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Weapons of Choice #1
Hostile Contact: Weapons of Choice, Book 1
A failed military training exercise. An alien incursion, desperate and on the hunt. Survival is just the beginning…'
Finn had thought he'd seen it all...but no...he had to admit...Not quite everything...There was a big universe out there and it was about to land in his lap.
Just how bad could it be?
Insubordinate and on the edge, Finn is a troubled war hero racked by guilt, overseen by an unyielding Commanding Officer while dragging his ragtag group of rookies through basic training. Suddenly caught up in a major global crisis, he joins with Gunner Zuri Zuberi, leading Delta Squad in a desperate struggle for survival when an alien incursion lands slap bang in the middle of their training session - killing indiscriminately and pitting inexperienced soldiers against the power of alien technology.
With the modern-day world panicking after the small alien force penetrates Earth's ineffective defenses, a second incursion drops into the atmosphere, revealing more of the enemy’s capabilities. As losses mount, the world’s armed forces find themselves helpless to act when the aliens reveal a weapon that could change modern warfare forever.
This new alien tech breeds greed and mistrust amongst opposing countries. The need to be the first to acquire it, escalating beyond political conflict as governments circle, missiles at the ready.
Finding themselves alone in the fight for Earth's future, Delta Squad discover the aliens are more than they seem, and that alien technology can be just as deadly in the hands of humanity when they unearth the Weapons of Choice.
Listen to Hostile Contact, an action-packed sci-fi survival novel – where ‘Predator’ meets ‘Full Metal Jacket’ in a pulse-pounding, non-stop thrill ride.
Finn had thought he'd seen it all...but no...he had to admit...Not quite everything...There was a big universe out there and it was about to land in his lap.
Just how bad could it be?
Insubordinate and on the edge, Finn is a troubled war hero racked by guilt, overseen by an unyielding Commanding Officer while dragging his ragtag group of rookies through basic training. Suddenly caught up in a major global crisis, he joins with Gunner Zuri Zuberi, leading Delta Squad in a desperate struggle for survival when an alien incursion lands slap bang in the middle of their training session - killing indiscriminately and pitting inexperienced soldiers against the power of alien technology.
With the modern-day world panicking after the small alien force penetrates Earth's ineffective defenses, a second incursion drops into the atmosphere, revealing more of the enemy’s capabilities. As losses mount, the world’s armed forces find themselves helpless to act when the aliens reveal a weapon that could change modern warfare forever.
This new alien tech breeds greed and mistrust amongst opposing countries. The need to be the first to acquire it, escalating beyond political conflict as governments circle, missiles at the ready.
Finding themselves alone in the fight for Earth's future, Delta Squad discover the aliens are more than they seem, and that alien technology can be just as deadly in the hands of humanity when they unearth the Weapons of Choice.
Listen to Hostile Contact, an action-packed sci-fi survival novel – where ‘Predator’ meets ‘Full Metal Jacket’ in a pulse-pounding, non-stop thrill ride.
Audible Audio
Published November 8, 2023
About the author
Nick Snape
25 books100 followersNick Snape has been steeped in Science Fiction and Fantasy since his friends first dragged him from his schoolwork and stuck a book under his nose. Lost to the world of imagination he became a teacher by accident though he thoroughly enjoyed developing the joy of reading and writing in his pupils. Having retired after thirty years he thought it was high time to practise what he preached.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 20, 2023
I enjoyed listening to this real time action flick during a long car ride. Thank you so much to the author for the audiobook code. I have mixed emotions on how I would feel if I were reading, versus listening, because there is a lot of head hopping and character aside and I'm curious as to how that looks on page. It translated all right to audio because the author states the characters name at the start of each head hop and the audio narrator did a good job differentiating. On paper I am not sure that it would have been as easy to keep some of these side characters straight.
Overall though this is a fun romp through first contact and of course the Americans are sitting around with their thumbs up their butts while the Brits save the day 🤣 someone clearly has a really great opinion of our task forces. That said though this is the first time I've heard Space Force mentioned in fiction, and I assume we will be seeing a lot more of that as the branch establishes itself.
Thank you so much to the author for offering an Audible code for this first contact thriller! I live for audiobook reviews so if anyone is looking for reviewers, please do reach out.
Hostile Contact is a contestant in the 2023 SPSFC although is not in my judging group. If you like short, exciting military sci-fi, first contact, invasion, and America definitely not saving the day, check it out.
My full thoughts and many more reviews can be found at https://onereadingnurse.com/2023/12/0...
Overall though this is a fun romp through first contact and of course the Americans are sitting around with their thumbs up their butts while the Brits save the day 🤣 someone clearly has a really great opinion of our task forces. That said though this is the first time I've heard Space Force mentioned in fiction, and I assume we will be seeing a lot more of that as the branch establishes itself.
Thank you so much to the author for offering an Audible code for this first contact thriller! I live for audiobook reviews so if anyone is looking for reviewers, please do reach out.
Hostile Contact is a contestant in the 2023 SPSFC although is not in my judging group. If you like short, exciting military sci-fi, first contact, invasion, and America definitely not saving the day, check it out.
My full thoughts and many more reviews can be found at https://onereadingnurse.com/2023/12/0...
March 15, 2023
A fast-paced romp through First Contact
An enjoyable romp through a lethal first contact situation, which I got through in one sitting.
The story is primarily told through the eyes of a squad of reservists on a training mission trying to survive the unexpected hostilities. The characters are engaging, believable, and empathetic, and they carry the story well. With multiple viewpoints, we gain an intimate understanding of each of the main characters.
There is a secondary plot thread that illustrates the larger geopolitical situation arising from first contact, but most of the attention is rightly focused on the plight of the squad in the field and how they deal with the aliens.
This is the first of a series of books, and if the rest are as engaging, it'll be worth following.
An enjoyable romp through a lethal first contact situation, which I got through in one sitting.
The story is primarily told through the eyes of a squad of reservists on a training mission trying to survive the unexpected hostilities. The characters are engaging, believable, and empathetic, and they carry the story well. With multiple viewpoints, we gain an intimate understanding of each of the main characters.
There is a secondary plot thread that illustrates the larger geopolitical situation arising from first contact, but most of the attention is rightly focused on the plight of the squad in the field and how they deal with the aliens.
This is the first of a series of books, and if the rest are as engaging, it'll be worth following.
May 22, 2023
Great Beginning Adventure
I wanted to read an author I hadn’t read yet so I started with Nick Snape’s book “Hostile Contact:…”. I was not sure at first but as I kept reading it got better and better. It really started me turning the pages. I like all the characters and I felt we were all going on a fantastic adventure. There’s humor and seriousness and I can’t wait to start the next book. Outstanding! Carry on!
I wanted to read an author I hadn’t read yet so I started with Nick Snape’s book “Hostile Contact:…”. I was not sure at first but as I kept reading it got better and better. It really started me turning the pages. I like all the characters and I felt we were all going on a fantastic adventure. There’s humor and seriousness and I can’t wait to start the next book. Outstanding! Carry on!
May 18, 2023
an interesting first contact book
This is an entertaining first contact book. With lots of action and interesting characters it was a fun book to read.
This is an entertaining first contact book. With lots of action and interesting characters it was a fun book to read.
May 19, 2023
Starts a little slow
Actually my star rating should be about 4.5 or so, not sure I've given a 5 star rating. Like I said the story starts a little slow but picks up as you go along. I've enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Actually my star rating should be about 4.5 or so, not sure I've given a 5 star rating. Like I said the story starts a little slow but picks up as you go along. I've enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 9, 2023
interesting book
For me this was a pretty interesting book although I did have problems seeing British English used for the American characters, I have no problems reading and understanding British English it just looked weird being used for American characters, I did finally get into the main characters and the theme of the book so that it was intriguing me by the last chapter.
For me this was a pretty interesting book although I did have problems seeing British English used for the American characters, I have no problems reading and understanding British English it just looked weird being used for American characters, I did finally get into the main characters and the theme of the book so that it was intriguing me by the last chapter.
May 3, 2023
This was a fast paced, seemingly militarily knowledgeable book which dug straight to the bones of the story. It could have been half as long again discovering the origins and reason for the spacecraft. So I thought it a little abrupt. There was a definite nod to the predator stories with the technologies in use. After saying that I enjoyed the premise and the story, would definitely recommend. I might just get the second part and hope there is a bit more.
October 11, 2023
What a strong start to an exciting action-orientated series!
The modern-day army is put up against an invading alien force when they find themselves making first contact with a hostile force.
We follow Finn and a squad of rookies who find themselves as Earth last line of defence standing up against the new threat.
It plays like a modern War Of the Worlds with all the excitement of a blockbuster movie.
I can not wait to see where the series takes us next!
The modern-day army is put up against an invading alien force when they find themselves making first contact with a hostile force.
We follow Finn and a squad of rookies who find themselves as Earth last line of defence standing up against the new threat.
It plays like a modern War Of the Worlds with all the excitement of a blockbuster movie.
I can not wait to see where the series takes us next!
March 12, 2023
Different.
That was not your normal sci-fi book. The plot of being invaded by aliens that didn't know anything about humans or their determination. A buried spacecraft topped it off. Characters were pretty awesome bunch of trainees not ready for war but manned up. Good job loved the book.
That was not your normal sci-fi book. The plot of being invaded by aliens that didn't know anything about humans or their determination. A buried spacecraft topped it off. Characters were pretty awesome bunch of trainees not ready for war but manned up. Good job loved the book.
March 15, 2023
A real "page-turner" if a Sci-Fi romp. Some very clever concepts and plot devices and it's nice to see some respectful nods to the classic Sci-Fi comics and books of the 1980's and 90's
April 20, 2023
great and different first contact story. quite entertaining!! great read
April 21, 2023
Excellent first contact story.
A very different slant on where we came from maybe, The aliens appear to be human or at least humanoid.
A very different slant on where we came from maybe, The aliens appear to be human or at least humanoid.
May 15, 2026
It's XCOM
Hostile Contact asks the question - what if some modern day soldiers had to fight the Elites from Halo?
It's a fun tactical romp with enough realism and technical talk to scratch a mil-scifi itch, with enough weird, broader ideas to keep things interesting. The pacing is swift and the chapters are short, the characters are endearing, and the action is very clearly written. A light read that goes by quickly and doesn't ever let up once it gets going.
Hostile Contact asks the question - what if some modern day soldiers had to fight the Elites from Halo?
It's a fun tactical romp with enough realism and technical talk to scratch a mil-scifi itch, with enough weird, broader ideas to keep things interesting. The pacing is swift and the chapters are short, the characters are endearing, and the action is very clearly written. A light read that goes by quickly and doesn't ever let up once it gets going.
May 18, 2024
When first contact in the shape of hostile soldiers lands in Scotland, a small group of military face the fight of their lives as the politicians vacillate.
The strength of this story lies in the core action mainly being limited to our scrappy heroes. Indeed, wonderful characterisation makes the whole narrative zip, my favourites being PTSD sufferer Finn and Smith, his recently deceased nemesis.
The strength of this story lies in the core action mainly being limited to our scrappy heroes. Indeed, wonderful characterisation makes the whole narrative zip, my favourites being PTSD sufferer Finn and Smith, his recently deceased nemesis.
December 11, 2025
This was an outstanding read. Effortless. Well-paced. Hits the ground running and keeps up the sprint all the way to the end. It’s well-researched and within its own set up, it’s always credible. The tech is legitimately inventive (always great to have something fresh in a scifi novel) as are the aliens.
Really loved touches like this when it came to the characters: “She looked down at her tattooed hand, the semi-colon. My time is not finished, my sentence not done. I survived and will survive.”
If this was Nick Snape’s first book, man this author has a great career ahead!
Really loved touches like this when it came to the characters: “She looked down at her tattooed hand, the semi-colon. My time is not finished, my sentence not done. I survived and will survive.”
If this was Nick Snape’s first book, man this author has a great career ahead!
September 30, 2023
DISCLAIMER - I received a free copy of this book to review for the 2023 Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC).
So, when a book has the phrase “Weapons of Choice” in the title, you can be pretty sure that what you have in your hands belongs to the genre of Military Science Fiction.
Nick Snape does not list military service in his online bio; although his background does include years as an elementary school teacher, which might be close. So, whether he served or not, Snape has definitely done a bit of research into how the military conducts itself. In the book we have enormous amounts of detail about training, squadron formations, attack planning, weaponry, and more. This all works to put the reader right into the action.
Our main protagonists, Finn, Zuri, Noah, and Smith, find themselves thrust from a training mission in the forests of Scotland, into a life or death battle with hostile aliens. Unfortunately, Snape’s writing does not give a lot of depth or background to his characters. Fortunately, the little he does share lets you feel for the protagonists, from the bumbling newbie to the veteran with PTSD.
My complaint with this book, and others of its ilk, is that is more war story rather than Science Fiction. The science is more imaginary than real, with the focus being on the fighting and battles. In fact, if you substituted terrorists, Russian troops, or any armed band of guerrilla fighters for the aliens, this book would remain pretty much unchanged.
One last thing: Hostile Combat; Weapons of Choice is the first in a six part series. The imprint date of this book is 2023 but it seems that Snape released the whole series at once as the other five books are already on sale.
So, when a book has the phrase “Weapons of Choice” in the title, you can be pretty sure that what you have in your hands belongs to the genre of Military Science Fiction.
Nick Snape does not list military service in his online bio; although his background does include years as an elementary school teacher, which might be close. So, whether he served or not, Snape has definitely done a bit of research into how the military conducts itself. In the book we have enormous amounts of detail about training, squadron formations, attack planning, weaponry, and more. This all works to put the reader right into the action.
Our main protagonists, Finn, Zuri, Noah, and Smith, find themselves thrust from a training mission in the forests of Scotland, into a life or death battle with hostile aliens. Unfortunately, Snape’s writing does not give a lot of depth or background to his characters. Fortunately, the little he does share lets you feel for the protagonists, from the bumbling newbie to the veteran with PTSD.
My complaint with this book, and others of its ilk, is that is more war story rather than Science Fiction. The science is more imaginary than real, with the focus being on the fighting and battles. In fact, if you substituted terrorists, Russian troops, or any armed band of guerrilla fighters for the aliens, this book would remain pretty much unchanged.
One last thing: Hostile Combat; Weapons of Choice is the first in a six part series. The imprint date of this book is 2023 but it seems that Snape released the whole series at once as the other five books are already on sale.
February 9, 2024
I won this audiobook in a social media drawing. I am glad I did! I've been keeping and eye on Nick Snape's books for a while. The guy is writing books quickly! The "Weapons of Choice" series includes 8 books now and they all have really cool covers. I enjoyed the story! It is a very fast paced military action, first contact story where a group of Scottish soldiers encounter aliens on the battlefield after a training exercise. I liked the two main character's Finn and Zuri, but I'd like to have known more about them, but I suspect Snape will develop them more in the rest of the series. I hope to continue the series at some point.
April 30, 2024
Action-packed, fast-paced military sci-fi that checks all the boxes, including some cool alien tech. With an ensemble cast, giving the reader intimate snapshots of their lives, the broad stroke soon narrows onto the main characters as we follow them to the thrilling end. But is it? This first book of eight in the Weapons of Choice series, leaves ample room and choice tidbits that will carry on in the sequels. I'm excited to start reading book two!
June 30, 2024
Wow
I truly enjoyed reading Hostile Contact. The writing is superb and the characters are well developed. I thought the story structure was well done and I can easily recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good read, not just fans of sci Fi or military stories.
I truly enjoyed reading Hostile Contact. The writing is superb and the characters are well developed. I thought the story structure was well done and I can easily recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good read, not just fans of sci Fi or military stories.
September 25, 2024
A fast and furious first contact shoot-em-up that more than delivered. If you like your mil-SF with a main course of authenticity and sides of invention, character & sheer bloody mayhem, this is for you
August 19, 2023
This book is, well, short! I think it took me about sever hours to read. It’s also a little confusing mostly because I’m an American and the soldiers doing the fighting are Scots and Brits. Their organizational structure is unfamiliar so it was kind of hard to determine who was in charge and who should be directing the fighting. To make matters worse, this group of soldiers were a mix of veterans and trainees. They were going through some called “Phase Two of Reserve Training”. While they were trying to be stealthy, one of the trainees failed spectacularly by stumbling and then firing off a round (blank) accidentally. It was a negligent discharge which is something that should never, ever happen.
Anyway, Corporal Smith (no first name) seems to be in-charge of this squad composed of two Lance Corporals Finn and Zuberi (Zuri). They also have the trainees with them as Privates Noah, Kapoor and I think one other, but I can’t find the name. Anyway, Lance Corporal Finn gets blamed for the negligent discharge since it was one of his squad that committed the offense. Nothing really comes of it except he’s been embarrassed by his Lieutenant for his supposed lack of training of Private Noah. This is all normal stuff that happens during training. It should be noted that all their weapons had blank adapters secured so no live rounds were being fired. What live ammo there was, was back a the HQ with the Lieutenant.
Meanwhile we get small chapters about a ship that has entered the Solar System heading for Earth. Of course this information gets passed around the various scientific communities until it’s agreed that the President needs to be made aware of a large alien object approaching Earth. It is doing a good job of cloaking its exact appearance since the scientific community only think it a spaceship. As it gets closer to Earth, they can better confirm that it is indeed a spaceship which goes into orbit around Earth.
Now, I can’t write much more about this book because I would almost be re-writing the whole story. Suffice it to say, the alien ship launches three pods towards Earth that do contain three alien soldiers. They just happen to land in the vicinity of the training exercise in Scotland. What happens next involves Corporal Smith’s squad in a big way. It also obviously draws the attention of every nation on Earth, but we only hear what the President/Vice President and the Joint Chief’s of Staff are thinking about the situation. They and ever country that saw the spaceship know that it contains advanced technology that must be secured if these aliens do not turn out to be friendly. They are definitely unfriendly!
Ok, as I said, this is a short book. It will take some twist and turns that are unexpected and should have come to a simple ending, but nothing is simple with science fiction writers. Our three soldiers, Finn, Zuri, Noah, and Smith are going on an unintended adventure the likes of which will continue in book 2, “[Return Protocol](https://amzn.to/3qEB2wy)”, now available on Amazon. I’m adding it to my reading list now.
Anyway, Corporal Smith (no first name) seems to be in-charge of this squad composed of two Lance Corporals Finn and Zuberi (Zuri). They also have the trainees with them as Privates Noah, Kapoor and I think one other, but I can’t find the name. Anyway, Lance Corporal Finn gets blamed for the negligent discharge since it was one of his squad that committed the offense. Nothing really comes of it except he’s been embarrassed by his Lieutenant for his supposed lack of training of Private Noah. This is all normal stuff that happens during training. It should be noted that all their weapons had blank adapters secured so no live rounds were being fired. What live ammo there was, was back a the HQ with the Lieutenant.
Meanwhile we get small chapters about a ship that has entered the Solar System heading for Earth. Of course this information gets passed around the various scientific communities until it’s agreed that the President needs to be made aware of a large alien object approaching Earth. It is doing a good job of cloaking its exact appearance since the scientific community only think it a spaceship. As it gets closer to Earth, they can better confirm that it is indeed a spaceship which goes into orbit around Earth.
Now, I can’t write much more about this book because I would almost be re-writing the whole story. Suffice it to say, the alien ship launches three pods towards Earth that do contain three alien soldiers. They just happen to land in the vicinity of the training exercise in Scotland. What happens next involves Corporal Smith’s squad in a big way. It also obviously draws the attention of every nation on Earth, but we only hear what the President/Vice President and the Joint Chief’s of Staff are thinking about the situation. They and ever country that saw the spaceship know that it contains advanced technology that must be secured if these aliens do not turn out to be friendly. They are definitely unfriendly!
Ok, as I said, this is a short book. It will take some twist and turns that are unexpected and should have come to a simple ending, but nothing is simple with science fiction writers. Our three soldiers, Finn, Zuri, Noah, and Smith are going on an unintended adventure the likes of which will continue in book 2, “[Return Protocol](https://amzn.to/3qEB2wy)”, now available on Amazon. I’m adding it to my reading list now.
September 2, 2023
An absolute thrill ride of a first contact scenario! There are some rough edges, and the author's expertise definitely lies in the ground domain rather than in the air or in space, but it was a roller coaster from start to finish. Unlike a lot of first-in-series books, it concludes the story in a satisfactory manner while leaving the overarching plot open for sequels. I'd highly recommend it to any fans of sci-fi action.
June 18, 2024
alien invasion!, or not???
A quick read, I found it a little annoying to start, but after a little while I started enjoying it, it is a good story, which I read all through, recently I have started several novels which didn’t engage me, but this is worth trying if you like this type of story.
A quick read, I found it a little annoying to start, but after a little while I started enjoying it, it is a good story, which I read all through, recently I have started several novels which didn’t engage me, but this is worth trying if you like this type of story.
July 16, 2024
An enjoyable read.
Good story line. If you are a reader of Military Sci To you will enjoy the blend if science, adventure and humor. Thus book was a great start. Can't wait to read the remaining books to the series.
Good story line. If you are a reader of Military Sci To you will enjoy the blend if science, adventure and humor. Thus book was a great start. Can't wait to read the remaining books to the series.
September 3, 2024
Fun schlocky scifi.
January 1, 2025
Loved the transition from ground based human training to fighting aliens using only the resources on hand during a training mission.
December 26, 2023
What a difference a day makes. In summing up the impression I was left after reading this pulse-pounding military sci-fi romp, the old idiom comes to mind. When a routine reservist training exercise meets with desperate aliens seeking a means to save their race, confusion and violence ensue. Nick Snape begins his Weapons of Choice series at nearly a full sprint, only to pour on more speed as he goes. We, the readers, are in the thick of it from the very beginning, learning about our characters and adversary on the fly as we moved from engagement to engagement throughout a Scottish forest, occasionally stopping by Washington to get a bird's eye view of the whole situation.
Pacing is the blade upon which this adventure is balanced. We get very broad strokes on characters as we are moving so quickly. They are in the dirt, scrambling to survive, and as such, there isn't much downtime to be had with them. In fairness, this is the first in a seven-book saga, and there are severe hints that quiet moments are coming. At no point was I left mistrusting the author's intent or skill to bring forward his characters in deep and meaningful ways as the story continues.
Make no mistake, this novel is the initial hook, and considering that, it is sharpest when it leans into the science fiction of it all. In the opinion of this reviewer, it is the nature of the aliens, the tech involved, and the motivation of their one-way run to our planet that presents the largest mystery and spurred me forward. While the modern military tactics, action, and politics are well done, give me more of the vivid imaginings present in those moments.
In the end, this is a stellar start to what I anticipate to be a wild ride through an enthralling new universe. 4.5/5
Pacing is the blade upon which this adventure is balanced. We get very broad strokes on characters as we are moving so quickly. They are in the dirt, scrambling to survive, and as such, there isn't much downtime to be had with them. In fairness, this is the first in a seven-book saga, and there are severe hints that quiet moments are coming. At no point was I left mistrusting the author's intent or skill to bring forward his characters in deep and meaningful ways as the story continues.
Make no mistake, this novel is the initial hook, and considering that, it is sharpest when it leans into the science fiction of it all. In the opinion of this reviewer, it is the nature of the aliens, the tech involved, and the motivation of their one-way run to our planet that presents the largest mystery and spurred me forward. While the modern military tactics, action, and politics are well done, give me more of the vivid imaginings present in those moments.
In the end, this is a stellar start to what I anticipate to be a wild ride through an enthralling new universe. 4.5/5
January 1, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this one. I wasn't a fan of the first quarter of the book or so. The characters just didn't seem memorable. I think it took me twice as long as it should have because I had to rewind so often; I just couldn't remember what was going on. Maybe it was me, and I was just struggling to focus at the beginning of the story, but I couldn't get into it. However, I kept listening, and it gradually got better and better. With that ending leaving room for a fantastic second book, I am definitely interested in giving number 2 a try.
By the last quarter of the book, if someone told me that they were going to take the book away from me and not allow me to finish, I might just freak out. I'm hooked. I hope the author can give us a great second book. Maybe the beginning just didn't hold my attention because it was the setup for the rest of a really great book, and hopefully, series. I can't wait to see what happens!
First Review for 2024 (Technically, it's the last book read in 2023. But I reviewed it the next day).
Thank you #PinkFlamingoProductions and #TheFlockVIPReviews
By the last quarter of the book, if someone told me that they were going to take the book away from me and not allow me to finish, I might just freak out. I'm hooked. I hope the author can give us a great second book. Maybe the beginning just didn't hold my attention because it was the setup for the rest of a really great book, and hopefully, series. I can't wait to see what happens!
First Review for 2024 (Technically, it's the last book read in 2023. But I reviewed it the next day).
Thank you #PinkFlamingoProductions and #TheFlockVIPReviews
September 7, 2024
This is an interesting depiction of a hostile & accidental first contact scenario. There is a diverse cast of characters from across the world and a (very) strong focus on military operations at ground level.
The style of narration takes some getting used to, as we get exposed to the evolving storyline from disconnected glimpses from different viewpoints, but about 20% in things begin to flow together.
I loved the concepts of weapon of choice as well the drones with stroboscopic weaponry. Also loved how different characters bring in elements from their own cultures, and aspects like ptsd and trauma were highlighted.
The story feels very realistic, and the constraints faced by the on ground teams are described in great level of detail. At the same time, while there is violence, the descriptions of the same are not vividly gruesome.
For folks who love military settings, realistic action and complex real-world coordination problems, this is a great book.
The style of narration takes some getting used to, as we get exposed to the evolving storyline from disconnected glimpses from different viewpoints, but about 20% in things begin to flow together.
I loved the concepts of weapon of choice as well the drones with stroboscopic weaponry. Also loved how different characters bring in elements from their own cultures, and aspects like ptsd and trauma were highlighted.
The story feels very realistic, and the constraints faced by the on ground teams are described in great level of detail. At the same time, while there is violence, the descriptions of the same are not vividly gruesome.
For folks who love military settings, realistic action and complex real-world coordination problems, this is a great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews