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The Librarian: A First Contact Story
First Contact has never been easy.
Despite the rumors, the US Government has been able to deny First Contact with an alien race for decades, but with good reason: it hasn't happened yet.
When a strange signal comes from an isolated area in the forests outside of Seattle, they find that First Contact is not going to happen with big ships and grand world-wide messages. Aliens, it turns out, like to keep their existence quiet.
Breaking a great number of rules, Seattle's resident alien has come back from a quick trip to his home planet to talk to his human wife. He just happened to land too close to a military base. Now, he will tell her the truth, even if he has to do it behind a glass wall and with the military between them.
The Librarian is a contemporary novel set in America and dealing with first contact with an alien species unlike anything else in modern science fiction.
Readers' Favorite Silver Award for Short Story/Novella, 2018
WriteOn Staff Pick, 2015
Despite the rumors, the US Government has been able to deny First Contact with an alien race for decades, but with good reason: it hasn't happened yet.
When a strange signal comes from an isolated area in the forests outside of Seattle, they find that First Contact is not going to happen with big ships and grand world-wide messages. Aliens, it turns out, like to keep their existence quiet.
Breaking a great number of rules, Seattle's resident alien has come back from a quick trip to his home planet to talk to his human wife. He just happened to land too close to a military base. Now, he will tell her the truth, even if he has to do it behind a glass wall and with the military between them.
The Librarian is a contemporary novel set in America and dealing with first contact with an alien species unlike anything else in modern science fiction.
Readers' Favorite Silver Award for Short Story/Novella, 2018
WriteOn Staff Pick, 2015
108 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2015
237 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
M.N. Arzu
7 books250 followersThe first series that captivated my imagination was The Chronicles of Narnia. The idea of having a secret world —imaginary or otherwise—was so appealing I had to create my own as soon as possible.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I have gone through the dark realms of Stephen King, to the lighthearted girl power of Sailor Moon. I've fought monsters on Zelda, and become a die-hard Roswell fan. I've lost my memories with Jason Bourne, and I've lived a thousand lives alongside vampires, immortals, fairies and goddesses.
Magic and science blend into the tales I bring to life, and I am constantly striving to capture the essence of the great storytellers from my past.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I have gone through the dark realms of Stephen King, to the lighthearted girl power of Sailor Moon. I've fought monsters on Zelda, and become a die-hard Roswell fan. I've lost my memories with Jason Bourne, and I've lived a thousand lives alongside vampires, immortals, fairies and goddesses.
Magic and science blend into the tales I bring to life, and I am constantly striving to capture the essence of the great storytellers from my past.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 21, 2024
Title: The Librarian
Author: M. N. Arzu
Genre: Science Fiction
Publication year: 2015
Review: This is an early addition to my Kindle almost ten years ago when the author offered a free copy to any who would review it, which I put on Amazon those many years ago. I looked at it again before eliminating it from my Kindle. The story continues to hold up and impress me as a first contact hard science fiction story. The story is imperfect, more of a 4 and a half stars, but I just can't see myself knocking it down to four stars.
An alien, who has spent his entire life here on earth, left to visit his planet of origin (earth has become his home planet.) When he returns to earth, he makes the mistake of allowing his nuclear trail to be tracked to the home he shares with his human wife. The federal government has him dead to rights but, they discover that the radiant alien looks like a regular human. In fact, he looks like a typical professor of sociology.
At heart, this is a love story but, I don't want to say much more. It's almost as if Gertie married the extra terrestrial. Uplifting, hopeful, and wonderfully speculative. A great, too-short read.
Author: M. N. Arzu
Genre: Science Fiction
Publication year: 2015
Review: This is an early addition to my Kindle almost ten years ago when the author offered a free copy to any who would review it, which I put on Amazon those many years ago. I looked at it again before eliminating it from my Kindle. The story continues to hold up and impress me as a first contact hard science fiction story. The story is imperfect, more of a 4 and a half stars, but I just can't see myself knocking it down to four stars.
An alien, who has spent his entire life here on earth, left to visit his planet of origin (earth has become his home planet.) When he returns to earth, he makes the mistake of allowing his nuclear trail to be tracked to the home he shares with his human wife. The federal government has him dead to rights but, they discover that the radiant alien looks like a regular human. In fact, he looks like a typical professor of sociology.
At heart, this is a love story but, I don't want to say much more. It's almost as if Gertie married the extra terrestrial. Uplifting, hopeful, and wonderfully speculative. A great, too-short read.
May 12, 2023
The Librarian is a short novella that’s a quick, svelte, little read with a grandiose scope, and yet, it is at its core about a husband and a wife. She is the titular librarian, and he is the first contact. Neither of those things is a spoiler because the story engrosses you from the initial pages, drawing you in. Some nuclear activity is detected by a government base outside of Seattle. When the site is investigated, a radiant alien is discovered, but he looks like a human being, a sociology professor who has spent his entire life on Earth. How can that be?
He’s asking for his wife and the government is suspicious as to why? Of course, he wants to talk to her, “It’s his wife!!!” I can’t say more, without giving away essential, unique plot points and story beats, but I loved this story. I got this for free, but it in no way affected my review. I had never read this author, but I am now a fan. BTW, I believe this was her debut work. 4.5 is my true rating. It would have been 5 stars, but I deduct a half a point for length. I really think this should have been longer, and it wouldn't have lost much of its impact. That's right. I wanted more!
He’s asking for his wife and the government is suspicious as to why? Of course, he wants to talk to her, “It’s his wife!!!” I can’t say more, without giving away essential, unique plot points and story beats, but I loved this story. I got this for free, but it in no way affected my review. I had never read this author, but I am now a fan. BTW, I believe this was her debut work. 4.5 is my true rating. It would have been 5 stars, but I deduct a half a point for length. I really think this should have been longer, and it wouldn't have lost much of its impact. That's right. I wanted more!
November 1, 2016
Quick read.
If you love aliens, especially the kind ones but all you can find are in the romance genre, try this short book. I've noticed that some reviews state that it is too short to be compelling. I disagree. Sure, it could have been fleshed out and made into a longer story easily. There is enough material for that, but to say that it's not worth reading because of its length? That is far fetched. Would have I liked it if there were more to sink my teeth in? Of course, in fact I would love it if the author were to decide to do just that. I'd probably be the first one to buy the book, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it as it is.
I can't say much about the book without spoilers, so I will just say this: Nick is a gentle alien with a big heart. It would have been so easy to leave Earth without explanations, but he loves his wife and feels the need to tell her everything before he does, which makes him very likeable in my mind.
The story is short but at least it doesn't end with a cliffhanger.
I'd recommend to fans of aliens who don't come to Earth to conquer it (for a nice change).
If you love aliens, especially the kind ones but all you can find are in the romance genre, try this short book. I've noticed that some reviews state that it is too short to be compelling. I disagree. Sure, it could have been fleshed out and made into a longer story easily. There is enough material for that, but to say that it's not worth reading because of its length? That is far fetched. Would have I liked it if there were more to sink my teeth in? Of course, in fact I would love it if the author were to decide to do just that. I'd probably be the first one to buy the book, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it as it is.
I can't say much about the book without spoilers, so I will just say this: Nick is a gentle alien with a big heart. It would have been so easy to leave Earth without explanations, but he loves his wife and feels the need to tell her everything before he does, which makes him very likeable in my mind.
The story is short but at least it doesn't end with a cliffhanger.
I'd recommend to fans of aliens who don't come to Earth to conquer it (for a nice change).
October 30, 2016
To say I loved this story is not quite accurate. It grabbed me from the second sentence and I was powerless to stop reading. It's oh way too short, but wow...so much better than i expected. I'm almost (but not quite) ashamed to admit the cover grabbed me first, then the title, and it is the perfect combination. I so wish the story had been longer. I need more. I read a lot, and I can say with great honesty that I didn't find one spelling error or one grammatical error. It was perfect. There wasn't one thing to pull me out of the story. I wish now, that I was Connor.
Read it, you'll understand.
I am now a new and rabid fan of M.N Arzu. I would give this ten stars if I could.
Read it, you'll understand.
I am now a new and rabid fan of M.N Arzu. I would give this ten stars if I could.
August 24, 2015
Ok, so I'm sure quite a few of you have heard me talk about WriteOn before. Today's review is of a book from a WriteOn friend. So consider yourself warned - I'm not the most unbiased reviewer here.
The Librarian is about, surprisingly, aliens. Yeah, not something I guessed from the title either. So basically, some strange activity is found, and when the US military goes to investigate, they find a man (Nick). They're pretty sure he's not human, because of said strange activity, but he isn't talking to anyone but his wife (Jane). So, desperate for contact with aliens, they get Jane. Only, Jane can't really accept what's going on (obviously). And Nick? Nick's hiding something...
Even though this story was pretty short, it being a novella, it took a twist that I didn't expect at the end. But, it made sense to me in retrospect.
Personally, I loved this novella. I actually grabbed the official copy, and no, I didn't spot any mistakes. But then again, I didn't have my feedback cap on, so don't take me at my word. I was just enjoying the story this time round.
Oh, and I was left with some questions. I want to know more about what happens after the ending, because the way the world works, I'm wondering if the happy ending is going to be happy. I'm speaking in riddles because I don't want to give up any spoilers, but let's just say the way the alien works makes me think this is just a happy ever after for now, rather than a happy ever after. I wonder if there's going to be a short story sequel dealing with that...
Generally, I really enjoyed this story. It had an interesting premise, I liked the two main characters, and the ending gave me enough information that I was intrigued. Again, I'm not the most unbiased of readers, but I'd like to believe that even if I didn't know the author, I'd write an equally positive review.
Disclaimer: Like the previous two disclaimers, I know the author. She's a friend of mine, and I generally really enjoy reading her stuff on WriteOn.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
The Librarian is about, surprisingly, aliens. Yeah, not something I guessed from the title either. So basically, some strange activity is found, and when the US military goes to investigate, they find a man (Nick). They're pretty sure he's not human, because of said strange activity, but he isn't talking to anyone but his wife (Jane). So, desperate for contact with aliens, they get Jane. Only, Jane can't really accept what's going on (obviously). And Nick? Nick's hiding something...
Even though this story was pretty short, it being a novella, it took a twist that I didn't expect at the end. But, it made sense to me in retrospect.
Personally, I loved this novella. I actually grabbed the official copy, and no, I didn't spot any mistakes. But then again, I didn't have my feedback cap on, so don't take me at my word. I was just enjoying the story this time round.
Oh, and I was left with some questions. I want to know more about what happens after the ending, because the way the world works, I'm wondering if the happy ending is going to be happy. I'm speaking in riddles because I don't want to give up any spoilers, but let's just say the way the alien works makes me think this is just a happy ever after for now, rather than a happy ever after. I wonder if there's going to be a short story sequel dealing with that...
Generally, I really enjoyed this story. It had an interesting premise, I liked the two main characters, and the ending gave me enough information that I was intrigued. Again, I'm not the most unbiased of readers, but I'd like to believe that even if I didn't know the author, I'd write an equally positive review.
Disclaimer: Like the previous two disclaimers, I know the author. She's a friend of mine, and I generally really enjoy reading her stuff on WriteOn.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
February 6, 2017
Kindle Unlimited e-book
March 13, 2017
These aliens don't arrive in giant spaceships hovering over major cities.
They don't blast us from space.
They didn't even intend to make contact. They just wanted to study us, quietly and unobtrusively.
That worked, right up until the retrieval of their investigator didn't go as intended.
An ordinary, happily married, librarian waiting for her husband to come home from a day of hiking gets a knock on the door that lands her in the middle of something she would have thought impossible.
Now she has to figure out if this alien who looks like her husband, who says he is her husband of twelve years, is here for good reasons or bad, and what he wants and intends, because he won't talk to the military or anyone at all except her.
The librarian is an honest, upright woman, who wants to do the right thing, but mainly wants her husband back. The general charged with overseeing this operation, which looked like and might yet be a nuclear event, wants to protect the country and, when he realizes what he's dealing with, the planet.
In a fairly short span of pages, we get interesting character development for the librarian, the general, some of his staff, and in many ways most interesting of all, the alien.
Something about the story-telling feels old-fashioned to me. i can't put my finger on it. Regardless, it's an enjoyable and interesting novelette.
Recommended.
I received this book as a gift, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
They don't blast us from space.
They didn't even intend to make contact. They just wanted to study us, quietly and unobtrusively.
That worked, right up until the retrieval of their investigator didn't go as intended.
An ordinary, happily married, librarian waiting for her husband to come home from a day of hiking gets a knock on the door that lands her in the middle of something she would have thought impossible.
Now she has to figure out if this alien who looks like her husband, who says he is her husband of twelve years, is here for good reasons or bad, and what he wants and intends, because he won't talk to the military or anyone at all except her.
The librarian is an honest, upright woman, who wants to do the right thing, but mainly wants her husband back. The general charged with overseeing this operation, which looked like and might yet be a nuclear event, wants to protect the country and, when he realizes what he's dealing with, the planet.
In a fairly short span of pages, we get interesting character development for the librarian, the general, some of his staff, and in many ways most interesting of all, the alien.
Something about the story-telling feels old-fashioned to me. i can't put my finger on it. Regardless, it's an enjoyable and interesting novelette.
Recommended.
I received this book as a gift, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
April 14, 2018
I wanted to enjoy this more than I actually did. It was a pretty quick read - I hadn't realised it was a novella when I downloaded it, but to be honest, this story needed to be a full-length novel.
There was so much that was missed out! It had a 'rushed' feel to it, as if the author had all her ideas racing through her mind and she couldn't put them down fast enough. There was a sense 'thinness' to the characters, as if they were half-formed.
I was thinking this would have made a great sci-fi film (which it would) but it would end up being all set-pieces and action driven, whereas I like my sci-fi films character -driven. (and there would be far too much cgi in it I expect ;) )
Anyway. This isn't a 'bad' novella -far from it - but I was left feeling dissatisfied with the whole thing. I wanted more. much more.
Rating this is going to be difficult. The premise gets 5 stars, the 'satisfaction level on finishing' gets 1 star, but in the end I am going to settle for 3. I think this author missed an opportunity here. Having said that, I have read her Underneathwhich was simply stunning.
There was so much that was missed out! It had a 'rushed' feel to it, as if the author had all her ideas racing through her mind and she couldn't put them down fast enough. There was a sense 'thinness' to the characters, as if they were half-formed.
I was thinking this would have made a great sci-fi film (which it would) but it would end up being all set-pieces and action driven, whereas I like my sci-fi films character -driven. (and there would be far too much cgi in it I expect ;) )
Anyway. This isn't a 'bad' novella -far from it - but I was left feeling dissatisfied with the whole thing. I wanted more. much more.
Rating this is going to be difficult. The premise gets 5 stars, the 'satisfaction level on finishing' gets 1 star, but in the end I am going to settle for 3. I think this author missed an opportunity here. Having said that, I have read her Underneathwhich was simply stunning.
November 8, 2016
Cute short story but it needs some editing. I like the characters of Nick and Jane but didn't like how once they made contact we had to backtrack to how Nick got there.
August 12, 2015
A debut novella from an up and coming author, the story contained in these pages is vivid and brilliant. When it opens, we have no idea what to expect, and we are quickly thrust into a scenario revolving around first contact.
But it isn't first contact the way we are used to. Instead, this is a much deeper and more human look about the possibility of beings living amongst us. There are many twists along the way that draw us deeper into the story and ask more of us as readers.
I don't want to spoil anything, but I can say that the tone of the novel, the plot twists, and the themes are all on point. There is a love story hidden between the lines that will drag you in and refuse to let you leave. At the end of the novel, you'll feel hopeful for a possible future of humanity that is brilliant and life-affirming. Once you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down until you finish, so hopefully there is more to the story coming in a later work.
Keep an eye on this author as more works are released, because the depth and breadth of her work will surely astound and delight you!
But it isn't first contact the way we are used to. Instead, this is a much deeper and more human look about the possibility of beings living amongst us. There are many twists along the way that draw us deeper into the story and ask more of us as readers.
I don't want to spoil anything, but I can say that the tone of the novel, the plot twists, and the themes are all on point. There is a love story hidden between the lines that will drag you in and refuse to let you leave. At the end of the novel, you'll feel hopeful for a possible future of humanity that is brilliant and life-affirming. Once you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down until you finish, so hopefully there is more to the story coming in a later work.
Keep an eye on this author as more works are released, because the depth and breadth of her work will surely astound and delight you!
May 23, 2017
Loved this novella! I'm so glad I found this author! She makes the impossible seem possible, and her writing pulls you right in and keeps you with the story until the end. I have read her The Under Series (it's about Merfolk), and as unbelievable as it sounds it actually feels completely believable when you read it. :D Looking forward to more from this author! Highly Recommended!
January 8, 2016
A quickly paced, nicely written book; in which, in just a few pages, you get to love the characters. I believe this is a gateway short novel for this new writer, we should expect great things from her.
December 14, 2020
For being a relatively short read (around 100 pages), "The Librarian" makes a powerful impact. It takes the premise of a first-contact story -- one that's often used for stories with a huge impact -- and makes the stakes much more personal. It's not so much a grand sci-fi epic as it is an emotional love story, and while that sounds cheesy at first, it makes for a surprisingly deep and heartfelt read, with far more emotional repercussions than most first-contact stories usually have.
When the US military discovers radioactivity in a forested area outside of Seattle, they expect a terrorist or perhaps something alien in nature. What they get is a man, Nick, who appears as a real human to anyone looking at him but as a being of otherworldly light on any video footage or scans taken of him. Nick, who acknowledges that he's an alien who's been living among humans for years now, refuses to answer their questions, and states that he will only speak to one person -- his wife, a librarian named Jane. Jane is confused and outraged that the man she loved hid a secret from her for so long, but agrees to talk to him anyhow. Their conversation and their bond with one another could very well define the fate of the world... and in the end, Jane will make a fateful decision.
"The Librarian" is a fairly slow-paced story for its genre, and manages to tell a compelling and emotional story in its short page space. It's not a first-contact story of destroyed cities or high-stakes action, so if you're expecting "Independence Day," look elsewhere... but it's an emotional and powerful story about the power of love, and a bond that even the vastness of space can't sever. The writing is well-done, a little plain at points but still strong. There is a jarring shift in the timeline halfway through that threw me off at first, but this is a minor quibble at best.
A short but surprisingly moving and powerful sci-fi story, this is a quick read but no less amazing for it. It's well worth a read if you're in the mood for a slower, more character-based science fiction story, one that will stay with you for a long time.
When the US military discovers radioactivity in a forested area outside of Seattle, they expect a terrorist or perhaps something alien in nature. What they get is a man, Nick, who appears as a real human to anyone looking at him but as a being of otherworldly light on any video footage or scans taken of him. Nick, who acknowledges that he's an alien who's been living among humans for years now, refuses to answer their questions, and states that he will only speak to one person -- his wife, a librarian named Jane. Jane is confused and outraged that the man she loved hid a secret from her for so long, but agrees to talk to him anyhow. Their conversation and their bond with one another could very well define the fate of the world... and in the end, Jane will make a fateful decision.
"The Librarian" is a fairly slow-paced story for its genre, and manages to tell a compelling and emotional story in its short page space. It's not a first-contact story of destroyed cities or high-stakes action, so if you're expecting "Independence Day," look elsewhere... but it's an emotional and powerful story about the power of love, and a bond that even the vastness of space can't sever. The writing is well-done, a little plain at points but still strong. There is a jarring shift in the timeline halfway through that threw me off at first, but this is a minor quibble at best.
A short but surprisingly moving and powerful sci-fi story, this is a quick read but no less amazing for it. It's well worth a read if you're in the mood for a slower, more character-based science fiction story, one that will stay with you for a long time.
May 4, 2021
I picked up this novella as a sort of palate cleanser after reading
Beloved
, because I enjoy this author’s works and had never, until now, read her debut. As usual, Arzú has a way of taking something from fantasy, like aliens, and forcing it to meet with reality—how would the military respond to radioactive activity in the form of an alien? At the heart of this novella is the relationship between Nick, the alien, and his wife Jane. I admit, I didn’t care too much for this because it was pre-established and there was little interaction between them, but their relationship was one of kindness. How does one rebuild trust after something like this?
There were some grammatical issues and clunky sentences every now and then, but for a debut this is still pretty great in terms of how quickly Arzú can get the reader immersed in her worlds. I enjoy this a lot more in her Under series, but that is hardly a fair comparison since this is a small novella and that is a much larger series of fleshed out books. I thought the ending was a bit cheesy and sort of broke the immersion for me, but overall it was an enjoyable palate cleanser after my last book. This was a short and quick read; it may not have had a lasting impact on me but it is still worth trying. I’m eagerly awaiting more from Arzú, especially more in the Under series.
There were some grammatical issues and clunky sentences every now and then, but for a debut this is still pretty great in terms of how quickly Arzú can get the reader immersed in her worlds. I enjoy this a lot more in her Under series, but that is hardly a fair comparison since this is a small novella and that is a much larger series of fleshed out books. I thought the ending was a bit cheesy and sort of broke the immersion for me, but overall it was an enjoyable palate cleanser after my last book. This was a short and quick read; it may not have had a lasting impact on me but it is still worth trying. I’m eagerly awaiting more from Arzú, especially more in the Under series.
August 28, 2018
Caught me off guard, which can be hard to do with the amount of reading I do. And for that reason lone I loved this book. I thoroughly enjoy this author. She writes stories that are outside the box. Her characters are well developed and you easily get emotionally attached to them. In addition you cannot predict where the story is going as the concepts are fresh. Her descriptions leave you visualizing the book as a movie. And I think these stories would be excellent in that arena. This particular book would be shorter then the mermaid books. This one reminds me of the twilight zone, but in color! A wife wakes up, finding her husband absent and gets a visit from government officials. Im sure they had black hats and black trench coats. And for heavens sake do not forget the black mirrored glasses. (You have to fit the part.) I cannot divulge more as I would ruin the story for you. Remember the story is outside the norm.
May 12, 2019
File under the greatest is love
Shorter works have the difficult task of doing everything with less. Here the author hit the mark by including the right amount of details and keeping the story fast paced. You didn’t miss what wasn’t necessary as the story carried you through the scenes.
Those who like gentle sci-fi, with a touch of a romantic love story, will find this work and enjoyable read.
I rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for great! The characters are believable. In a Twilight Zone sense the story kept you interested, wanting to know where it was all leading. In that same sense the ending didn’t disappoint. No spoilers here, you’re going to have to read it yourself. 😉
Shorter works have the difficult task of doing everything with less. Here the author hit the mark by including the right amount of details and keeping the story fast paced. You didn’t miss what wasn’t necessary as the story carried you through the scenes.
Those who like gentle sci-fi, with a touch of a romantic love story, will find this work and enjoyable read.
I rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for great! The characters are believable. In a Twilight Zone sense the story kept you interested, wanting to know where it was all leading. In that same sense the ending didn’t disappoint. No spoilers here, you’re going to have to read it yourself. 😉
June 19, 2022
The Librarian, Jane, is drawn into a first contact event involving her husband, Nick. At its very core, this is a love story. Please understand, though, that it's not a romance story. The love between Jane & Nick is not portrayed in some type of romance novel trope. In fact, they spend quite a bit of the book at odds. I can't tell you more without giving stuff away that you will enjoy more if you discover it on your own.
This is a novella (which in my opinion is this work's only flaw - I wanted more!). There is a richness to the story & a depth to the characters that is far more than I expected in such a short work.
This is a novella (which in my opinion is this work's only flaw - I wanted more!). There is a richness to the story & a depth to the characters that is far more than I expected in such a short work.
September 29, 2023
A TRULU UNIQUE TAKE ON FIRST CONTACT!
I'm a Space Opera Junkie and would have loved to be The Librarian! I boldly went into this book with no expectations or preconceptions and was surprised and delighted with it. Just what I needed to cheer up a rainy day, without taking a deep dive into something heavy.
I highly recommend this book and especially the audio version, as I listen to about 20 books a month, and am very picky about what gets on my monthly list.
I hope she writes more SciFi, but in the meantime I'm diving into her paranormal series about Merfolk, starting with Underneath - A Merfolk Tale (The Under Series Book 1).
I'm a Space Opera Junkie and would have loved to be The Librarian! I boldly went into this book with no expectations or preconceptions and was surprised and delighted with it. Just what I needed to cheer up a rainy day, without taking a deep dive into something heavy.
I highly recommend this book and especially the audio version, as I listen to about 20 books a month, and am very picky about what gets on my monthly list.
I hope she writes more SciFi, but in the meantime I'm diving into her paranormal series about Merfolk, starting with Underneath - A Merfolk Tale (The Under Series Book 1).
May 8, 2019
Interesting concept
This is quite short, more a short story than a novel. It introduces a thought-provoking and unexpected premise as to how and why aliens may live amongst us leading very human lives with human emotions. The writer manages to pack a lot into a small package. It may not be a literary masterpiece but the ideas are original and nicely presented. The title could be better, too. As I was reading, I thought about other things that may have been changed or added to enhance the story, and how an expanded version of it may have been quite satisfying to read.
This is quite short, more a short story than a novel. It introduces a thought-provoking and unexpected premise as to how and why aliens may live amongst us leading very human lives with human emotions. The writer manages to pack a lot into a small package. It may not be a literary masterpiece but the ideas are original and nicely presented. The title could be better, too. As I was reading, I thought about other things that may have been changed or added to enhance the story, and how an expanded version of it may have been quite satisfying to read.
October 3, 2020
Jane and Nick have no children. She's a librarian. One day Nick decides to take a hike up in the mountains near Seattle. A hike that changes their lives forever.
After drawn in from scene one, I stayed glued to the story. Many questions formed as I continued to read, in anticipation of the next scenes. What would the aliens be like? Would Jane's husband be okay? How would this change their world? I enjoyed this story.
After drawn in from scene one, I stayed glued to the story. Many questions formed as I continued to read, in anticipation of the next scenes. What would the aliens be like? Would Jane's husband be okay? How would this change their world? I enjoyed this story.
November 18, 2020
Totally engaging from the first page.
I didn't know where the story was going and it wrapped me up and carried me along to the surprising ending. Not only was I entertained but was curious and invited to consider how would I act in such a situation. I totally recommend this book as it is an easy quick read that will leave you with a smile and hope for a positive future. These are the very things I needed as I see society changing in response to the pandemic. Thank you.
I didn't know where the story was going and it wrapped me up and carried me along to the surprising ending. Not only was I entertained but was curious and invited to consider how would I act in such a situation. I totally recommend this book as it is an easy quick read that will leave you with a smile and hope for a positive future. These are the very things I needed as I see society changing in response to the pandemic. Thank you.
March 22, 2024
Good, Amusing Tale … GO OUT AND READ IT NOW!
This was disappointing in the sense that it really wasn’t so much SciFi and/or First Contact, as it was just a story. A short, brief story. But, it will keep The Reader entertained and amused for an hour.
What it won’t do is give SciFi afficionadoes much satisfaction, but I’m sure it will make story writers happy with its brevity and impact.
This was disappointing in the sense that it really wasn’t so much SciFi and/or First Contact, as it was just a story. A short, brief story. But, it will keep The Reader entertained and amused for an hour.
What it won’t do is give SciFi afficionadoes much satisfaction, but I’m sure it will make story writers happy with its brevity and impact.
November 16, 2017
3.5 stars - sweet alien romance with a very ordinary, slightly boring, married couple. The H has been discovered as an alien, is in custody but he refuses to co-operate until he sees his wife. He is fading - being recalled off world, but he loves his wife, wants her to go with him. At first, she can't believe what she is told, once she sees him, well she has decisions to make. Interesting alien story, potential for more stars, if only there was more to the story.
May 28, 2018
One of the best First Contact stories I have ever read
I really enjoyed this. A nice light easy story that takes the First Contact idea and flips it right over. Well written. Not an action story with lots of guns and people running around but a thoughtful story. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this. A nice light easy story that takes the First Contact idea and flips it right over. Well written. Not an action story with lots of guns and people running around but a thoughtful story. Highly recommended.
August 19, 2020
This is what I would call a novelette of a space explorers' contact and love. How would you react to learn that the person you have met and married is an untold old experienced voyager of worlds? How would you react as that person doing the voyaging is you found something that you had not experienced before?
February 28, 2022
The story was very unique and narrates about what life is, how we are kept connected by so called love, extraterrestrial contact.
The bond, Love between Jane and Nick was an eternity. They made my tears escape in silence.
This book has left me with a dilema - does extraterrestrial Exists in real? Are they among us?
The bond, Love between Jane and Nick was an eternity. They made my tears escape in silence.
This book has left me with a dilema - does extraterrestrial Exists in real? Are they among us?
November 18, 2023
gorgeously well written
I easily could have read a full length novel of this story, but the shortness of it felt perfect for what the mood was. I honestly loved it and it’s going to be tossing and turning in my mind for awhile! Highly recommend, if you like true scifi then you’ll love this super short read.
I easily could have read a full length novel of this story, but the shortness of it felt perfect for what the mood was. I honestly loved it and it’s going to be tossing and turning in my mind for awhile! Highly recommend, if you like true scifi then you’ll love this super short read.
October 25, 2016
First Contact
Short story involving someone who is living life to the fullest when he remembers he is an alien.....Strong characters, great storyline...wish it wasn't so short...enjoyed this book immensely...
Short story involving someone who is living life to the fullest when he remembers he is an alien.....Strong characters, great storyline...wish it wasn't so short...enjoyed this book immensely...
November 14, 2017
They are living among us.
This is a interesting story about a contact with an alien race and how the military responds to it. Do we welcome them or do we lock them up? This is one way they will be welcomed.
This is a interesting story about a contact with an alien race and how the military responds to it. Do we welcome them or do we lock them up? This is one way they will be welcomed.
December 13, 2017
Holy Wow-ness!
That was a unique story telling. I am in awe of what I just read. I never imagined reading this story that things would play out the way it did and I am so glad.
From the start it felt weird and a bit off but as I kept reading I was pulled in more and more. For a short story it packed a good punch.
That was a unique story telling. I am in awe of what I just read. I never imagined reading this story that things would play out the way it did and I am so glad.
From the start it felt weird and a bit off but as I kept reading I was pulled in more and more. For a short story it packed a good punch.
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