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First Contact
The Minotaur
Life has been found beneath the icy shell of the moon of a gas giant orbiting a red dwarf at a distance of 11 light-years from Earth. When the crew of the original exploration mission crashes on the alien moon, a rescue ship is launched. Arriving decades later, the crew of the Kelvin finds a colony of survivors living in the labyrinth of caves beneath the surface of the moon. When people start dying, they realize they need to unravel the secrets of this alien world and the mystery of the minotaur.
The Minotaur is a tribute to the 1961 classic Solaris, written by Stanislaw Lem, and considers the psychological impact of examining an exotic alien life form unlike anything ever encountered on Earth.
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.
The Minotaur is a tribute to the 1961 classic Solaris, written by Stanislaw Lem, and considers the psychological impact of examining an exotic alien life form unlike anything ever encountered on Earth.
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.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2025
250 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 26, 2025
The Minotaur
Yet another outstanding tale by one of my favorite authors. The fact that he considers aliens and is introspective of the human condition simultaneously is compelling. Keep up the great work, Mr. Cawdron. We're counting on you!
Yet another outstanding tale by one of my favorite authors. The fact that he considers aliens and is introspective of the human condition simultaneously is compelling. Keep up the great work, Mr. Cawdron. We're counting on you!
March 30, 2025
Excellent Read
I have read all of Mr Cawdron’s First Contact series, this one of the best, although there are several that fit that description. So at least one of my favorites.
I really enjoyed watching the characters develop and found myself becoming attached to them. If someone were lost, I would become choked up, emotionally charged.
The technical aspects of the story were mixed, some real science and some ‘could be’. Those were believable with a small amount of willed disbelief. It was ‘sciency’ enough for me to fill in the blanks and ignore the skipped realism.
Some very interesting twists in the story kept my interest and I found myself wanting to turn the pages faster, get to the next reveal more quickly.
The turn of Man being the alien and understanding something of ourselves, who humans really, will stick with me a long time, as I try to wrap my head around it.
I highly suggest you read this book. Especially if you like to be lead to layers of thought that will make you think more about the story and our world.
Great story and sincere thank you to Mr. Cawdron for a first class read.
Ron Smith
I have read all of Mr Cawdron’s First Contact series, this one of the best, although there are several that fit that description. So at least one of my favorites.
I really enjoyed watching the characters develop and found myself becoming attached to them. If someone were lost, I would become choked up, emotionally charged.
The technical aspects of the story were mixed, some real science and some ‘could be’. Those were believable with a small amount of willed disbelief. It was ‘sciency’ enough for me to fill in the blanks and ignore the skipped realism.
Some very interesting twists in the story kept my interest and I found myself wanting to turn the pages faster, get to the next reveal more quickly.
The turn of Man being the alien and understanding something of ourselves, who humans really, will stick with me a long time, as I try to wrap my head around it.
I highly suggest you read this book. Especially if you like to be lead to layers of thought that will make you think more about the story and our world.
Great story and sincere thank you to Mr. Cawdron for a first class read.
Ron Smith
March 31, 2025
When the topic of a novel is First Contact they almost by default have to address the notion of alien intelligence. In his previous novel, “Love, Sex and the Alien Apocalypse,” Cawdron’s alien was utterly flabbergasted by the notion that intelligence could exist in billions of tiny, bite-sized units, rather than as a vast distributed hive mind. I noted at the time that we were similarly coming to grips with the notion that octopuses were intelligent, and our reaction paralleled that of the invaders in LSAA.
As he often does, Cawdron has used a science fiction classic as his stepping off point for a novel. In the case of “Minotaur,” it is Stanislaw Lem’s “Solaris.” So it’s not much of a spoiler to say that we are dealing with a sentient and possibly self-aware MOON.
Cawdron, as is his wont, expands and updates Lem’s notion.
Cawdron veers around the horror-related supernatural aspects and stays close to his forté, scientific-based mystery and suspense. Wisely, he doesn’t dwell on the ability of the moon to replicate/mimic life, but uses it to imbrue the story with an element of John W. Campbell’s “Who Goes There?” And yes, there is a Minotaur. He represents the moon’s attitude toward its human visitors; mildly defensive, but curious.
As always, “Minotaur” showcases Cawdron’s knack for fully-realized three-dimensional characters and meticulous scientific research, which make it a solid SF read.
As he often does, Cawdron has used a science fiction classic as his stepping off point for a novel. In the case of “Minotaur,” it is Stanislaw Lem’s “Solaris.” So it’s not much of a spoiler to say that we are dealing with a sentient and possibly self-aware MOON.
Cawdron, as is his wont, expands and updates Lem’s notion.
Cawdron veers around the horror-related supernatural aspects and stays close to his forté, scientific-based mystery and suspense. Wisely, he doesn’t dwell on the ability of the moon to replicate/mimic life, but uses it to imbrue the story with an element of John W. Campbell’s “Who Goes There?” And yes, there is a Minotaur. He represents the moon’s attitude toward its human visitors; mildly defensive, but curious.
As always, “Minotaur” showcases Cawdron’s knack for fully-realized three-dimensional characters and meticulous scientific research, which make it a solid SF read.
August 1, 2025
I was frustrated at times with, in my opinion, over-indexing on feelings and sensitivity. But at the end I realized why that had to be done, which was pretty cool. I thought it was pretty original and wasn’t trying to be ostentatious in scope. Just a solid story with interesting (if frustrating) characters and a surprisingly thought provoking and interesting reveal.
April 6, 2025
The pace for about the first 30% of Peter Cawdron’s latest novel, Minotaur, was slow-moving. There were many science / technical-related issues that had lengthy explanation. After that, the story really picked up with numerous thought-provoking twists.
April 4, 2025
Another great book from Peter Cawdron’s
I have been an avid follower of Peters since his first book on first contact came out, and I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. The Minotaur is no exception. Well written story with great characters and an undeniably interesting plot. I would recommend this to anybody.
I have been an avid follower of Peters since his first book on first contact came out, and I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. The Minotaur is no exception. Well written story with great characters and an undeniably interesting plot. I would recommend this to anybody.
March 30, 2025
I've read almost all of Peter's books (there are a lot!) and have enjoyed them immensley. His writing educates me and causes me to do some really deep thinking about the possibilities of alien 1st contact. They are definitely thought provoking, this book especially. Each of his 1st contact books are a single story, rich in detail and totally captivating. I love them and highly recommend them. Be ready for your imagination to be unleashed!
March 31, 2025
I love all of Cawdron's books and this is no exception. The writing is clever, engaging, intellectual, philosophical, exciting, thought-provoking and just highly entertaining!
March 29, 2025
As usual, it was an enjoyable story. Peter introduces us to another fantastic "first contact". He details realistic space exploration then goes into overdrive. Ending was excellent. Lots of ideas for thought. Why I like reading a Cawdron novel.
March 31, 2025
AN INTERSTELLAR RESCUE MISSION GOES AWRY 11 LIGHT-YEARS FROM EARTH
Here’s the latest entry in Peter Cawdron’s remarkable series of standalone First Contact novels. It extends Cawdron’s reach further into the boundless realm of possibilities represented by humanity’s first encounter with aliens. However, at a glance, the book appears to be a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. It’s not, or at least not only that. Despite the superficial similarities and the title, Cawdron assures us that “The Minotaur is a tribute to the Polish novel Solaris,” which was published in 1961. He reveals that in one of his signature author’s notes. If, like me, you found Stanisław Lem’s work impenetrable, you won’t take much comfort in that. Science fiction authors love that novel. But I’m not sure how many people have actually read it. Suffice it to say here that this novel incorporates elements of both the ancient myth and Solaris. However, the combination does work somehow. The story hangs together, and it’s suspenseful from beginning to end.
Five survivors of disaster in space meet a much greater threat
In the novel’s opening pages, we meet American astronaut Mitchell as he lurches out of hibernation to find alarms blaring. He’s one of ten men and women—five married couples—who crew the starship Kelvin. Something has gone badly wrong. The crew are all dying in their sleep pods. But Mitchell saves as many as he can, including his wife, Jessica, the ship’s captain. And no one thanks him for it, since five of them have died. Worse, in his panic he has diverted the ship from its course to the planet Kreet.
The Kelvin is on a rescue mission. 40 years ago, a 100-person scientific mission aboard the starship Herschel stopped broadcasting from Kreet. Mitchell and his colleagues have come with enough supplies to support the scientists for many years as they make their way back to Earth. But when they finally manage to reach their true designation, Kreet’s moon Nossos, they discover that the Herschel had unaccountably landed on its side there. Then, when they themselves descend in a shuttle to the moon and send two of their number to break into the Herschel, disaster strikes. And it’s only the beginning of their trouble. There’s lots more where that came from. Lots.
Why read so many books in this series?
The Minotaur is the 28th book in Peter Cawdron’s First Contact series, and I’ve read all but one of the 27 that preceded it. (The one I skipped is a fantasy about vampires or zombies. Not interested.) And you might wonder why I would read so many books on a similar theme. There are three principal reasons.
First, despite the common element—humankind’s first encounter with extraterrestrial intelligence—all 28 of these books are standalone novels. They’re very different from one another. And you don’t have to read earlier entries in the series to understand what’s going on in a later one.
Second, and more important to me, this is hard science fiction. Despite how fanciful any of the elements in Cawdron’s stories may appear to be, they’re (almost) all firmly grounded in currently understood or plausible scientific knowledge. I find fantasy a waste of time.
Third, Cawdron appends a detailed author’s note to every one of his novels explaining the scientific basis for what he’s written. Often, these notes are alone worth the price of the book. Although he’s neither a scientist nor an engineer, Cawdron seems to know a great deal about both fields. He must do an awesome amount of reading and research. And in The Minotaur, as is the case in many of his other First Contact novels, he displays an impressive knowledge of the history of space travel. What he reveals, sometimes in the text but more often in his author’s notes, is illuminating.
All in all, I learn a great deal from reading these books. You may, too.
About the author
Peter Cawdron‘s entry in The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction is a little off-target, failing to discern the centrality of his long-running First Contact series to his career. With 28 or 30 entries to date, according to different sources, the series is easily the most extensive exploration ever written of the concept of encounters with an intelligent alien race. However, the series comprises only a fraction of the books he’s written. There are well over 100.
Cawdron was born in New Zealand in 1967 but has lived most of his life on Australia’s eastern coast.
Here’s the latest entry in Peter Cawdron’s remarkable series of standalone First Contact novels. It extends Cawdron’s reach further into the boundless realm of possibilities represented by humanity’s first encounter with aliens. However, at a glance, the book appears to be a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. It’s not, or at least not only that. Despite the superficial similarities and the title, Cawdron assures us that “The Minotaur is a tribute to the Polish novel Solaris,” which was published in 1961. He reveals that in one of his signature author’s notes. If, like me, you found Stanisław Lem’s work impenetrable, you won’t take much comfort in that. Science fiction authors love that novel. But I’m not sure how many people have actually read it. Suffice it to say here that this novel incorporates elements of both the ancient myth and Solaris. However, the combination does work somehow. The story hangs together, and it’s suspenseful from beginning to end.
Five survivors of disaster in space meet a much greater threat
In the novel’s opening pages, we meet American astronaut Mitchell as he lurches out of hibernation to find alarms blaring. He’s one of ten men and women—five married couples—who crew the starship Kelvin. Something has gone badly wrong. The crew are all dying in their sleep pods. But Mitchell saves as many as he can, including his wife, Jessica, the ship’s captain. And no one thanks him for it, since five of them have died. Worse, in his panic he has diverted the ship from its course to the planet Kreet.
The Kelvin is on a rescue mission. 40 years ago, a 100-person scientific mission aboard the starship Herschel stopped broadcasting from Kreet. Mitchell and his colleagues have come with enough supplies to support the scientists for many years as they make their way back to Earth. But when they finally manage to reach their true designation, Kreet’s moon Nossos, they discover that the Herschel had unaccountably landed on its side there. Then, when they themselves descend in a shuttle to the moon and send two of their number to break into the Herschel, disaster strikes. And it’s only the beginning of their trouble. There’s lots more where that came from. Lots.
Why read so many books in this series?
The Minotaur is the 28th book in Peter Cawdron’s First Contact series, and I’ve read all but one of the 27 that preceded it. (The one I skipped is a fantasy about vampires or zombies. Not interested.) And you might wonder why I would read so many books on a similar theme. There are three principal reasons.
First, despite the common element—humankind’s first encounter with extraterrestrial intelligence—all 28 of these books are standalone novels. They’re very different from one another. And you don’t have to read earlier entries in the series to understand what’s going on in a later one.
Second, and more important to me, this is hard science fiction. Despite how fanciful any of the elements in Cawdron’s stories may appear to be, they’re (almost) all firmly grounded in currently understood or plausible scientific knowledge. I find fantasy a waste of time.
Third, Cawdron appends a detailed author’s note to every one of his novels explaining the scientific basis for what he’s written. Often, these notes are alone worth the price of the book. Although he’s neither a scientist nor an engineer, Cawdron seems to know a great deal about both fields. He must do an awesome amount of reading and research. And in The Minotaur, as is the case in many of his other First Contact novels, he displays an impressive knowledge of the history of space travel. What he reveals, sometimes in the text but more often in his author’s notes, is illuminating.
All in all, I learn a great deal from reading these books. You may, too.
About the author
Peter Cawdron‘s entry in The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction is a little off-target, failing to discern the centrality of his long-running First Contact series to his career. With 28 or 30 entries to date, according to different sources, the series is easily the most extensive exploration ever written of the concept of encounters with an intelligent alien race. However, the series comprises only a fraction of the books he’s written. There are well over 100.
Cawdron was born in New Zealand in 1967 but has lived most of his life on Australia’s eastern coast.
May 8, 2025
TWENTY-NINE First Contact books and still going. It is nearly inconceivable (nod to Princess Bride) that Peter Cawdron has written this many first contact books and has not yet run out of ideas. What is more important is that each of these books is well written, exciting, based on actual science, and unique. Some are a bit of an homage to an earlier writer yet these books clearly all come out of Cawdron’s active, perhaps overactive, imagination.
It is hard to write anything about this particular book without giving away too much of the storyline. We have space travel, suspended animation, mystery, romance, and a very different type of first contact.
In some ways it reminded me of the classic 1956 science fiction movie Forbidden Planet which also had survivors of an earlier mission, an unexplained threat, an incredibly intelligent alien, and the exposing of the dark secrets contained in the human mind. As with his other books, it is not the possible similarities to earlier science fiction that is important but the unique way Cawdron spins out his tales.
I do have to admit that this is not one of my favorite books in this series. There are pieces that seemed a little too over simplified and a bit too much of “hallmark card” type of love. The ending also felt a bit rushed. However, even with those reservations, Cawdron has produced another great First Contact book that I can highly recommend.
It is hard to write anything about this particular book without giving away too much of the storyline. We have space travel, suspended animation, mystery, romance, and a very different type of first contact.
In some ways it reminded me of the classic 1956 science fiction movie Forbidden Planet which also had survivors of an earlier mission, an unexplained threat, an incredibly intelligent alien, and the exposing of the dark secrets contained in the human mind. As with his other books, it is not the possible similarities to earlier science fiction that is important but the unique way Cawdron spins out his tales.
I do have to admit that this is not one of my favorite books in this series. There are pieces that seemed a little too over simplified and a bit too much of “hallmark card” type of love. The ending also felt a bit rushed. However, even with those reservations, Cawdron has produced another great First Contact book that I can highly recommend.
March 25, 2025
Solaris by Stanislaw Lem is one of my favorite novels, and the movie adaptation is also excellent. Both required (for me, at least) multiple reads and viewings to grasp the nuances of the story and what was happening psychologically with the characters. It is so worth it. Minotaur carries a similar story line and psychological study of a human meeting an alien life that is in fact an entire planet, and which is trying to understand the human aliens that arrive bringing their emotions and cultural beliefs with them to interpret their experiences. Cawdron writes a very intelligent novel, exploring the perils of interstellar travel from the suspended state enabling travel taking light years to the attempt to understand and communicate with alien life. This novel takes its time developing the characters and their relationships, yet at the same time is suspenseful and emotionally fraught with drama. Cawdron's writing is maturing perfectly for the complex ideas in this novel. I will be re-reading this and fully expect to find even more insights on subsequent reads. A very good novel indeed.
April 9, 2025
Brilliant as Always
Another brilliant first contact story. Enough said. Read the afterword to get the Author’s insights, not many do it, but in Peter’s books it worth the read. He poses the question as to why we read fiction or more specifically science fiction! The answer of course is to experience something you could never do. I will never travel 22 years on a starship in cryo on a rescue mission to find out what happened to a lost exploration vessel. Nor step on a frozen planet that is teaming with life. Nor solve the mystery of the missing explorers. Nor have first contact. But, oops, I just did. That is why I read sci fi. Thank you Peter.
Another brilliant first contact story. Enough said. Read the afterword to get the Author’s insights, not many do it, but in Peter’s books it worth the read. He poses the question as to why we read fiction or more specifically science fiction! The answer of course is to experience something you could never do. I will never travel 22 years on a starship in cryo on a rescue mission to find out what happened to a lost exploration vessel. Nor step on a frozen planet that is teaming with life. Nor solve the mystery of the missing explorers. Nor have first contact. But, oops, I just did. That is why I read sci fi. Thank you Peter.
May 24, 2025
One in a million or maybe more
As always, Peter Cawdron, has managed to create another thought-provoking, unique answer to the ageless question, " what if..?". Some may think it's sacrosanct, but Cawdron has the intelligence, imagination and ability to think outside the norm in a way that few have achieved besides Robert A Heinlein, Isaac Asimov and Albert Einstein. From clowns to sapient celestial bodies and a whole gamut in between, he not only explores new ideas but manages to be very entertaining and not the least bit pedantic. Peter Cawdron is definitely one of the best authors whose work I have had the chance to explore.
As always, Peter Cawdron, has managed to create another thought-provoking, unique answer to the ageless question, " what if..?". Some may think it's sacrosanct, but Cawdron has the intelligence, imagination and ability to think outside the norm in a way that few have achieved besides Robert A Heinlein, Isaac Asimov and Albert Einstein. From clowns to sapient celestial bodies and a whole gamut in between, he not only explores new ideas but manages to be very entertaining and not the least bit pedantic. Peter Cawdron is definitely one of the best authors whose work I have had the chance to explore.
April 3, 2025
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
Cut out 75% of the explanations and exposition and you'll have a novella that moves at a good pace and keeps you interested. But as it is, you'll read one sentence, skim two paragraphs, and repeat.
The story is based on the idea from Solaris, and if you've read that, you know what the "alien" is going to be. But the author adds some of his own ideas with the first crew and the minotaur roaming around on the moon.
I will always buy this author's latest book, but this one was a bit flat for me.
Your call!
Cut out 75% of the explanations and exposition and you'll have a novella that moves at a good pace and keeps you interested. But as it is, you'll read one sentence, skim two paragraphs, and repeat.
The story is based on the idea from Solaris, and if you've read that, you know what the "alien" is going to be. But the author adds some of his own ideas with the first crew and the minotaur roaming around on the moon.
I will always buy this author's latest book, but this one was a bit flat for me.
Your call!
April 16, 2025
good story; intriguing premise.
I liked the book. The story is interesting and the characters relatable. However, the author had a habit of repeating some points over and over that I found a bit irritating. At one point I found myself rolling my eyes and exclaiming "I get it, I get it! The ship is lying on its side!" This after the dozenth or so time the author pointed out that the wall of the downed ship used to be the floor and that the floor and ceiling used to be walls. Nevertheless , it was an enjoyable read.
I liked the book. The story is interesting and the characters relatable. However, the author had a habit of repeating some points over and over that I found a bit irritating. At one point I found myself rolling my eyes and exclaiming "I get it, I get it! The ship is lying on its side!" This after the dozenth or so time the author pointed out that the wall of the downed ship used to be the floor and that the floor and ceiling used to be walls. Nevertheless , it was an enjoyable read.
March 29, 2025
I am a sucker for a good hard science fiction story. Cawdron always delivers.
A bit light on the "action" but great on the mystery of what life could be like. Hard for me to imagine how the world could change during one's space voyage deep in suspended animation. Cawdron's first contact aliens series offer interesting versions of what an alien could be.
I always enjoy Cawdron. You should consider adding him as your next GoodReads.
A bit light on the "action" but great on the mystery of what life could be like. Hard for me to imagine how the world could change during one's space voyage deep in suspended animation. Cawdron's first contact aliens series offer interesting versions of what an alien could be.
I always enjoy Cawdron. You should consider adding him as your next GoodReads.
June 5, 2025
Deep Insights
I have become increasingly impressed with Peter Cawdron as a writer and with First Contact as a series. Each book is well-written and self-contained, so the reader finds fresh characters and plots. More important to me, his stories make me think more deeply about what it means to be human and how we relate to our fellow beings. Without ever sinking into preachiness, he encourages readers to think and feel more broadly about life and our universe. Good stuff.
I have become increasingly impressed with Peter Cawdron as a writer and with First Contact as a series. Each book is well-written and self-contained, so the reader finds fresh characters and plots. More important to me, his stories make me think more deeply about what it means to be human and how we relate to our fellow beings. Without ever sinking into preachiness, he encourages readers to think and feel more broadly about life and our universe. Good stuff.
June 12, 2025
Brilliant end
I was astounded at the ending. Peter just keeps coming up with more realistic, and plausible inventive endings for stories with believable characters , good science, and mysteries that he solves with plausible solutions that make me experience Wow! Another great story the will that give you reason to reflect on the human condition in the present and into the future.
I was astounded at the ending. Peter just keeps coming up with more realistic, and plausible inventive endings for stories with believable characters , good science, and mysteries that he solves with plausible solutions that make me experience Wow! Another great story the will that give you reason to reflect on the human condition in the present and into the future.
June 30, 2025
Knowing that this book was a tribute to Lem's Solaris completely changed how I read it. For one, it meant that the twists and "big reveals" were much more predictable. That being said, this book was still excellent on its own and a great homage to Solaris. I appreciated how it was a different, more hopeful, and happier take on the ideas of Solaris and First Contact. I also thought the symbolism of the Minotaur and its counterpart at the very end was very creative from the author.
July 8, 2025
Surprising
Peter Cawdron has presented an interesting view of a First Contact. This is my first encounter with this author and I will continue to explore his vision of the science fiction world. The view of a different type of organization of life was surprising, even if it shouldn’t have been. His explanation post reading was very enlightening. It shows that he has great depth in his thinking.
Peter Cawdron has presented an interesting view of a First Contact. This is my first encounter with this author and I will continue to explore his vision of the science fiction world. The view of a different type of organization of life was surprising, even if it shouldn’t have been. His explanation post reading was very enlightening. It shows that he has great depth in his thinking.
May 10, 2025
Another story that leaves you thinking
This is one of my favorites from Peter. He does such a remarkable job of exploring the inner workings of the mind. I just love the concept of a single entity occupying a single world and how that entity might interact with something like us. A great read.
This is one of my favorites from Peter. He does such a remarkable job of exploring the inner workings of the mind. I just love the concept of a single entity occupying a single world and how that entity might interact with something like us. A great read.
June 30, 2025
I can't remember the last time I read a book in a single day. this was a pleasant surprise. I had finished a book and good reads suggested this one and I'm really glad it did. I'm always on the hunt for claustrophobic scifi/horror and this fit the bill perfectly!
the characters felt very real and authentic. the story took turns i wasn't expecting. very good read!
the characters felt very real and authentic. the story took turns i wasn't expecting. very good read!
August 12, 2025
Probably one of the best Sifi books ever written. The science seems good (not that I would know - but it's convincing). The characters are well drawn and clear and the complexities of First Contact are handled in a way that is both realistic and complex. Loved this book and will look for more by Peter Cawdron.
March 22, 2025
Another cleverly put-together entry in Peter's collection, although with something of a simplified structure and things left a little more open than usual. I dug the Lem connection, but wonder if the number of uses of the phrase "one helluva" slid by me.
May 3, 2025
A thought-provoking page turner
It's almost impossible to review without giving spoilers. But suffice it to say, this book is well worth a read for fans of sci-fi and philosophy. It's part of a series that I've read one other and I'll definitely be reading more.
It's almost impossible to review without giving spoilers. But suffice it to say, this book is well worth a read for fans of sci-fi and philosophy. It's part of a series that I've read one other and I'll definitely be reading more.
November 10, 2025
A good yet somewhat generic sci-fi.
Enjoyed the somewhat different take on the usual alien tropes, but the plot was too basic for my tastes, and the characters lacked a level of depth needed to make this kind of story really work.
Well written and paced, though, so an enjoyable read overall.
Enjoyed the somewhat different take on the usual alien tropes, but the plot was too basic for my tastes, and the characters lacked a level of depth needed to make this kind of story really work.
Well written and paced, though, so an enjoyable read overall.
April 5, 2025
I thought it got a bit into the weeds with too much science but other than that, I loved it!
April 18, 2025
First contact
Love all these books, makes one think out side the box. Looking at life in different directions and we don't have correct perspective.
Love all these books, makes one think out side the box. Looking at life in different directions and we don't have correct perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews