.
This novel features a USAF "5-star general" (a rank which doesn't exist) based at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas (which is a training facility, and has no runways). He orders a recognizance mission of three F-22s to investigate something in the ocean "1,700 miles west of Mexico", which is not a mission F-22s have (and their range is ~1,800 miles, so...they're not coming back). The US President flies on a "Boeing 747-800" (which also doesn't exist), the team who got one week of astronaut training are launched to ISS in 6 hours (which is possible, barely; usually it's a day or more because orbital mechanics are a bitch) but don't "fully" experience null-g until they get there. They return to Earth from the ISS and touch down on the launchpad in their "rocket" like how a SpaceX Falcon booster lands (not how reentry works).
Look: I expect to suspend my disbelief for the fictional part of fiction, but that makes it even more important that the factual parts are not egregiously wrong.
That said, what really did me in here was that every single character was unbelievably naïve and dangerously credulous, and not just the inexperienced "new to all of this" characters. The President of the United States doesn't feel like she has any agency, the Secretary General of the UN second- and third-guesses himself at every turn, the "five star general" is completely ineffective at taking charge in spite of (because of?) him constantly yelling at everyone and everything. The scientists have no intellectual curiosity: not only believing without question everything they're told, but immediately latching on to it as bedrock truth, fighting passionately for it, and then having their souls crushed when years later they finally realize they were lied to.
I debated a one star rating, but I've decided I'm reserving that for novels I couldn't finish. Went with two because I made it to the end, forcing myself through the final hundred pages where all of the above came together in what was a highly predictable train wreck.
January 16, 2025
AS1 is a well told "hard science" account of what a First Contact with an alien race might be like, narrated mostly from one scientist's point of view, a young man who thankfully always holds onto the wonder it would bring to an ordinary citizen. Gideon Haas is an electromagnetic engineer whose life changes radically when he and a small circle of other scientists all individually come upon similar findings: there is a anomaly heading toward Earth from the outer limits of our own solar system. Think Arrival meets Close Encounters of the Third Kind by way of Project Hail Mary for reference.
This is an exciting, imaginative and credible story, and the characters -- including our aliens -- are pretty well "fleshed-out" as the tale moves forward. To Mr. Lewis' credit, the aliens are unique and very interesting. While initially I thought that their particularly logical and rigid personalities might have pigeonholed the author, he proved me wrong. There was definite growth in their characters by the end, and I think the author did a great job constructing them after all.
Overall, I think Mr. Lewis hits a home run with AS1 . I found it extremely easy to follow and exciting, especially as I neared the conclusion. In fact, we get to know the aliens pretty well, though their While I initially thought that the general in charge of the alien operations seemed a bit like the typical gruff, rough rule-follower seemed to become a bit more human by the end of the tale. There is also a SETI director who seems to stasrt as a caricature, but evolves into a more complex personality too as the book continues.
About the only problem I had with AS1 was the really high number of grammatical errors, though luckily most of them were minor and didn't hurt what it is we're reading. But it is something that Mr. Lewis should address by his next release.
Overall, AS1 is a terrific read for science and alien-encounter buffs, and I clicked "Follow" on Trevor Lewis' tag; I can't wait to read his next book.
This is an exciting, imaginative and credible story, and the characters -- including our aliens -- are pretty well "fleshed-out" as the tale moves forward. To Mr. Lewis' credit, the aliens are unique and very interesting. While initially I thought that their particularly logical and rigid personalities might have pigeonholed the author, he proved me wrong. There was definite growth in their characters by the end, and I think the author did a great job constructing them after all.
Overall, I think Mr. Lewis hits a home run with AS1 . I found it extremely easy to follow and exciting, especially as I neared the conclusion. In fact, we get to know the aliens pretty well, though their While I initially thought that the general in charge of the alien operations seemed a bit like the typical gruff, rough rule-follower seemed to become a bit more human by the end of the tale. There is also a SETI director who seems to stasrt as a caricature, but evolves into a more complex personality too as the book continues.
About the only problem I had with AS1 was the really high number of grammatical errors, though luckily most of them were minor and didn't hurt what it is we're reading. But it is something that Mr. Lewis should address by his next release.
Overall, AS1 is a terrific read for science and alien-encounter buffs, and I clicked "Follow" on Trevor Lewis' tag; I can't wait to read his next book.
December 25, 2025
A Tight Pace Held Back by Oversimplification
AS1 hits right in my favorite sub-genre: the intersection of hard science fiction and first contact. The premise alone was enough to keep me turning the pages, and to the author's credit, the book is incredibly well-paced. It never lags, and I found myself moving through the story quickly without feeling the "middle-of-the-book slump" that plagues many sci-fi novels.
