What do you think?
First: A Novel
"First" tells the riveting story of humanity's first encounter with intelligent extraterrestrial life. Set in the year 2122, Earth's scientists have unlocked the secret to faster-than-light space travel. This breakthrough leads to the selection of an international team of astronauts and scientists, who embark on an extraordinary mission aboard Endeavor, an older spacecraft retrofitted with the new FTL technology, and venturing beyond the boundaries of our solar system.
Throughout their remarkable expedition, the crew of the Endeavor face numerous challenges. They suffer the tragic loss of a beloved crewmember, confront perilous situations, stumble upon a wandering rogue planet, and endure an accident that leaves them stranded in a distant star system, a staggering 70 light years away from home. Fortunately, this previously unknown star system includes a planet inhabited by a sentient species and a modern civilization.
Prior to making initial contact, the crew of Endeavor must gather crucial intelligence about these intelligent beings, using spy drones and conducting covert missions on the planet's surface. However, their efforts are complicated by a ruler who staunchly rejects the notion of other worlds.
Then, as tensions mount, an existential crisis arises concerning the rogue planet.
Will the crew of Endeavor survive on this alien world? Can they avoid the impending catastrophe? Will they find a way to get home?
"First" presents a compelling portrayal of space travel, seamlessly integrating aspects of quantum physics, evolutionary biology, language decryption, and biochemistry. The story will captivate enthusiasts of interstellar travel and narratives centered on first contact, making it a must-read for fans of these genres.
Throughout their remarkable expedition, the crew of the Endeavor face numerous challenges. They suffer the tragic loss of a beloved crewmember, confront perilous situations, stumble upon a wandering rogue planet, and endure an accident that leaves them stranded in a distant star system, a staggering 70 light years away from home. Fortunately, this previously unknown star system includes a planet inhabited by a sentient species and a modern civilization.
Prior to making initial contact, the crew of Endeavor must gather crucial intelligence about these intelligent beings, using spy drones and conducting covert missions on the planet's surface. However, their efforts are complicated by a ruler who staunchly rejects the notion of other worlds.
Then, as tensions mount, an existential crisis arises concerning the rogue planet.
Will the crew of Endeavor survive on this alien world? Can they avoid the impending catastrophe? Will they find a way to get home?
"First" presents a compelling portrayal of space travel, seamlessly integrating aspects of quantum physics, evolutionary biology, language decryption, and biochemistry. The story will captivate enthusiasts of interstellar travel and narratives centered on first contact, making it a must-read for fans of these genres.
549 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 8, 2025
My second DNF.
I tried. I think this genre just isn’t for me!
I wanted to like it and see how sci-fi in books is compared to films, cause love a good sci-fi movie or tv series, but alas! This book was a bit much and I couldn’t finish it! Don’t love the technical jargon, and don’t love the way they changed it. In one explanation they say everything in the imperial system, just to change it the next by using the metric…inconsistent and strange when scientific method defaults to metric.
The characters also aren’t deeply developed so it’s hard to really care about what’s going on, as the only one you kind of buy into is the captain and the reporter, and even at page 168, I’m not invested in them.
It was also giving off Space Odyessey vibes of the machines are running the show and everyone is gonna die cause of the “programming” becoming aware or something of that ilk. Really didn’t fully get that far, just a hunch based on what I did read.
I tried. I think this genre just isn’t for me!
I wanted to like it and see how sci-fi in books is compared to films, cause love a good sci-fi movie or tv series, but alas! This book was a bit much and I couldn’t finish it! Don’t love the technical jargon, and don’t love the way they changed it. In one explanation they say everything in the imperial system, just to change it the next by using the metric…inconsistent and strange when scientific method defaults to metric.
The characters also aren’t deeply developed so it’s hard to really care about what’s going on, as the only one you kind of buy into is the captain and the reporter, and even at page 168, I’m not invested in them.
It was also giving off Space Odyessey vibes of the machines are running the show and everyone is gonna die cause of the “programming” becoming aware or something of that ilk. Really didn’t fully get that far, just a hunch based on what I did read.
November 14, 2025
William Tyler creates a universe so rich and believable that I felt like I was living inside the story. The first-contact scenes are tense, emotional, and scientifically fascinating. I loved the covert missions, the use of drones, and the complex political dynamics with the alien ruler who refuses to believe in other worlds.
What truly surprised me was how spiritual and emotional the book felt at times. It isn’t just about aliens, it’s about humanity itself. Well said! Tyler brings so much depth to the genre. I’ve already recommended this to all my sci-fi friends.
What truly surprised me was how spiritual and emotional the book felt at times. It isn’t just about aliens, it’s about humanity itself. Well said! Tyler brings so much depth to the genre. I’ve already recommended this to all my sci-fi friends.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews