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First Contact
Love, Sex and the Alien Apocalypse
Alice is a college student. All she wants is to find a little love in the world, but when a gunman pulls up in a black SUV at her fast-food restaurant, life changes in an instant. The appearance of an extraterrestrial spacecraft in orbit is meaningless when a gun is being pointed in her face. The alien apocalypse seems trivial by comparison to a 9mm Glock inches from her nose. When it comes to an alien invasion, all she has are her wits and a fridge magnet that reads: Omnia Vincit Amor.
FIRST CONTACT is a series of stand-alone novels that explore humanity's first interaction with extraterrestrial life. This series is similar to BLACK MIRROR or THE TWILIGHT ZONE in that the series is based on a common theme rather than common characters. This allows these books to be read in any order. Technically, they're all first as they all deal with how we might initially respond to contact with aliens, exploring the social, political, religious, and scientific aspects of First Contact.
FIRST CONTACT is a series of stand-alone novels that explore humanity's first interaction with extraterrestrial life. This series is similar to BLACK MIRROR or THE TWILIGHT ZONE in that the series is based on a common theme rather than common characters. This allows these books to be read in any order. Technically, they're all first as they all deal with how we might initially respond to contact with aliens, exploring the social, political, religious, and scientific aspects of First Contact.
- GenresScience Fiction
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2024
284 people are currently reading
1250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 4, 2025
Probably closer to 3.50, but not close enough to round up. Definitely has that Peter Cawdron feel too it. This is the 17th (I think) in the First Contact series I have read. It seems to be getting harder and harder for him not to repeat themes, sometimes word for word. I definitely align with his social and philosophical positions, but at times it is a bit preachy. I feel like there needs to be something different in these books, and there just wasn't enough here.
January 10, 2025
Whilst I didn't get the connection and feelings of awe I've often felt with Peter this time around, there was still a lot to take in here, and I didn't find myself disappointed as I thought I might given the title. I was - not put-off, but perhaps a little disgruntled - at the sheer number of the uses of the word fuck, for although they weren't gratuitous, it just poked my dour Englishness a little.
For a story of character, not perhaps my cup of tea, but the aliens were at least interesting in their modus operandi.
For a story of character, not perhaps my cup of tea, but the aliens were at least interesting in their modus operandi.
January 1, 2025
As a long-time fan of Peter Cawdron's work, I approached "Love, Sex and the Alien Apocalypse" with high expectations. Cawdron has consistently delivered thought-provoking science fiction that balances scientific concepts with compelling character development. While this latest offering maintains his signature willingness to explore unconventional themes, it doesn't quite reach the heights of his previous works.
The story explores themes of love and human connection through a science fiction lens. While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels somewhat uneven. Character motivations occasionally strain credibility, and some emotional moments feel underdeveloped. Certain sections contain graphic content that sensitive readers should be aware of.
Cawdron's typically engaging scientific discourse takes a different turn here, with extended passages of introspection that, while ambitious, sometimes meander away from the tight plotting his readers have come to expect. Despite these issues, the author's ambition to push boundaries and explore new territory is admirable.
Recommended for dedicated Cawdron fans who appreciate experimental approaches to sci-fi, though newcomers to his work might want to start with some of his earlier novels.
The story explores themes of love and human connection through a science fiction lens. While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels somewhat uneven. Character motivations occasionally strain credibility, and some emotional moments feel underdeveloped. Certain sections contain graphic content that sensitive readers should be aware of.
Cawdron's typically engaging scientific discourse takes a different turn here, with extended passages of introspection that, while ambitious, sometimes meander away from the tight plotting his readers have come to expect. Despite these issues, the author's ambition to push boundaries and explore new territory is admirable.
Recommended for dedicated Cawdron fans who appreciate experimental approaches to sci-fi, though newcomers to his work might want to start with some of his earlier novels.
January 27, 2025
It has some good concepts but definitely felt like it was trying too hard in many points. Philosophy and sociology and psychology all have their place in sci-fi, but I personally feel like they’re best done when they make the reader ask those questions and dive into those threads instead of having a character just analyze an encounter in detail through that context or have a character discuss with another character the psychology of what they went through in a given moment.
January 26, 2025
The first chapter of this book was laugh out loud funny. The rest of it, however, was not. There's plenty of hard science about evolution, consciousness and the ways in which alien invaders might choose to contact us. But it wasn't a particularly interesting read, despite the unique premise.
December 27, 2024
“what a long, strange trip it’s been”
Pardon me Grateful Dead fans, but that line from “Truckin’” is just about right for describing this story. There’s just so much here to think about… As always, PC puts so much detail into the scene setting, the characters’ thought process, an aside to explain a phrase that came from some military jargon, etc. Then there are the topics that flow throughout the story: biological and sociological evolution, the nature of consciousness, quantum physics, love, sex…yes there is even a love scene (actually two), with a surprising amount of detail but the author handles it tastefully .
The story went differently than I expected but was very enjoyable. I do find it difficult to believe that alien contact would go this way (sorry, don’t want to give away too many spoilers) and was surprised the protagonist and friend chose that final outcome. Great story. Don’t miss it.
Pardon me Grateful Dead fans, but that line from “Truckin’” is just about right for describing this story. There’s just so much here to think about… As always, PC puts so much detail into the scene setting, the characters’ thought process, an aside to explain a phrase that came from some military jargon, etc. Then there are the topics that flow throughout the story: biological and sociological evolution, the nature of consciousness, quantum physics, love, sex…yes there is even a love scene (actually two), with a surprising amount of detail but the author handles it tastefully .
The story went differently than I expected but was very enjoyable. I do find it difficult to believe that alien contact would go this way (sorry, don’t want to give away too many spoilers) and was surprised the protagonist and friend chose that final outcome. Great story. Don’t miss it.
December 31, 2024
Yet another take on First Contact
The intriguing mixture of alien-featured story line and hard science (with a bit of philosophical musing thrown in ) presents a fresh view of First Contact despite the volumes already produced.
Always enjoyable, thought provoking and intellectual.
The intriguing mixture of alien-featured story line and hard science (with a bit of philosophical musing thrown in ) presents a fresh view of First Contact despite the volumes already produced.
Always enjoyable, thought provoking and intellectual.
December 29, 2024
Another hit
Once again Peter Cawdron has put forth a thought provoking read on the subject of first contact. What does it mean to be conscious? Are we? How would another species tell? Explore the fictional world and develop a better understanding of reality.
Once again Peter Cawdron has put forth a thought provoking read on the subject of first contact. What does it mean to be conscious? Are we? How would another species tell? Explore the fictional world and develop a better understanding of reality.
December 21, 2024
do you want fries with that?
"Hard" science fiction with some fiction and a lot of reality. Another gem in the first contact series exploring topics like: what is love, conscience, free will, er cetera, what make us humans stand out from animals and how would we be perceived by visitors?
We are about to find out or get a start do decide for ourselves.
"Hard" science fiction with some fiction and a lot of reality. Another gem in the first contact series exploring topics like: what is love, conscience, free will, er cetera, what make us humans stand out from animals and how would we be perceived by visitors?
We are about to find out or get a start do decide for ourselves.
December 30, 2024
AN ALIEN APOCALYPSE YOU'D NEVER EXPECT
Alice Mortimer lives in a college town where nothing much happens—until Alice finds herself in the middle of a mass shooting. She’s at the end of a 10-hour shift at a burger joint when a deranged young man starts shooting up the place. Alice gets seriously pissed off. She wrests the guy’s pistol from his hand, then chases him brandishing a basketful of hot, greasy french fries. Which she uses to beat him senseless as he cowers in terror. A bystander grabs the rifle the young man was carrying and persuades Alice to stop before she kills him. All of which is to say that Alice would become an instant nationwide hero online. Except that this is far from the biggest story of the night. Because a half-dozen alien spaceships show up in Earth orbit. Welcome to a highly original First Contact story.
ONE LONE WOMAN, AND A HANDFUL OF SOLDIERS, TAKE ON THE ALIENS
Alice is 22. She’s a senior studying astrophysics at the local college. So she’s largely immune to the wildly improbably conspiracy theories that flood the internet as soon as those spaceships appear. What’s more, having suffered a trauma from her combat with the mass shooter, Alice also turns out to be immune to the paralyzing effect of the strange aurora that appears in the skies worldwide. Pretty much everyone else goes catatonic or aimlessly wanders around.
So, when she learns that one of the aliens has shown up in the radiology lab at the hospital, she confronts it. And, when a handful of soldiers from the nearby military base show up driving a pair of M1 Abrams tanks down the street, on their way to take out the alien, Alice joins the fight.
As you might imagine, this is just the beginning of Alice Mortimer’s engagement with the aliens. As I hinted, this is a strange and original First Contact story
A DISAPPOINTING DIGRESSION INTO PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATE
There’s a great deal of action in Love, Sex, and the Alien Apocalypse. It should be enough to satisfy the craving of most science fiction thriller readers. Unfortunately, though, the heart of the novel doesn’t lie in the action sequences, which are almost incidental to the author’s intent. Because it’s clear that Peter Cawdron’s principal interest here is to explore the nature of consciousness. He devotes page after page to a spirited philosophical debate between Alice and the aliens about consciousness and free will. For a reader like me searching for a fast-paced story that rushes to a satisfying conclusion, the long delays occasioned by that debate are a disappointment.
Oh, the conclusion is satisfying enough. Cawdron gets there in the end. And, yes, the story is highly original and thought-provoking. But I could have done without all the philosophical palaver. For me, philosophy and theology amount to so much navel-gazing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter Cawdron has written 29 standalone novels in his remarkable First Contact series. In earlier years, he wrote an additional 15 science fiction and fantasy novels and collections of short stories. Cawdron was born in New Zealand but lives in Brisbane, Queensland, and calls himself Australian. However, he writes principally for an American reading audience.
Alice Mortimer lives in a college town where nothing much happens—until Alice finds herself in the middle of a mass shooting. She’s at the end of a 10-hour shift at a burger joint when a deranged young man starts shooting up the place. Alice gets seriously pissed off. She wrests the guy’s pistol from his hand, then chases him brandishing a basketful of hot, greasy french fries. Which she uses to beat him senseless as he cowers in terror. A bystander grabs the rifle the young man was carrying and persuades Alice to stop before she kills him. All of which is to say that Alice would become an instant nationwide hero online. Except that this is far from the biggest story of the night. Because a half-dozen alien spaceships show up in Earth orbit. Welcome to a highly original First Contact story.
ONE LONE WOMAN, AND A HANDFUL OF SOLDIERS, TAKE ON THE ALIENS
Alice is 22. She’s a senior studying astrophysics at the local college. So she’s largely immune to the wildly improbably conspiracy theories that flood the internet as soon as those spaceships appear. What’s more, having suffered a trauma from her combat with the mass shooter, Alice also turns out to be immune to the paralyzing effect of the strange aurora that appears in the skies worldwide. Pretty much everyone else goes catatonic or aimlessly wanders around.
So, when she learns that one of the aliens has shown up in the radiology lab at the hospital, she confronts it. And, when a handful of soldiers from the nearby military base show up driving a pair of M1 Abrams tanks down the street, on their way to take out the alien, Alice joins the fight.
As you might imagine, this is just the beginning of Alice Mortimer’s engagement with the aliens. As I hinted, this is a strange and original First Contact story
A DISAPPOINTING DIGRESSION INTO PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATE
There’s a great deal of action in Love, Sex, and the Alien Apocalypse. It should be enough to satisfy the craving of most science fiction thriller readers. Unfortunately, though, the heart of the novel doesn’t lie in the action sequences, which are almost incidental to the author’s intent. Because it’s clear that Peter Cawdron’s principal interest here is to explore the nature of consciousness. He devotes page after page to a spirited philosophical debate between Alice and the aliens about consciousness and free will. For a reader like me searching for a fast-paced story that rushes to a satisfying conclusion, the long delays occasioned by that debate are a disappointment.
Oh, the conclusion is satisfying enough. Cawdron gets there in the end. And, yes, the story is highly original and thought-provoking. But I could have done without all the philosophical palaver. For me, philosophy and theology amount to so much navel-gazing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter Cawdron has written 29 standalone novels in his remarkable First Contact series. In earlier years, he wrote an additional 15 science fiction and fantasy novels and collections of short stories. Cawdron was born in New Zealand but lives in Brisbane, Queensland, and calls himself Australian. However, he writes principally for an American reading audience.
January 10, 2025
I am a serious Peter Cawdron fan. I have read every book in his first contact series and pre-order every new book as soon as it is announced. In an era where much of new science fiction has a dearth of actual science or, even worse, inaccurate science, you can rely on each Cawdron book to center on hard science. All of that said, I was disappointed with Love, Sex, and the Alien Apocalypse and would rate it as one of my least favorite of his First Contact series.
As always, I love reading the Afterward in Cawdron’s books. This is where he elaborates on the science upon which the story is based. It was almost like he read my mind as he starts the afterward saying that, “As the novel doesn’t involve spaceflight and black holes, it’s easy to think it’s soft on science.” He then spends twelve pages showing “how much science has been woven into” the book. As always, there is a lot of science along with some background on the scientific ideas, and lots of references to explore.
Cawdron makes the point that fictional stories have been used as teaching tools throughout human history. Hansel and Gretel does more to instruct children about being wary of strangers than any “stranger danger” pamphlet. While many people might shy away from reading a book about consciousness or astronomy, they are more than willing to learn vast amounts about these subjects via Cawdron’s fictional stories.
So, why didn’t this book grab me as much as his other ones? For one, I didn’t particularly like Alice, the lead protagonist. Another is I felt that the love and sex theme was hammered upon too many times. While much about the alien race was interesting and a good vehicle to show how “inhumane” humans can be, they came across as too much of a one trick pony.
Let me be clear, this isn’t a bad book. The first chapter grabs you and pulls you in so much that you cannot turn the pages fast enough. The ideas raised are very interesting and, as always, Cawdron uses aliens to teach us about human nature. I have no doubt that you will enjoy reading it, as I certainly did. I just think several other books in the series are much better.
As always, I love reading the Afterward in Cawdron’s books. This is where he elaborates on the science upon which the story is based. It was almost like he read my mind as he starts the afterward saying that, “As the novel doesn’t involve spaceflight and black holes, it’s easy to think it’s soft on science.” He then spends twelve pages showing “how much science has been woven into” the book. As always, there is a lot of science along with some background on the scientific ideas, and lots of references to explore.
Cawdron makes the point that fictional stories have been used as teaching tools throughout human history. Hansel and Gretel does more to instruct children about being wary of strangers than any “stranger danger” pamphlet. While many people might shy away from reading a book about consciousness or astronomy, they are more than willing to learn vast amounts about these subjects via Cawdron’s fictional stories.
So, why didn’t this book grab me as much as his other ones? For one, I didn’t particularly like Alice, the lead protagonist. Another is I felt that the love and sex theme was hammered upon too many times. While much about the alien race was interesting and a good vehicle to show how “inhumane” humans can be, they came across as too much of a one trick pony.
Let me be clear, this isn’t a bad book. The first chapter grabs you and pulls you in so much that you cannot turn the pages fast enough. The ideas raised are very interesting and, as always, Cawdron uses aliens to teach us about human nature. I have no doubt that you will enjoy reading it, as I certainly did. I just think several other books in the series are much better.
March 10, 2025
"Love, Sex, & The Alien Apocalypse" is one of several books that I have read by Peter Cawdron. I keep coming back to Cawdron's "First Contact" books because they never cease to entertain and amaze me. This one is no different, as far as entertainment and amazement are concerned.
The title is descriptive and accurate but by no means, all inclusive when it comes to revealing the story that Cawdron tells. This book is so much more. Cawdron's insight into what it means to be human is remarkable. His observation of the human condition and our modern society is equally impressive. His astute analysis of human interactions serves as a revealing mirror into which we can look to see ourselves from the outside. This book is as much phylosophically intriguing, as it is fun to read.
The plot is as old as science fiction itself. Earth is besieged by an alien armada that appears invincible. The human population is immediately controlled and rendered incapable of self-defense, or even rational thought, while the aliens begin to carry on their inexplicable mission. Alice, for some reason related to her recent trauma, is less affected than most. Somehow she has to save the Earth from complete anhilation.
While the plot seems, on its surface, to be overdone and even a bit hokey, there is much more to this story than meets the eye. The story is fun to read, with an abundance of page-turning action, an estimable heroine, and an engaging storyline. But most of all it was phylosophically intriguig.
In the Afterward, Cawdron reviews many of the topics presented in the story and the related "hard science" behind them. I highly recommend this book, and others by Peter Cawdron. I rarely give a 5-star rating.
The title is descriptive and accurate but by no means, all inclusive when it comes to revealing the story that Cawdron tells. This book is so much more. Cawdron's insight into what it means to be human is remarkable. His observation of the human condition and our modern society is equally impressive. His astute analysis of human interactions serves as a revealing mirror into which we can look to see ourselves from the outside. This book is as much phylosophically intriguing, as it is fun to read.
The plot is as old as science fiction itself. Earth is besieged by an alien armada that appears invincible. The human population is immediately controlled and rendered incapable of self-defense, or even rational thought, while the aliens begin to carry on their inexplicable mission. Alice, for some reason related to her recent trauma, is less affected than most. Somehow she has to save the Earth from complete anhilation.
While the plot seems, on its surface, to be overdone and even a bit hokey, there is much more to this story than meets the eye. The story is fun to read, with an abundance of page-turning action, an estimable heroine, and an engaging storyline. But most of all it was phylosophically intriguig.
In the Afterward, Cawdron reviews many of the topics presented in the story and the related "hard science" behind them. I highly recommend this book, and others by Peter Cawdron. I rarely give a 5-star rating.
December 19, 2024
Peter Cawdron specializes in First Contact novels, exploring the possibilities of how both humans and aliens might react upon first meeting. This book examines human foibles, what it means to be a human in terms of consciousness, and what might set us apart from other sentient species that may inhabit the void known as Outer Space.
Cawdron has again developed a storyline, a plot, and character development quite well, but as he often does, he threw in some zingers you might not expect. It is a well-written story, although a little shorter than his recent novels.
This story deals more with the human side of the equation and has little futuristic alien technology. If you're looking for hard science fiction, you may be disappointed, But if you're looking for pure science, this book is loaded with it. It is difficult to read a Peter Cawdron novel without learning something from it. I will recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Cawdron's work. Don't let the title scare you.
Cawdron has again developed a storyline, a plot, and character development quite well, but as he often does, he threw in some zingers you might not expect. It is a well-written story, although a little shorter than his recent novels.
This story deals more with the human side of the equation and has little futuristic alien technology. If you're looking for hard science fiction, you may be disappointed, But if you're looking for pure science, this book is loaded with it. It is difficult to read a Peter Cawdron novel without learning something from it. I will recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Cawdron's work. Don't let the title scare you.
December 20, 2024
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
10% aliens, 10% thought-provoking dialogue, 80% needless explanations.
Again, this author thinks of more ways to introduce aliens to our world than any other person alive. And I love the variety! But at this point, maybe he needs a coauthor to help with the human side of the story? It's progressively become a couple of characters with all the knowledge needed, often taking way too much time explaining concepts to each other. Like some weird professor rap battle.
And for a story that is centered around the idea of love, why choose a one-night stand as the example? She could have had a deeply loved partner just as easily, so it feels like a weird choice. And of course, as will all the recent books, the author's political views are formed into straw-men characters to hold up as irrational. The thing is, I agree with this author on most of those views, but the narrative ends up feeling preachy and who wants that?
Your call!
10% aliens, 10% thought-provoking dialogue, 80% needless explanations.
Again, this author thinks of more ways to introduce aliens to our world than any other person alive. And I love the variety! But at this point, maybe he needs a coauthor to help with the human side of the story? It's progressively become a couple of characters with all the knowledge needed, often taking way too much time explaining concepts to each other. Like some weird professor rap battle.
And for a story that is centered around the idea of love, why choose a one-night stand as the example? She could have had a deeply loved partner just as easily, so it feels like a weird choice. And of course, as will all the recent books, the author's political views are formed into straw-men characters to hold up as irrational. The thing is, I agree with this author on most of those views, but the narrative ends up feeling preachy and who wants that?
Your call!
February 9, 2025
Terrorist attack gets aborted by fast action then aliens. The story dissolves into philosophies of life in discussions with a hive-minded alien with godly powers doing acts of galactic terror. Alice's self dialogs and analysis get pretty boring. Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
Quote from the book 'Win seemed too easy'.
Alice received no honorable governmental recognition after the win which seemed not real.
Love conquers all is a primary quote in the book. But John started as a one-night stand.
Oh yes, tritely the ending is the beginning ... Magnet, Zelda, and FISH bowl arrive, Blue Portal Opens.
A bit of Douglas Adams? Like infinite probability drive and other technical magic.
True to the title the final ending involves nearby aliens, a love bit followed by implied sex activity.
Quote from the book 'Win seemed too easy'.
Alice received no honorable governmental recognition after the win which seemed not real.
Love conquers all is a primary quote in the book. But John started as a one-night stand.
Oh yes, tritely the ending is the beginning ... Magnet, Zelda, and FISH bowl arrive, Blue Portal Opens.
A bit of Douglas Adams? Like infinite probability drive and other technical magic.
True to the title the final ending involves nearby aliens, a love bit followed by implied sex activity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2025
This is the 8th book I've read from indie author Peter Cawdron, and I've always enjoyed his work. His First Contact series is a bunch of free-standing novels on different ways First Contact can occur.
I loved the story, but it got a bit preachy, which isn't something I expect from Cawdron. Since I see eye-to-eye with the author on his stance on politics and human nature, I still thought it was a bit too in-your-face.
If you haven't read his work, don't start with this one. I do recommend any of the other books of his I've read to start with: Anomaly, Jury Duty, Losing Mars, Retrograde (Mars Endeavour #1), Reentry (Mars Endeavour, #2), Apothecary, and Welcome to the Occupied States of America.
I loved the story, but it got a bit preachy, which isn't something I expect from Cawdron. Since I see eye-to-eye with the author on his stance on politics and human nature, I still thought it was a bit too in-your-face.
If you haven't read his work, don't start with this one. I do recommend any of the other books of his I've read to start with: Anomaly, Jury Duty, Losing Mars, Retrograde (Mars Endeavour #1), Reentry (Mars Endeavour, #2), Apothecary, and Welcome to the Occupied States of America.
July 26, 2025
( Format : ebook )
"Individuals die. Life doesn't. Life goes on."
Not quite the usual alien invasion story.
When Alice repels the attacker of her fast food drive through with a full, just fried chip pan she'd expected to be the next day's big news story. Instead that role was taken by the anticipated alien invasion and all that might bring.
But that wasn't what anyone had expected.
Fascinating hard science facts mixed into a really curious story. The 'Afterward' is especially fascinating and comes with links to further reading.
Another well worth reading from author Peter Cawdron.
"Individuals die. Life doesn't. Life goes on."
Not quite the usual alien invasion story.
When Alice repels the attacker of her fast food drive through with a full, just fried chip pan she'd expected to be the next day's big news story. Instead that role was taken by the anticipated alien invasion and all that might bring.
But that wasn't what anyone had expected.
Fascinating hard science facts mixed into a really curious story. The 'Afterward' is especially fascinating and comes with links to further reading.
Another well worth reading from author Peter Cawdron.
December 26, 2024
Typically Cawdron
Unusual, non-stereotypical, unexpected..
All these describe tie writings of Peter Cawdron on the topic of First Contact. If you’re expecting the “ War of the Worlds”, prepare to be surprised with each novel. While they all have a similar topic, no two are anything closely alike. That’s one reason they are all so entertaining, along with a really good writing style.
Unusual, non-stereotypical, unexpected..
All these describe tie writings of Peter Cawdron on the topic of First Contact. If you’re expecting the “ War of the Worlds”, prepare to be surprised with each novel. While they all have a similar topic, no two are anything closely alike. That’s one reason they are all so entertaining, along with a really good writing style.
January 17, 2025
awesome fun
Great book. A little slow going at the beginning. I get the whole fastfoodtrauma but it was a slog, then the book really picked up. It didn’t explain why the humans came out in the position they did, just that “it” happened. It is the main plot point. I kinda felt like we were left left with more questions than answers. This isn’t Peter’s best work, but still good, and worth the investment in time especially, and money!
Great book. A little slow going at the beginning. I get the whole fastfoodtrauma but it was a slog, then the book really picked up. It didn’t explain why the humans came out in the position they did, just that “it” happened. It is the main plot point. I kinda felt like we were left left with more questions than answers. This isn’t Peter’s best work, but still good, and worth the investment in time especially, and money!
January 24, 2025
Another winner!
I am loving Peter's First Contact series. One thing I especially like is that each book is stand alone. This one was one of my favorites. You could really connect with the characters and the plot moved along at a fast pace. The end was a surprise to me and I loved it. Great science fiction. I am going to reread the others while I wait for the next in the series.. Keep them coming Peter.
I am loving Peter's First Contact series. One thing I especially like is that each book is stand alone. This one was one of my favorites. You could really connect with the characters and the plot moved along at a fast pace. The end was a surprise to me and I loved it. Great science fiction. I am going to reread the others while I wait for the next in the series.. Keep them coming Peter.
March 24, 2025
Definitely something we need in these dark times. Peter Cawdron seldom disappoints and this is up there among his best. Perhaps the only detraction is endowing Alice with rather more of a mastery of philosophy than she ought to have. While the message is sound, it's perhaps too simplistically delivered. I personally think an alien race capable of interstellar travel would just take one look at what we've done with the place, tut gently, and pass on by.
January 13, 2025
Fun light sci-fi
This novel provides an interesting juxtaposition of science & psychology ideas that are presented in a high school reading-level page-turner. Although the story lacks the character development to qualify as literature, it was sufficiently smart & engrossing to feel like worthwhile fun on a snowy weekend day.
This novel provides an interesting juxtaposition of science & psychology ideas that are presented in a high school reading-level page-turner. Although the story lacks the character development to qualify as literature, it was sufficiently smart & engrossing to feel like worthwhile fun on a snowy weekend day.
January 21, 2025
Scientific Sexual Fiction?
Interesting read but a bit uncomfortable and awkward. I’m not sure that the explicit description of copulation adds anything other than titillation to the story. Characters development was great and, ultimately, I enjoyed the book! Definitely an uncommon view of First Contact.
Interesting read but a bit uncomfortable and awkward. I’m not sure that the explicit description of copulation adds anything other than titillation to the story. Characters development was great and, ultimately, I enjoyed the book! Definitely an uncommon view of First Contact.
January 29, 2025
I liked the hard SF. The unexpected asides were a treat. Who could resist learning about the actual origin of bagels? The storyline and characters are well-developed, but Alice needs some education about what went on in Gaza and what Hamas was doing before running her mouth late in the novel about the actions of the Israelis. The Alien and human psychology are deeply explored.
Read
September 30, 2025Very pleasant suprise
I was just looking for something lite to read
When I saw the title of this book I said what the hell
I have to say that I thought that this was great
Yes it had aliens and sex but it was much then that It made me
Think of what makes us human -human
Take a chance I think you will be happy you did
I was just looking for something lite to read
When I saw the title of this book I said what the hell
I have to say that I thought that this was great
Yes it had aliens and sex but it was much then that It made me
Think of what makes us human -human
Take a chance I think you will be happy you did
December 31, 2024
back to being great!
The last few books have been disappointing, but Cawdron is back to being great again. I’ve been longing for a great read from him and this book gets 5+ stars from me.
The last few books have been disappointing, but Cawdron is back to being great again. I’ve been longing for a great read from him and this book gets 5+ stars from me.
January 2, 2025
Another great read from Peter. Many human concepts explored during an Alien Apocalypse. Great characters. Keeps you engaged from page one. Ending could generate a second book. Would be great to follow Alice.
January 14, 2025
Not much good calling this the best book I’ve read this year, although true, since it’s only the fifth book I’ve read this year. But I can say this is the best science fiction book I’ve read in years. Lots of action, philosophical discussions, and plenty to get you thinking. Also great characters.
January 22, 2025
This thing dragged on without a good story or good characters. 3rd or 4th bad book in the First Contact series. Again not much alien contact, just long winded lectures about humans. Just skip to the Epilogue.
February 7, 2025
Yet another completely unique First Contact story from Peter Cawdron
I’ve read a good few of Cawdron’s First Contact series because I noticed how unique each one is. It seems he is always to imagine another possible way we humans will experience First Contact.
Enjoy!
I’ve read a good few of Cawdron’s First Contact series because I noticed how unique each one is. It seems he is always to imagine another possible way we humans will experience First Contact.
Enjoy!
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