However, the execution felt a bit naïve in several key areas:
Character Depth: The protagonists felt relatively flat. I never quite felt a deep connection to their motivations or personal stakes.
The Science of Communication: For a hard sci-fi novel, the linguistics and the communication process between humans and aliens were oversimplified by quite an order of magnitude. It felt less like a complex puzzle and more like a convenient plot device.
Geopolitics: The political ramifications of first contact were handled with "kid gloves." It felt as though the author wanted to reach a specific philosophical conversation without getting stuck in the realistic "mud" of global politics or bureaucracy.
The Resolution: This was the most disappointing aspect for me. The central conflict was resolved in a way that felt far too easy and simplified given the stakes involved.
Final Verdict: It’s a breezy read with a great hook, but it lacks the intellectual and emotional "crunch" I look for in serious hard sci-fi. If you want a fast-paced first-contact story and don’t mind a more surface-level approach to the logistics, it’s worth a read—but don't expect the depth of a genre masterpiece.
AS1 hits right in my favorite sub-genre: the intersection of hard science fiction and first contact. The premise alone was enough to keep me turning the pages, and to the author's credit, the book is incredibly well-paced. It never lags, and I found myself moving through the story quickly without feeling the "middle-of-the-book slump" that plagues many sci-fi novels.
However, the execution felt a bit naïve in several key areas:
Character Depth: The protagonists felt relatively flat. I never quite felt a deep connection to their motivations or personal stakes.
The Science of Communication: For a hard sci-fi novel, the linguistics and the communication process between humans and aliens were oversimplified by quite an order of magnitude. It felt less like a complex puzzle and more like a convenient plot device.
Geopolitics: The political ramifications of first contact were handled with "kid gloves." It felt as though the author wanted to reach a specific philosophical conversation without getting stuck in the realistic "mud" of global politics or bureaucracy.
The Resolution: This was the most disappointing aspect for me. The central conflict was resolved in a way that felt far too easy and simplified given the stakes involved.
Final Verdict: It’s a breezy read with a great hook, but it lacks the intellectual and emotional "crunch" I look for in serious hard sci-fi. If you want a fast-paced first-contact story and don’t mind a more surface-level approach to the logistics, it’s worth a read—but don't expect the depth of a genre masterpiece.
August 30, 2025
Well worth the read. It will engross you, make you lose track of time, and possibly lose some sleep
Not even a hint of the ending until the end (one of the best features). I found myself not being able to assuredly predict beyond the present page(s) since the author doesn't reveal his hand as you move forward. Not twist and turns as in mystery novels, but more like new information that leads your point of view unexpectedly as the plot swivels . You'll guess often incorrectly the next sequence of events. Well, we're also, like the characters, dealing with the novel unknowns of a strange, different, new intelligent lifeform.
Character development of both humans and aliens alike is so well done. Truely, each individual was obviously conceived and painstakingly considered as to how they added value to the storyline. Some you'll enjoy, others you'll dislike, and all fit in as if we are involved in this possible reality. You will likely have force yourself to set this excellent novel down to eat, sleep, work, etc.
AS1 will become a must-read 1st novel, acclaimed, have glowing reviews, deserving accolades, and surely become award-winning. I definitely find myself eagerly awaiting the next great novel by Trevor Lewis.
Not even a hint of the ending until the end (one of the best features). I found myself not being able to assuredly predict beyond the present page(s) since the author doesn't reveal his hand as you move forward. Not twist and turns as in mystery novels, but more like new information that leads your point of view unexpectedly as the plot swivels . You'll guess often incorrectly the next sequence of events. Well, we're also, like the characters, dealing with the novel unknowns of a strange, different, new intelligent lifeform.
Character development of both humans and aliens alike is so well done. Truely, each individual was obviously conceived and painstakingly considered as to how they added value to the storyline. Some you'll enjoy, others you'll dislike, and all fit in as if we are involved in this possible reality. You will likely have force yourself to set this excellent novel down to eat, sleep, work, etc.
AS1 will become a must-read 1st novel, acclaimed, have glowing reviews, deserving accolades, and surely become award-winning. I definitely find myself eagerly awaiting the next great novel by Trevor Lewis.
March 8, 2025
First contact with Mr Blobby
A young nerd discovers a mystery signal from deep space and is swept up by men in black who give him no choice but to assist with making first contact: a great premise for the story. There was enough science to keep me happy and great character development, spiced up with plenty of plot-twisting tension. The only thing I couldn't get past was the description of the aliens who, in my mind's eye, took on the appearance of Mr Blobby. I also couldn't help questioning how a marshmallow shaped creature could have grown to be scientifically and technologically advanced. Apparently they evolved on a world with no competitors but my understanding is that intelligence is honed by fighting for dominance, tooth and claw. If they never faced competition in their evolution, what need did they for curiosity and ambition? Aside from that imagery, which admittedly did distract me, the story is great and well worth a read. One star lost for editing - numerous typos through the book - and a somewhat soft ending. I wanted to see those marshmallows blasted out of the sky.
A young nerd discovers a mystery signal from deep space and is swept up by men in black who give him no choice but to assist with making first contact: a great premise for the story. There was enough science to keep me happy and great character development, spiced up with plenty of plot-twisting tension. The only thing I couldn't get past was the description of the aliens who, in my mind's eye, took on the appearance of Mr Blobby. I also couldn't help questioning how a marshmallow shaped creature could have grown to be scientifically and technologically advanced. Apparently they evolved on a world with no competitors but my understanding is that intelligence is honed by fighting for dominance, tooth and claw. If they never faced competition in their evolution, what need did they for curiosity and ambition? Aside from that imagery, which admittedly did distract me, the story is great and well worth a read. One star lost for editing - numerous typos through the book - and a somewhat soft ending. I wanted to see those marshmallows blasted out of the sky.
November 6, 2025
Best hard sci-fi I have read in years
I am saddened by the lack of well written, grounded sci-fi. With AS1 Lewis entertained in a way Crichton and Sagan have in books like Andromida Strain and Contact. I sincerely hope Lewis is really discovered and continues to write. It is kind of sad that Crichton's name, so long after his passing, can be used to so easily publish. Digital publishing has made it so easy to publish that really good writers are hard to ferret out in the huge crowd of easily published $2.99 books. Yet the proven best selling authors can publish their grocery list for $14.99. I am not certain the ease of digital publishing has been a blessing. Guys like Lewis can so easily be lost in the crowd. Please write AS2!
PS. I did not mean to diminish Crichton's work. He continues to be my all-time favorite. The Andromida Strain sequel was excellent. But there was never a doubt it would be published if written.
I am saddened by the lack of well written, grounded sci-fi. With AS1 Lewis entertained in a way Crichton and Sagan have in books like Andromida Strain and Contact. I sincerely hope Lewis is really discovered and continues to write. It is kind of sad that Crichton's name, so long after his passing, can be used to so easily publish. Digital publishing has made it so easy to publish that really good writers are hard to ferret out in the huge crowd of easily published $2.99 books. Yet the proven best selling authors can publish their grocery list for $14.99. I am not certain the ease of digital publishing has been a blessing. Guys like Lewis can so easily be lost in the crowd. Please write AS2!
PS. I did not mean to diminish Crichton's work. He continues to be my all-time favorite. The Andromida Strain sequel was excellent. But there was never a doubt it would be published if written.
June 22, 2025
AS1, a debut first-contact tech-thriller by Trevor Lewis, gets off to a good start but quickly runs out of steam. Gideon, a young analyst with a photographic memory, finds an artificial signal in the Oort Cloud. He soon finds himself in custody until he accepts a government deal he can’t refuse. As long as the focus stays on Gideon as a problem-solver, the story works well enough. But in the second half, Gideon drops into the background, and the characters who take his place are not as engaging as he was.
The story needs restructuring and a sharp editorial pencil. At over 500 pages, it is way too long. We get lots of irrelevant details, but we are left in the dark about things that do need to be explained. For example, why is there no sound on the alien planet? No atmospheric vibrations at all? Really?
The story needs restructuring and a sharp editorial pencil. At over 500 pages, it is way too long. We get lots of irrelevant details, but we are left in the dark about things that do need to be explained. For example, why is there no sound on the alien planet? No atmospheric vibrations at all? Really?
January 30, 2025
Imaginative and a little bit scary
An amazing tale of first contact that is highly believable. Starts out strong, pulling the reader into the story with the tantalizing possibility that Earth was receiving a signal of extraterrestrial origin. The action slows down a bit as two unacquainted species get to know each other. Eventually it becomes clear that the aliens are hiding something from the humans. Trust erodes, fear takes hold, devastating consequences seem likely. The tension towards the end of the story is very gripping and I had a hard time putting the book down.
Well written, pretty good editing, although there some missing or wrong words here and there. I will be interested in checking out other books by Trevor Lewis.
An amazing tale of first contact that is highly believable. Starts out strong, pulling the reader into the story with the tantalizing possibility that Earth was receiving a signal of extraterrestrial origin. The action slows down a bit as two unacquainted species get to know each other. Eventually it becomes clear that the aliens are hiding something from the humans. Trust erodes, fear takes hold, devastating consequences seem likely. The tension towards the end of the story is very gripping and I had a hard time putting the book down.
Well written, pretty good editing, although there some missing or wrong words here and there. I will be interested in checking out other books by Trevor Lewis.
May 11, 2025
I was expecting an
adult Science Fiction story and... well.... gee guys. This was one. It is the first one novel story that I have read (red) in a couple of years. I found that I couldn't receive the enjoyment from only one novel. Then AS1 shows up and changes that belief. Thank you Trevor Lewis for showing me what I have been missing all of these years. Well crafted story and no dead or dull spaces within the whole story. Truly a joy to read! Tho I did devour it in one day (and night) and I am sad that the story was over in only One sitting, but it is over.
Well written and I am looking forward to another work by this same author. Thank You Master Lewis. Thank You
adult Science Fiction story and... well.... gee guys. This was one. It is the first one novel story that I have read (red) in a couple of years. I found that I couldn't receive the enjoyment from only one novel. Then AS1 shows up and changes that belief. Thank you Trevor Lewis for showing me what I have been missing all of these years. Well crafted story and no dead or dull spaces within the whole story. Truly a joy to read! Tho I did devour it in one day (and night) and I am sad that the story was over in only One sitting, but it is over.
Well written and I am looking forward to another work by this same author. Thank You Master Lewis. Thank You
April 9, 2025
feel good story
This is a different take on the First Contact concept of storytelling. The author takes the reader around many different bends, some unexpected, but kept it interesting.
Some of the science and logic that is employed doesn’t add up, is inconsistent. But suspension of disbelief is important often when reading escapism type fiction.
Overall, a good tale and the ending of the story felt good. Sometimes important when you just want to get away dark and tRumpism days.
This is a different take on the First Contact concept of storytelling. The author takes the reader around many different bends, some unexpected, but kept it interesting.
Some of the science and logic that is employed doesn’t add up, is inconsistent. But suspension of disbelief is important often when reading escapism type fiction.
Overall, a good tale and the ending of the story felt good. Sometimes important when you just want to get away dark and tRumpism days.
May 6, 2025
Edge of your seat story and thought provoking!
I really enjoyed Trevor Lewis’ hard sci-fi novel, “AS1.” Lewis creates authentic characters and a fun, fast moving plot in which they must try to understand the true intentions of an alien race.
Lewis does a great job integrating speculative and real science into the plot. The tech complements and supports the story; it’s not there just for the author to show off his technical expertise.
I look forward to reading more from Trevor Lewis!
I really enjoyed Trevor Lewis’ hard sci-fi novel, “AS1.” Lewis creates authentic characters and a fun, fast moving plot in which they must try to understand the true intentions of an alien race.
Lewis does a great job integrating speculative and real science into the plot. The tech complements and supports the story; it’s not there just for the author to show off his technical expertise.
I look forward to reading more from Trevor Lewis!
June 24, 2025
Enough "hard" science fiction!
Gosh. It seems like every novel in the genre calling itself "hard sci fi" is just another rehash of the man-first-contacts-ailens genre.
Furthermore far from being hard science, it should be called "no science" fiction. Nobody knows what aliens are like, so the author makes up the aliens properties, aggressiveness, and then makes up an interaction with them.
These stories are no better than 1970s Star Trek. Can folks please stop this drivel? I will stop reading it.
Gosh. It seems like every novel in the genre calling itself "hard sci fi" is just another rehash of the man-first-contacts-ailens genre.
Furthermore far from being hard science, it should be called "no science" fiction. Nobody knows what aliens are like, so the author makes up the aliens properties, aggressiveness, and then makes up an interaction with them.
These stories are no better than 1970s Star Trek. Can folks please stop this drivel? I will stop reading it.
July 13, 2025
Environmental propaganda posing as story
Well written, great pacing, with a huge gotcha at the end. We meet a friendly alien species, we let them set up shop on earth. They plant a planet killer bomb at our core and tell us everything will be great and they won't destroy the planet so long as we end our evil ways. In the epilogue we have a one world government, only unbiased news, and our entire economy is based on renewable resources. Of course they'll kill us all if we don't comply, but hey, it's paradise..
Makes me want to gag. BBC
Well written, great pacing, with a huge gotcha at the end. We meet a friendly alien species, we let them set up shop on earth. They plant a planet killer bomb at our core and tell us everything will be great and they won't destroy the planet so long as we end our evil ways. In the epilogue we have a one world government, only unbiased news, and our entire economy is based on renewable resources. Of course they'll kill us all if we don't comply, but hey, it's paradise..
Makes me want to gag. BBC
September 9, 2025
Wow! What a great read.
Ok. I started this book with very low expectations, and wound up not being able to finish it quickly enough. It grabbed me right from the start and held me in suspense until the very end. This was fun, but also nerve wracking, since the ending could have gone so many ways. The characters are deep and well presented and as real as anyone I have ever known. I am very thankful to TL for this amazing story. Will be watching for more of.his works in the hope that they will prove to be as good as the was.
Ok. I started this book with very low expectations, and wound up not being able to finish it quickly enough. It grabbed me right from the start and held me in suspense until the very end. This was fun, but also nerve wracking, since the ending could have gone so many ways. The characters are deep and well presented and as real as anyone I have ever known. I am very thankful to TL for this amazing story. Will be watching for more of.his works in the hope that they will prove to be as good as the was.
December 31, 2024
pretty exciting tale up until the end when the supposedly non moralistic aliens spring a surprise - they want the earth dealt with morally for the benefit of mankind. Kind of a downer as I was expecting something with more grit. Instead we get a homily about what the earth should be like and how all nations subsume their identity to one global state - or something like that. Fat chance that will ever happen!
April 20, 2025
Is first contact a good thing?
Lewis presents us with a well reasoned story of first contact. Humans' first encounter with an alien species (AS1) could be beneficial or something else. However humanity will never be the same after this happens.
Lewis considers concepts of free will and individual action that impact the aliens confusion about humans and threatens not only the end of human existence but even the earth itself.
Lewis presents us with a well reasoned story of first contact. Humans' first encounter with an alien species (AS1) could be beneficial or something else. However humanity will never be the same after this happens.
Lewis considers concepts of free will and individual action that impact the aliens confusion about humans and threatens not only the end of human existence but even the earth itself.
May 7, 2025
mostly original story works well
Sure there is plenty to criticize on plot choices and character developments but what novel doesn't. Second guessing these choices is a worthless exercise and best to enjoy a great all around read. It's readable in a sitting or two as its mostly a simple tale of the simple human race. The ending and aliens became too predictable and disappointing in their simplicity. Fun quick worthwhile read. Author will get better i am sure
Sure there is plenty to criticize on plot choices and character developments but what novel doesn't. Second guessing these choices is a worthless exercise and best to enjoy a great all around read. It's readable in a sitting or two as its mostly a simple tale of the simple human race. The ending and aliens became too predictable and disappointing in their simplicity. Fun quick worthwhile read. Author will get better i am sure
June 6, 2025
Really good read. The whole idea about first contact is interesting. Almost all of it was believable too apart from the ending. The idea of a one world living in harmony is not believable at all. Humans will destroy ourselves no matter what and would do the same to another planet or species due to greed and need to control just like now and always.
I was surprised to find out it was the first book and he has not released another yet too.
I was surprised to find out it was the first book and he has not released another yet too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
lots of incorrect jargon
I only made it to Chapter 2. The book was full of needless details that were made up. For example “ the signal boosting of the 4 mm frequencies.” But 4 mm is a wavelength, not a frequency. Just say “signal boosted” instead of using erroneous pseudo jargon.
Or a submarine that stays underwater for 9 months!
So the author is trying to impress us, but demonstrates ignorance and lack of research instead.
I only made it to Chapter 2. The book was full of needless details that were made up. For example “ the signal boosting of the 4 mm frequencies.” But 4 mm is a wavelength, not a frequency. Just say “signal boosted” instead of using erroneous pseudo jargon.
Or a submarine that stays underwater for 9 months!
So the author is trying to impress us, but demonstrates ignorance and lack of research instead.
March 2, 2025
I liked this book a lot although it dragged in a number of places and the denouement was over in a flash. That was a big disappointment. Also there were A LOT of typos. Purpose for propose, Russian for Russia and they could not decide whether a key figure was Declan or Delcan. Misspelled many times.
May 10, 2025
Authentic characters and thought-provoking story
I really enjoyed this story for several reasons: the characters w,,ere believable and well developed. the topic of humanity's place in our world and beyond is compelling for me. And,finally, it was just a great story! I hope to see more from Mr Lewis.
I really enjoyed this story for several reasons: the characters w,,ere believable and well developed. the topic of humanity's place in our world and beyond is compelling for me. And,finally, it was just a great story! I hope to see more from Mr Lewis.
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