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A.L.I.V.E. #1
A.L.I.V.E.: A riveting Science Fiction thriller where an alien experiment turns deadly
Are we alone in the universe?
The United States government has known the answer for decades.
And that answer is about to escape.
Reports of unknown objects in the sky date back hundreds of years. But since the early twentieth century, the frequency of those reports has increased dramatically.
In response, the United States government has been looking for a way to combat the alien threat they see looming on the horizon. Their most promising prospect is the A.L.I.V.E. (Alien Life In Vitro Experiment) Project.
Working from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dr. Maeve Leander has been in charge of Alvie, the first subject from the A.L.I.V.E. Project, for the last three years. But she's been part of the project much longer--ever since she was a child and her mother ran the project.
As a new agency takes over the A.L.I.V.E. Projects, though, Maeve learns that Alvie wasn't the only subject created. Caught in the middle of a giant war game, Maeve ends up in a race for her life. It's not just humans, though, she's on the run from. And it's not just herself she's trying to save.
But as the violence increases and the chances for survival decrease, she realizes one terrifying truth: despite its name, the real goal of the A.L.I.V.E. project is to make sure no one gets out alive.
The United States government has known the answer for decades.
And that answer is about to escape.
Reports of unknown objects in the sky date back hundreds of years. But since the early twentieth century, the frequency of those reports has increased dramatically.
In response, the United States government has been looking for a way to combat the alien threat they see looming on the horizon. Their most promising prospect is the A.L.I.V.E. (Alien Life In Vitro Experiment) Project.
Working from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dr. Maeve Leander has been in charge of Alvie, the first subject from the A.L.I.V.E. Project, for the last three years. But she's been part of the project much longer--ever since she was a child and her mother ran the project.
As a new agency takes over the A.L.I.V.E. Projects, though, Maeve learns that Alvie wasn't the only subject created. Caught in the middle of a giant war game, Maeve ends up in a race for her life. It's not just humans, though, she's on the run from. And it's not just herself she's trying to save.
But as the violence increases and the chances for survival decrease, she realizes one terrifying truth: despite its name, the real goal of the A.L.I.V.E. project is to make sure no one gets out alive.
478 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2025
1037 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
R.D. Brady
116 books340 followersR.D. Brady is the bestselling author of over 60 science-based thrillers, cryptid adventure novels, and mythological conspiracy series that blend real-world science with nonstop action.
With a Ph.D. in Criminology and a professional background in counterterrorism and behavioral science, R.D. brings expert insight to her fast-paced fiction. Her stories are known for featuring fierce female leads, ancient secrets, and cutting-edge research that challenges what we think we know about science, history, and the unknown.
She is best known for the long-running Belial Series, a fan-favorite that explores archaeological mysteries and supernatural revelations—and continues with the high-stakes Belial Rebirth Arc.
R.D. is also the author of The Ancestral Code Series, starting with Hominid, a cryptid-meets-science thriller that reimagines the Bigfoot legend. Her other popular works include the A.L.I.V.E. Series, The Unwelcome Trilogy, and the latest addition, the Shadow Directive series, including Predator Dominion.
Whether it's a global genetic conspiracy, an ancient civilization buried beneath modern myths, or a killer storm trapping a wrongly accused man, R.D.'s books deliver the adrenaline, mystery, and emotional depth that fans of Michael Crichton, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, and James Rollins crave.
When not writing, R.D. teaches martial arts, runs with her dogs, and tends to her garden. Under the pen name Sadie Hobbes, she also writes sharp, fast-paced urban fantasy thrillers.
📬 Subscribe at rdbradybooks.com to get exclusive extras, free novellas, and first looks at upcoming books.
With a Ph.D. in Criminology and a professional background in counterterrorism and behavioral science, R.D. brings expert insight to her fast-paced fiction. Her stories are known for featuring fierce female leads, ancient secrets, and cutting-edge research that challenges what we think we know about science, history, and the unknown.
She is best known for the long-running Belial Series, a fan-favorite that explores archaeological mysteries and supernatural revelations—and continues with the high-stakes Belial Rebirth Arc.
R.D. is also the author of The Ancestral Code Series, starting with Hominid, a cryptid-meets-science thriller that reimagines the Bigfoot legend. Her other popular works include the A.L.I.V.E. Series, The Unwelcome Trilogy, and the latest addition, the Shadow Directive series, including Predator Dominion.
Whether it's a global genetic conspiracy, an ancient civilization buried beneath modern myths, or a killer storm trapping a wrongly accused man, R.D.'s books deliver the adrenaline, mystery, and emotional depth that fans of Michael Crichton, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, and James Rollins crave.
When not writing, R.D. teaches martial arts, runs with her dogs, and tends to her garden. Under the pen name Sadie Hobbes, she also writes sharp, fast-paced urban fantasy thrillers.
📬 Subscribe at rdbradybooks.com to get exclusive extras, free novellas, and first looks at upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 4, 2016
R.L Brady has become one of my new favorite authors. With her Belial series, then the fantastic book, "Hominid" from last year, she has become one of those, "get the new book asap" authors.
This one involves aliens, good and bad, genetic engineering and testing, government cover-ups, and of course the requisite power hungry, in charge, government psycho, who comes in to wreck havoc on the whole situation. I loved the whole thing, even with the couple of minor mistakes. Action-packed, good pacing and an ending that makes me want to read the next one in the series like right now.
What can I say, I'm a sucker for these kinds of thrillers, especially when they deal aliens, monsters and all sorts of cryptids.
Yeah...I recommend this one. And don't miss out on Hominid, while you're at it.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
This one involves aliens, good and bad, genetic engineering and testing, government cover-ups, and of course the requisite power hungry, in charge, government psycho, who comes in to wreck havoc on the whole situation. I loved the whole thing, even with the couple of minor mistakes. Action-packed, good pacing and an ending that makes me want to read the next one in the series like right now.
What can I say, I'm a sucker for these kinds of thrillers, especially when they deal aliens, monsters and all sorts of cryptids.
Yeah...I recommend this one. And don't miss out on Hominid, while you're at it.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
January 13, 2025
loved it
Fascinating. It was hard to put down. With short chapters, it was easy to think, one more. The story was believable and well written. The characters were well fleshed out, and also likeable. Love Alvie and the tripplets. I would surely recommend for people with special love for aliens…like me.
Fascinating. It was hard to put down. With short chapters, it was easy to think, one more. The story was believable and well written. The characters were well fleshed out, and also likeable. Love Alvie and the tripplets. I would surely recommend for people with special love for aliens…like me.
January 28, 2026
Imagine Jurassic Park (the movie, because let’s be honest), but instead of dinosaurs, everyone is trapped in Area 51 with aliens… cut off, outmatched, and with absolutely no idea what they’re dealing with. And it’s not just one type of alien, it’s all of them. Every flavor of alien chaos is represented: terrifying, murderous, gooey, deeply unsettling, scaly… plus one typical “gray” alien who gives that E.T. bestie vibe.
This book is a genre blender in the best way, mixing sci-fi, horror, humor, and even a hint of romance. Is it perfect? Probably not. But I was having way too much fun to nitpick believability the way some reviewers did. Honestly? It all worked for me.
As someone whose alien philosophy is very much “I’m too scared to research this, so I’ll believe whatever the author tells me,” I appreciated how confident and well-researched the worldbuilding felt. I’m not a military or extraterrestrial intelligence specialist - but the author clearly is, and I happily accepted it all as gospel.
One very important note: read this with your eyeballs. I bounced between reading and audio, and the audiobook is rough. When the narrator pronounced “barrage” as “bar-rudge,” I was out. You had one job.
All complaints aside, this was a win. Fun, chaotic, wildly entertaining and it unfolded like a movie in front of my eyes.
My favorite book of January, and I’m genuinely glad I took a chance on it.
This book is a genre blender in the best way, mixing sci-fi, horror, humor, and even a hint of romance. Is it perfect? Probably not. But I was having way too much fun to nitpick believability the way some reviewers did. Honestly? It all worked for me.
As someone whose alien philosophy is very much “I’m too scared to research this, so I’ll believe whatever the author tells me,” I appreciated how confident and well-researched the worldbuilding felt. I’m not a military or extraterrestrial intelligence specialist - but the author clearly is, and I happily accepted it all as gospel.
One very important note: read this with your eyeballs. I bounced between reading and audio, and the audiobook is rough. When the narrator pronounced “barrage” as “bar-rudge,” I was out. You had one job.
All complaints aside, this was a win. Fun, chaotic, wildly entertaining and it unfolded like a movie in front of my eyes.
My favorite book of January, and I’m genuinely glad I took a chance on it.
June 29, 2016
A drama for all humanity...and then some
This story was an exercise in bridging science, military, and human emotion. The characters were well written and introduced timely and with thought. The relationships between the aliens and humans were interesting, although less could have been more; perhaps, a bit more fleshing out of other backstories would have added to the future of the series. Anyway, the line between good and bad is not finite and can progress in myriad ways based on the observer of the situation. It does shift in this work and you never know who or what is waiting for you.
It is a definite must-read and full of action and intrigue. I look forward to reading more about these characters in the future.
This story was an exercise in bridging science, military, and human emotion. The characters were well written and introduced timely and with thought. The relationships between the aliens and humans were interesting, although less could have been more; perhaps, a bit more fleshing out of other backstories would have added to the future of the series. Anyway, the line between good and bad is not finite and can progress in myriad ways based on the observer of the situation. It does shift in this work and you never know who or what is waiting for you.
It is a definite must-read and full of action and intrigue. I look forward to reading more about these characters in the future.
July 12, 2016
This story has an excellence mixture of UFO and alien history and military action. It maintains your interest but there are a few chapters that could had been written better. I love Maeve's because she is well rounded and isn't some geeky scientist. I liked Chris and Leslie's honest but bad ass attitudes. The story a had mild romance which spiced things up a bite and added a small twist but it was predictable. It is worth reading!
July 3, 2016
OK, imagine that this is like umm, The Gunfight at OK Corral... Only instead of a Corral it takes place at Area 51 so replace the Cowboys and Marshalls and Townspeople with Aliens and Soldiers and a few Scientists... You get the picture? Lots of action, but it's action with heart! Now go get the book!
July 20, 2016
Excellent Story...
This is a very well-written story. It was engrossing and entertaining and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Ready to read the next entry in the series.
This is a very well-written story. It was engrossing and entertaining and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Ready to read the next entry in the series.
March 30, 2024
Do aliens exist? What's really at the infamous Area 51? Is the government covering up evidence of UFOs? Maybe. The book follows Dr. Maeve Leander. She works in secret. Her subject is Alvie. He's a young gray. Alvie and Maeve are like family because Maeve's mom worked with Alvie before so Maeve and Alvie grew up together. Alvie was lonely and the research was suffering so MEve was brought in to be his friend. The senior Dr Leander has died and now her daughter Maeve is in charge of the project. Alvie isn't the only alien. But he is one of the nicest. Some of the others aren't nice. But a sinister element within the government thinks the research project needs a kick in the pants. Decades have been wasted as these scientists studied these aliens behind glass. Why not let them out and see what they can really do. What could go wrong?
November 19, 2025
What an excellent start to a sci-fi series!
Set against the backdrop of a secretive military experimental program involving aliens, A.L.I.V.E explores the disturbing aspects of humanity’s willingness to justify doing terrible things in an action-packed storyline that has notes of Matthew Reilly and Michael Crichton.
The settings were so easy to imagine because the author leveraged well-known “secretive military base hiding aliens” vibes and imagery that anyone who has seen a movie will understand. As a result, it was very easy to fall into the story because the world-building is something we already have a framework for.
The characters? Diverse, allowed to explore different questions of morality (what is right? How far are you comfortable going?) and all without resorting to losing pieces of clothing or swearing every second word.
Green flags all around. I’ve already added the second book to my Amazon list so I don’t forget about it!
Set against the backdrop of a secretive military experimental program involving aliens, A.L.I.V.E explores the disturbing aspects of humanity’s willingness to justify doing terrible things in an action-packed storyline that has notes of Matthew Reilly and Michael Crichton.
The settings were so easy to imagine because the author leveraged well-known “secretive military base hiding aliens” vibes and imagery that anyone who has seen a movie will understand. As a result, it was very easy to fall into the story because the world-building is something we already have a framework for.
The characters? Diverse, allowed to explore different questions of morality (what is right? How far are you comfortable going?) and all without resorting to losing pieces of clothing or swearing every second word.
Green flags all around. I’ve already added the second book to my Amazon list so I don’t forget about it!
June 5, 2017
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story. Excitement, suspense, monsters, and little grey "aliens." What more could a sci-fi fan wish for.
The main characters were very well developed, and more than simply likeable. The entire tale was very well thought out and written in an easy flowing manner. I had a difficult time putting this one down, which explains how I finished it as quickly as I did. The first day or two I was OK, but once the ball really got rolling, then it was an all-day reading fest!
If you enjoy sci-fi, I think you will find the time you spend reading this tale as time well spent.
The main characters were very well developed, and more than simply likeable. The entire tale was very well thought out and written in an easy flowing manner. I had a difficult time putting this one down, which explains how I finished it as quickly as I did. The first day or two I was OK, but once the ball really got rolling, then it was an all-day reading fest!
If you enjoy sci-fi, I think you will find the time you spend reading this tale as time well spent.
March 8, 2025
cartoon sci-fi
This has the bones of what could be a good story but it’s ruined by forgettable, cardboard cut out characters and the most ludicrously stereotypically villainous bad guy I’ve seen in quite sometime. Literally every action he takes is central casting for a villain right out of a James Bond movie so that, ironically, he becomes the least interesting character in the story.
I know there’s more books in the series but I have too many other books to get to that hopefully will be better constructed than this one. It’s just not worth my time to spend anymore of it with these characters.
This has the bones of what could be a good story but it’s ruined by forgettable, cardboard cut out characters and the most ludicrously stereotypically villainous bad guy I’ve seen in quite sometime. Literally every action he takes is central casting for a villain right out of a James Bond movie so that, ironically, he becomes the least interesting character in the story.
I know there’s more books in the series but I have too many other books to get to that hopefully will be better constructed than this one. It’s just not worth my time to spend anymore of it with these characters.
October 18, 2025
Great story and quite believable, who knows what's going on in secret government labs. A bit of a is she isn't she issue with the cloning material, turns out it was the Doctors stem cells used after she was born which her mother cloned with an alien DNA, so she is closer to the main character than she thought possible!!. Just a little bit syrupy when everyone survived a nuclear bomb going off on top of them!? Hey ho! Never let a little issue like that get in the way of a good story. Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend a read!
February 2, 2026
The first 90% of the book laid a lot of groundwork that, I can only surmise, prepares the reader for the sequels. This is not a satisfying read in and of itself. Anticipating similar storytelling in the sequels, I'll be skipping them.
The last 10 percent or so can be skipped, as the protagonists are invincible and nothing is added to the story beyond the too-predictable outcome. Very verbose prose leading this reader to believe that the only reason for all the silly action is that the author is paid by the word, whether relevant to the story or not.
The last 10 percent or so can be skipped, as the protagonists are invincible and nothing is added to the story beyond the too-predictable outcome. Very verbose prose leading this reader to believe that the only reason for all the silly action is that the author is paid by the word, whether relevant to the story or not.
July 14, 2017
I've been reading the Belial series and loving it, so this new series caught my eye. So different from the other books. Kind of a what if story.
A little mix of Watchers from Dean Koontz and a little ET and a lot of Ms. Brady's wonderful imagination.
Great well developed characters, a really really bad bad guy and a little bit of hmmm, is this really possible! Fun and also intense. Looking forward to book 2.
A little mix of Watchers from Dean Koontz and a little ET and a lot of Ms. Brady's wonderful imagination.
Great well developed characters, a really really bad bad guy and a little bit of hmmm, is this really possible! Fun and also intense. Looking forward to book 2.
August 20, 2018
Intriguing
Science fiction is most believable if the possibilities are real. The ALIVE book has that ring. The characters could easily be real people working on various black op projects. This book has and number of plot twists and the story builds nicely. Some famous places play and part in the story including Area 51. And very enjoyable read that seemed to eat the time because it was some engrossing.
Science fiction is most believable if the possibilities are real. The ALIVE book has that ring. The characters could easily be real people working on various black op projects. This book has and number of plot twists and the story builds nicely. Some famous places play and part in the story including Area 51. And very enjoyable read that seemed to eat the time because it was some engrossing.
November 17, 2019
I liked it well enough
I was hesitant to start another book by this author as the Belial series had so many editing errors as to make it impossible for me to enjoy the series or even finish it. I am happy to say that I didn’t notice any glaring issues as in the prior series.
The characters were interesting to me and well like able. I am curious enough to want to read the second book in the series.
I was hesitant to start another book by this author as the Belial series had so many editing errors as to make it impossible for me to enjoy the series or even finish it. I am happy to say that I didn’t notice any glaring issues as in the prior series.
The characters were interesting to me and well like able. I am curious enough to want to read the second book in the series.
July 13, 2021
Because I enjoyed Brady's Belial series, I decided to try another of her series. I don't read distopian novels, so most of the content was new to me. I enjoyed the premises of the book and the valiant, heroic escape of the approachable "aliens" with their supportive humans. Reading the book has made me want to continue reading the series, which will hopefully come to a conclusion of cooperation between species. As in the Belial series, Brady included her research for the premises of her book.
January 3, 2025
Two much of a thing ?
The idea that an author is compared to another writer is wrong in so many ways. It belittles what one has accomplished. The story line was disturbing in a way, I kept thinking that, as dumb as our government is, in all probability this story is not far from the truth. How long ago was Dolly conceived. Are we supposed to believe that it ended with her. Everyone wants to play god.
The idea that an author is compared to another writer is wrong in so many ways. It belittles what one has accomplished. The story line was disturbing in a way, I kept thinking that, as dumb as our government is, in all probability this story is not far from the truth. How long ago was Dolly conceived. Are we supposed to believe that it ended with her. Everyone wants to play god.
January 31, 2025
Indiana Jones . . . But with aliens!
Such a satisfyingly entertaining read, I had a blast with this. The comparisons with Crichton are real. There are aliens, of all shapes and sizes. They need to be moved — but is it for a nefarious purpose? — we know it’s all going to go wrong.
With unlikely heroes, traitorous bad guys, and the cutest aliens you could possibly imagine — as well as the most beastly — if ever you need something to drag you from a reading slump, this will be the one.
Such a satisfyingly entertaining read, I had a blast with this. The comparisons with Crichton are real. There are aliens, of all shapes and sizes. They need to be moved — but is it for a nefarious purpose? — we know it’s all going to go wrong.
With unlikely heroes, traitorous bad guys, and the cutest aliens you could possibly imagine — as well as the most beastly — if ever you need something to drag you from a reading slump, this will be the one.
August 20, 2025
A.L.I.V.E. - Excellent sci-fi
A well-written story! The pacing, the secrets, and the science made this a perfect read for me. Author RD Brady puts a nice touch on the subject of human-alien interaction, including compassion and horror. I really enjoyed the audiobook performed by Elisabeth Ashby. She brought all of the emotions and excitement that the author captured with her words. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. -Mr.Bill
A well-written story! The pacing, the secrets, and the science made this a perfect read for me. Author RD Brady puts a nice touch on the subject of human-alien interaction, including compassion and horror. I really enjoyed the audiobook performed by Elisabeth Ashby. She brought all of the emotions and excitement that the author captured with her words. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. -Mr.Bill
August 15, 2017
A.L.I.V.E (The series book)
I really enjoyed this book it is a little si-fi and a whole lot of intrigue. How some aliens are cloned by the govt. and then let loose by some idiot to see how they would go about fighting each other never mind all the innocent people working with them
I really enjoyed this book it is a little si-fi and a whole lot of intrigue. How some aliens are cloned by the govt. and then let loose by some idiot to see how they would go about fighting each other never mind all the innocent people working with them
April 2, 2018
DNF @45%
An interesting premise with an interesting heroine and romance. Otherwise horrible. I loved Brady's Belial series, but he's clearly done much more biblical research than sci-fi. Plus the annoying issue of claiming his subject had no vocal cords and yet constantly referring to it screaming. Overly evil villain as well. Just not good.
An interesting premise with an interesting heroine and romance. Otherwise horrible. I loved Brady's Belial series, but he's clearly done much more biblical research than sci-fi. Plus the annoying issue of claiming his subject had no vocal cords and yet constantly referring to it screaming. Overly evil villain as well. Just not good.
December 8, 2018
Straight Up Aliens + Humans
Anything in Area 51 brings a story to a new level of reading!
I adore RD!
There can never be too much Rice Krispies and Alvie!!
I'm rushing to DL the last book in this series!!
The plot, the characters, the location brings it to a fun "what if" story.
Thank you RD!
Anything in Area 51 brings a story to a new level of reading!
I adore RD!
There can never be too much Rice Krispies and Alvie!!
I'm rushing to DL the last book in this series!!
The plot, the characters, the location brings it to a fun "what if" story.
Thank you RD!
February 21, 2023
Aliens or not?
It's a good premise but taken a little too far to be believable. Again I think a brilliant person working with Alvie would have known his capabilities much better than portrayed. Also the premise of a character like the commander of this undercover operation strains credibility a bit.
It's a good premise but taken a little too far to be believable. Again I think a brilliant person working with Alvie would have known his capabilities much better than portrayed. Also the premise of a character like the commander of this undercover operation strains credibility a bit.
September 17, 2023
Excellent
As a believer that we are not alone I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. All the characters, human and alien, were well developed. And the bad guy was truly evil. I agree with the author’s comments that the majority of humans would not react rationally to aliens among us. Our government would shoot first and ask questions later.
As a believer that we are not alone I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. All the characters, human and alien, were well developed. And the bad guy was truly evil. I agree with the author’s comments that the majority of humans would not react rationally to aliens among us. Our government would shoot first and ask questions later.
December 17, 2023
This was a really enjoyable story! A truly well written alien adventure! Some lightly amusing moments, lots of good action, once the story really starts, interesting ideas & a storyline that held my attention, it had me rooting for the aliens! I really liked that the young aliens were called Snap, Crackle & Pop! I will look for the next part to this story, it was a real pleasure to read!
July 6, 2025
Alien love
Mauve is a scientist working for the Air Force. she has been working with an alien named Alvi.e. She doesn’t realize who he really is, but she has grown to care for him. I found the plot very good and their characters were well written. I recommend this book for all who like a good science fiction story. Sugar warning there is violence and death in this book.
Mauve is a scientist working for the Air Force. she has been working with an alien named Alvi.e. She doesn’t realize who he really is, but she has grown to care for him. I found the plot very good and their characters were well written. I recommend this book for all who like a good science fiction story. Sugar warning there is violence and death in this book.
July 25, 2025
You are taken to place that has has live aliens in there care , this wear things get real strange for them .The people that work there care about the aliens they are helping but the government agency is becoming very strange . The author takes you to a Pont that you can not stop reading , you will wonder is real or not . Great job with the book.
May 23, 2017
A.L.I.V.E.
Absolutely loved this book...Very strong characters throughout the book...Loved the character of Alvie, the little alien...yes, an alien....Can't wait to read the next book
Absolutely loved this book...Very strong characters throughout the book...Loved the character of Alvie, the little alien...yes, an alien....Can't wait to read the next book
May 29, 2017
Really enjoyed the Book
Started out slow for me. That being said I think it was because I had just finished the latest book in the Belial series. This book then kicked into gear and became a fast paced sci-fi thriller. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Started out slow for me. That being said I think it was because I had just finished the latest book in the Belial series. This book then kicked into gear and became a fast paced sci-fi thriller. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews