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The Shantivira #3
First Contact, Second Chances
Everyone deserves a second chance. Even humanity.
Ex-British Army officer Joe Llewellyn is captain of the Shantivira, the alien space station secretly protecting the Earth from invasion. After Joe reveals the Shantivira’s existence to the UN, everyone wants a piece of him. Except his mother. They’re no longer speaking after he introduced her to his shape-shifting space-demon wife.
But it’s not only Joe’s relationship with his mam which is in jeopardy. His alien bosses have given him an ultimatum: either he persuades Earth’s authorities to completely restructure the global economic system – to distribute resources fairly without exceeding ecological boundaries – or the space station will be reallocated to another, more deserving planet.
With cannibalistic Ranglatiri space pirates prowling the galaxy, brutally stripping and enslaving entire worlds for profit, Joe can’t afford to fail.
Trainee pilot Hanna Abebe is close to achieving her dream: a permanent job on the Shantivira. But with a boyfriend on trial for taking a vessel without permission and an extremely pregnant teenage sister, not every dream can come true . . .
Ex-NASA astronaut Dan Simpson and his alien girlfriend are on the Ranglatiri authorities’ Most Wanted list. But that won’t stop them from persevering with their dead friend’s secret mission. Unless, of course, they get caught . . .
Ex-British Army officer Joe Llewellyn is captain of the Shantivira, the alien space station secretly protecting the Earth from invasion. After Joe reveals the Shantivira’s existence to the UN, everyone wants a piece of him. Except his mother. They’re no longer speaking after he introduced her to his shape-shifting space-demon wife.
But it’s not only Joe’s relationship with his mam which is in jeopardy. His alien bosses have given him an ultimatum: either he persuades Earth’s authorities to completely restructure the global economic system – to distribute resources fairly without exceeding ecological boundaries – or the space station will be reallocated to another, more deserving planet.
With cannibalistic Ranglatiri space pirates prowling the galaxy, brutally stripping and enslaving entire worlds for profit, Joe can’t afford to fail.
Trainee pilot Hanna Abebe is close to achieving her dream: a permanent job on the Shantivira. But with a boyfriend on trial for taking a vessel without permission and an extremely pregnant teenage sister, not every dream can come true . . .
Ex-NASA astronaut Dan Simpson and his alien girlfriend are on the Ranglatiri authorities’ Most Wanted list. But that won’t stop them from persevering with their dead friend’s secret mission. Unless, of course, they get caught . . .
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2025
11 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Fay Abernethy
4 books26 followersFay Abernethy left the UK more than twenty-five years ago, seeking adventure. When not diving with sharks or falling off horses, she worked as an engineer in the automotive industry. After settling down in Germany with the man of her dreams, she went freelance and started her own translating business.
She now lives the life of a respectable citizen and has discovered that being a parent is the greatest adventure of them all.
Why does she write? Long story . . .
Over a decade ago, Fay was struggling to look after two small children, while running her translating business and feeling powerless about the climate crisis. She retreated into an escapist fantasy world, populating it with larger-than-life characters.
This world became so huge, she started writing it down to keep track. At the same time, she discovered eco non-fiction and realised: the solutions to our planetary predicament are already available, but many people don’t know about them.
Communicating this knowledge to a wider audience, in an entertaining package, became her mission. Her solarpunk books combine her fantasy world and characters with the eco-transition concepts she loves reading about. She hopes to get people thinking about what kind of world we want to live in, and the part they might play in bringing it about.
Get your free copy of the prequel to The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station: The Man with the Dragon Tattoo.
Facebook: Fay Abernethy Books
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Pinterest: Fay Abernethy Books
Linktree: Fay Abernethy Books
She now lives the life of a respectable citizen and has discovered that being a parent is the greatest adventure of them all.
Why does she write? Long story . . .
Over a decade ago, Fay was struggling to look after two small children, while running her translating business and feeling powerless about the climate crisis. She retreated into an escapist fantasy world, populating it with larger-than-life characters.
This world became so huge, she started writing it down to keep track. At the same time, she discovered eco non-fiction and realised: the solutions to our planetary predicament are already available, but many people don’t know about them.
Communicating this knowledge to a wider audience, in an entertaining package, became her mission. Her solarpunk books combine her fantasy world and characters with the eco-transition concepts she loves reading about. She hopes to get people thinking about what kind of world we want to live in, and the part they might play in bringing it about.
Get your free copy of the prequel to The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station: The Man with the Dragon Tattoo.
Facebook: Fay Abernethy Books
Instagram: Fay Abernethy Books
Pinterest: Fay Abernethy Books
Linktree: Fay Abernethy Books
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 23, 2025
I loved books one and two of this series and have been so looking forward to seeing the next installment.
It starts off with mild political intrigue and Kitty comes in clutch as always by helping move things in a positive direction.
The courtroom scenes were quite interesting. How would this work in our current societies. Good food for thought.
The healthy romantic relationships are a plus.
Conflict resolution is a recurring theme, if only we all had magical benefactors *sigh*
The depictions of the different alien races are written with imagination and clever descriptions.
The emotional waves in the second half of the book still have me reeling.
I am now obliged to wait for book 4 !!
Some of my favorite quotes that don’t spoil :
“Apart from acquiring the skills to access the wealth of knowledge available in Kawaida, learning a language promoted the first tender shoots of intercultural understanding. People became familiar with previously alien concepts and, as a consequence, more open to them. Less frightened of the unknown.”
“Real people aren’t like that. Give them an opportunity to do something meaningful with their lives and they’ll grab it with both hands.”
“‘Achieving real, lasting change is much harder than firing weapons at a defined enemy,’ she said.”
And finally a direct message from the author to the reader:
“Sharing ideas and educating ourselves are essential steps on the path to a fair and sustainable future. But there’s a lot more we can do to build resilience within our communities. For example, getting to know our neighbours. Offering help. Accepting help. Forging genuine, enriching connections with other living, breathing humans. Learning new skills. Passing on knowledge. Becoming active citizens rather than passive consumers.”
Loved the book, a thoughtful creative read that aims for the stars and beyond.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review
It starts off with mild political intrigue and Kitty comes in clutch as always by helping move things in a positive direction.
The courtroom scenes were quite interesting. How would this work in our current societies. Good food for thought.
The healthy romantic relationships are a plus.
Conflict resolution is a recurring theme, if only we all had magical benefactors *sigh*
The depictions of the different alien races are written with imagination and clever descriptions.
The emotional waves in the second half of the book still have me reeling.
I am now obliged to wait for book 4 !!
Some of my favorite quotes that don’t spoil :
“Apart from acquiring the skills to access the wealth of knowledge available in Kawaida, learning a language promoted the first tender shoots of intercultural understanding. People became familiar with previously alien concepts and, as a consequence, more open to them. Less frightened of the unknown.”
“Real people aren’t like that. Give them an opportunity to do something meaningful with their lives and they’ll grab it with both hands.”
“‘Achieving real, lasting change is much harder than firing weapons at a defined enemy,’ she said.”
And finally a direct message from the author to the reader:
“Sharing ideas and educating ourselves are essential steps on the path to a fair and sustainable future. But there’s a lot more we can do to build resilience within our communities. For example, getting to know our neighbours. Offering help. Accepting help. Forging genuine, enriching connections with other living, breathing humans. Learning new skills. Passing on knowledge. Becoming active citizens rather than passive consumers.”
Loved the book, a thoughtful creative read that aims for the stars and beyond.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review
April 25, 2025
(I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review…but then I bought a copy so I can share it with my family!)
First Contact Second Chances is the third book in the Shantivira series of science fiction stories by Fay Abernethy. It continues to provide what has been an ongoing chronicle of the nicest collection of earth-saving humans and extraterrestrials (including a really plucky space demon/Welsh dragon/panther/humanoid spouse!) that I have not had the pleasure of reading since the later works of Heinlein. It also stands well on its own, though I strongly encourage you to read the first two books in the series: The Cleaner, The Cat, and the Space Station; and Learning to Fly Alien Spacecraft. Like any good sci-fi story, First Contact Second Chances has heroes, villains, monsters, and parental figures aplenty, together with a nice dose of easily swallowed fantastic methods of locomotion (and septic system pump-out as a fuel source? Brilliant!). But it’s the way the author weaves all the (improbable) technology and action and interactions together into a coherent and comfortable storyline that makes this book such a fun read. It’s sort of like sitting down and being caught up on all the doings of your extended family: you truly feel like you know these people, you care about these people, and you’re delighted to hear the latest about their lives unfolding locally and around the galaxy, except of course for the very sad…nope, no spoilers; get First Contact Second Chances and read it for yourself. If you like comfortable characterizations coupled with care for the planet and activism from within and without, you’ll really enjoy this book! (Really, read all three books in this series!)
First Contact Second Chances is the third book in the Shantivira series of science fiction stories by Fay Abernethy. It continues to provide what has been an ongoing chronicle of the nicest collection of earth-saving humans and extraterrestrials (including a really plucky space demon/Welsh dragon/panther/humanoid spouse!) that I have not had the pleasure of reading since the later works of Heinlein. It also stands well on its own, though I strongly encourage you to read the first two books in the series: The Cleaner, The Cat, and the Space Station; and Learning to Fly Alien Spacecraft. Like any good sci-fi story, First Contact Second Chances has heroes, villains, monsters, and parental figures aplenty, together with a nice dose of easily swallowed fantastic methods of locomotion (and septic system pump-out as a fuel source? Brilliant!). But it’s the way the author weaves all the (improbable) technology and action and interactions together into a coherent and comfortable storyline that makes this book such a fun read. It’s sort of like sitting down and being caught up on all the doings of your extended family: you truly feel like you know these people, you care about these people, and you’re delighted to hear the latest about their lives unfolding locally and around the galaxy, except of course for the very sad…nope, no spoilers; get First Contact Second Chances and read it for yourself. If you like comfortable characterizations coupled with care for the planet and activism from within and without, you’ll really enjoy this book! (Really, read all three books in this series!)
April 25, 2025
I had the privilege of receiving this book before publication in exchange for my review. That gift had almost no impact on my impressions of the story.
In short: I loved it and really and truly cannot wait for more stories from this universe.
Things I enjoyed
- like the previous books, chapters typically change perspectives. Joe, Hanna, and Dan feature prominently.
- What I loved about this book the most was the individual character stories that had little to do with science fiction. Life isn’t all about political intrigue and flying spaceships! Yes, our Shantiviran friends have personal lives to deal with. Sisters having babies, and lack of sleep. Husbands and wives at loggerheads over old secrets. Mothers and sons. Alien lovers misunderstanding each other. AND, making politicians understand that the status quo is going to cause the end of human civilization, one way or another.
- Life is a mix of joy and sadness. Some people we’ve been rooting for will exit the stage. But we should celebrate their lives all the same. It’s also a reminder to let people know that you see them and that you are glad that they are part of your life. We never know how long we get to share our lives with each other, ever.
- Hanna’s arc in this pulled at me even more than the other books. Her struggles would resonate without any science fiction involved. You can’t make everyone in your life happy. Ultimately, you need to do what is best for yourself first, while letting those that you love know that you will still be there for them as much as you can.
In short: I loved it and really and truly cannot wait for more stories from this universe.
Things I enjoyed
- like the previous books, chapters typically change perspectives. Joe, Hanna, and Dan feature prominently.
- What I loved about this book the most was the individual character stories that had little to do with science fiction. Life isn’t all about political intrigue and flying spaceships! Yes, our Shantiviran friends have personal lives to deal with. Sisters having babies, and lack of sleep. Husbands and wives at loggerheads over old secrets. Mothers and sons. Alien lovers misunderstanding each other. AND, making politicians understand that the status quo is going to cause the end of human civilization, one way or another.
- Life is a mix of joy and sadness. Some people we’ve been rooting for will exit the stage. But we should celebrate their lives all the same. It’s also a reminder to let people know that you see them and that you are glad that they are part of your life. We never know how long we get to share our lives with each other, ever.
- Hanna’s arc in this pulled at me even more than the other books. Her struggles would resonate without any science fiction involved. You can’t make everyone in your life happy. Ultimately, you need to do what is best for yourself first, while letting those that you love know that you will still be there for them as much as you can.
April 27, 2025
I love this book, as well as the whole universe created by Fay Abernethy… it is a great mix of space opera (with galactic battles) and fantasy (with amazing aliens like Kitty who is a legend by herself). This book is the third of the series, and its title does reflect this notion of second chances. Second chance for Joe, the charismatic hero, and his mother, second chance for Hannah and her sister, but mostly second chance for Planet Earth and for us, its inhabitants, who have the choice between going on with its destruction, or taking serious matters into our hands to alleviate climate change…
Fay Abernethy includes her reflexions (and some solutions) on this issue into the narrative in a convincing way, she also shares with us her sadness with Brexit, which is an event in the book… I can relate with all this!
But mostly, the book tells us a great adventure, with plots, love and hates, cruel enemies and brave warriors… it is great entertainment !
Fay Abernethy includes her reflexions (and some solutions) on this issue into the narrative in a convincing way, she also shares with us her sadness with Brexit, which is an event in the book… I can relate with all this!
But mostly, the book tells us a great adventure, with plots, love and hates, cruel enemies and brave warriors… it is great entertainment !
April 25, 2025
Strong 3rd part in the contemporary eco-sci-fi series – a clear recommendation!
As a big fan of Becky Chambers, I was looking for similarly positive, contemporary sci-fi and came across "The Cleaner, the Cat & the Space Station". I really liked it, and Part 2 continued the story consistently. Part 3, "First Contact, Second Chances," follows on seamlessly, offering a touch more action and drama, but essentially sticking to the series' strengths: creating likable characters you root for, telling a believable, exciting, and at times political story about humanity's first contact with aliens – and a Welsh space dragon.
If you're looking for contemporary, character-driven sci-fi literature, you should check it out. I hope there are more books in this series; I will definitely continue reading.
(I received a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review)
As a big fan of Becky Chambers, I was looking for similarly positive, contemporary sci-fi and came across "The Cleaner, the Cat & the Space Station". I really liked it, and Part 2 continued the story consistently. Part 3, "First Contact, Second Chances," follows on seamlessly, offering a touch more action and drama, but essentially sticking to the series' strengths: creating likable characters you root for, telling a believable, exciting, and at times political story about humanity's first contact with aliens – and a Welsh space dragon.
If you're looking for contemporary, character-driven sci-fi literature, you should check it out. I hope there are more books in this series; I will definitely continue reading.
(I received a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review)
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April 24, 2025A great read if you love a mix of science fiction and fantasy. The story continues and the ecosystem expands. This really becomes a saga in the most positive sense.
The characters go through all things in live, success, loss, love, maturing, and many more. The one thing to take away is how connections shape individuals.
I do love these books and how they become more with every new book, from a becoming of age focussed book 1 to a story embracing the problems of planet wide change and space dimensions and conflicts.
The characters go through all things in live, success, loss, love, maturing, and many more. The one thing to take away is how connections shape individuals.
I do love these books and how they become more with every new book, from a becoming of age focussed book 1 to a story embracing the problems of planet wide change and space dimensions and conflicts.
May 6, 2025
5⭐️ What a well considered book 3. Loving the Shantivara
Not only is the story moving forward but the various backstories are also being filled in nicely.
There’s love and loss and earth to be saved.
This wonderful series has its own niche in the sci-fi world and I was very happy to see the release of this book.
Not only is the story moving forward but the various backstories are also being filled in nicely.
There’s love and loss and earth to be saved.
This wonderful series has its own niche in the sci-fi world and I was very happy to see the release of this book.
April 28, 2025
Wonderful imaginative world! Aliens! Action! Romance! It has it all, and suspense, too!
May 9, 2025
First Contact, Second Chances is the third book in Fay Abernathy’s Shantivira series. Warning, if you haven’t read books 1 & 2 you will be pretty lost, but it would be SOOOOO worth it to go back and get them! First Contact picks up right where book 2 left off. All the main characters you have already fallen in love with are there with a couple of new ones. Everyone develops more back story and events are filled in. The books all flow together really well. The characters, even the aliens, are all very relatable and easy to understand from the descriptions given.
The storyline of the Earth finding out about the Shantivira space station and the danger they are in from the Ranglatiri (the bad aliens) develops even further. It is fascinating how the author has taken real time events and situations and fit them in with the storyline of the book. The world is faced with getting itself in order to prove to the universal alliance that they are worthy of defending and helping along with their technological advancement. Becoming a worldwide society focused on people and individual prosperity with daily life services free (vs for profit and power) is a struggle to even make the decision to begin the process.
Overall I highly recommend any of the Shantivira series books. First Contact will not disappoint and definitely does not follow the general rule that sequels are never as good as the first book!
Genre(s): Sci Fi, Fantasy, Alien, Dystopian
Bad Language: about 6 F bombs throughout whole book
Intimate Scenes/Reference: alludes to, nothing descriptive
Violence: space fight scenes, some hand to hand fights, nothing overly descriptive or gorey
Substance Abuse: none
Mental Health: fear, imprisonment
Addiction: none
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline of the Earth finding out about the Shantivira space station and the danger they are in from the Ranglatiri (the bad aliens) develops even further. It is fascinating how the author has taken real time events and situations and fit them in with the storyline of the book. The world is faced with getting itself in order to prove to the universal alliance that they are worthy of defending and helping along with their technological advancement. Becoming a worldwide society focused on people and individual prosperity with daily life services free (vs for profit and power) is a struggle to even make the decision to begin the process.
Overall I highly recommend any of the Shantivira series books. First Contact will not disappoint and definitely does not follow the general rule that sequels are never as good as the first book!
Genre(s): Sci Fi, Fantasy, Alien, Dystopian
Bad Language: about 6 F bombs throughout whole book
Intimate Scenes/Reference: alludes to, nothing descriptive
Violence: space fight scenes, some hand to hand fights, nothing overly descriptive or gorey
Substance Abuse: none
Mental Health: fear, imprisonment
Addiction: none
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2025
This is the third book in the Shantavira series and covers Joe's contact with Earth with a view to providing them with security and support – with requirements and provisos which will be tough to implement. But our planet needs saving from the self destruct journey it is on. This is a very well written book and an interesting read with everything that is going on currently, ten years after the book is set. Great characters which grow and develop with each book and such amazing world building. I am totally in awe of this author's ability to transport me to other worlds in which I believe wholeheartedly. I am hoping there will be more in the series. With thanks to the author for the ARC to read and review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews