What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret King #2
First Contact
With their journey from planet Letháo fraught with peril, the Aonise finally arrive at what they hope will be a new home. Earth offers a new start for the displaced race, and Kendro, King of the Aonise, desperately seeks a peaceful end to their voyage. However, once they make first contact, not all is as expected. Some humans are not as welcoming to the alien species, and their resettlement onto Earth is faced with resistance from splinter groups determined to drive the Aonise away from their planet. Coupled with internal strife, can Kendro appease all, or will greater misfortunes come to pass?
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2016
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Chapman
60 books178 followersDawn Chapman has been creating sci-fi and fantasy stories for thirty years. In 2005, her life and attention turned to scripts, and she started work on The Secret King (TSK), a 13-episode science fiction television series, with great passion for this medium.
In 2010, Dawn returned to her first love of prose. She has been working with Coach EJ Runyon, who has encouraged her away from fast-paced script writing, to revel in the world of TSK and Letháo as an epic prose space journey.
This year, her experience of working with producers/directors from the United States and Australia has expanded. From drama and science fiction to action, Dawn has built a portfolio of writing, consulting, and publishing.
In 2010, Dawn returned to her first love of prose. She has been working with Coach EJ Runyon, who has encouraged her away from fast-paced script writing, to revel in the world of TSK and Letháo as an epic prose space journey.
This year, her experience of working with producers/directors from the United States and Australia has expanded. From drama and science fiction to action, Dawn has built a portfolio of writing, consulting, and publishing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 30, 2016
“Kendro, king of the Aonise, watched as his nemesis, Dalamaar, and
his second, Trax, stormed away down the ship's corridor. The encounter
left the breath thin in his lungs, and a sour taste rose in his mouth. This
had been much more than a personal attack. If only he'd not been left
alone, but circumstances with Chace and Taliri had not allowed his usual
guard to be there.
“Dalamaar's words echoed in his mind, I thought it was time you met the
next King. And what really injured the most—if your wife weren't pregnant, I
would crush you now. But, Dalamaar needed Kendro to do all the negotiating
work on Earth.”
The above first paragraphs from Dawn Chapman’s First Contact, volume two of her Secret King series, drops readers immediately into the action with no preliminaries and economically tells us about a central conflict to follow. From that point on, we’re on a roller-coaster ride that doesn’t let up until the appendices.
For roughly two-thirds of the book, we’re given two main parallel story lines. One deals with the Aonise, an alien race on a spaceship carrying 2 million survivors from their doomed home world. Kendro, King of the Aonise, hopes our earth will offer his people a peaceful place to settle. At the same time, earth’s leaders worry about what a race of aliens will bring us. So we witness a spaceship full of aliens divided over what to do on earth and humans divided over what sort of reception to give them.
The parallel plots are shown in character interactions mirrored in both settings. For example, we see aliens and humans in hospital rooms in dire circumstances both in the spaceship and in England, the main earth setting where the Prime Minister is eager to find a way for peaceful co-existence. In both settings, romances are sparked, blossom, and face bumpy roads. Aliens and humans clearly have much in common.
Chapman is especially good at crafting a large cast of sympathetic, three-dimensional characters resulting in a number of plots and subplots. It’s often pointless trying to determine just who is a main and who is a supporting player as so many storylines are woven together in an epic going back-and-forth between people and aliens. Chapman is vividly descriptive with her aliens who look very human except for their colorful “birthmarks” that illustrate their bodies. Each of them has a “Croex” with varying degrees of energy and power. These “croexes” bind the aliens together spiritually and provide metaphysical threads that can cure or protect.
First Contact can’t be considered “hard science fiction” as the emphasis is on the characters and situations, not plausible scientific explanations for anything. There’s considerable metaphysical use of the “Croexes” as well as prophetic dreams that can reach over time and space. These powers worry Kendro who wants these abilities used as little as possible so not to enflame the passions of earthers already fearful of sharing their land with all these strange new immigrants.
Chapman has been dwelling in the realm of The Secret King at least since 2005 when she wrote scripts for a proposed 13 episode series on British TV. In September 2015, volume one, The Secret King, Lethao, was published. In July 2016, two novellas appeared as audiobooks, The Truth Hurts and Bree’s Results. At the end of First Contact, Chapman makes it clear a sequel is in the pipeline as well as a Secret King anthology.
So if you’re captivated by the tapestry of Chapman’s characters, there are previous works to enjoy and delights to anticipate. I can’t remember aliens I’ve liked as much as the Aonise. I’d welcome many of them as neighbors.
This review first appeared at BookPleasures.com at:
goo.gl/j3pkDu
January 2, 2017
I finished this second part in Dawn Chapman's series last night, with the first book being The Secret King: Lethao. Like the first book it was beautifully written, fast paced, filled with interesting carry-over characters and new characters - but the bar was set extremely high after the first book and this one for me fell a little short. To be honest, I'm not sure why and if I could I would give it a 4.5 star rating but as goodreads won't let me, I believe the first book simply was so beyond fantabulous it was difficult for this one to live in its shadow. Definitely a fan of Dawn Chapman's writing and I will seek out the next one in this series
May 7, 2017
The second book of trilogies or series is the greatest challenge to the authors because the plot tension, the quality of the writing technique and the steady rhythm of characters demand serious attention.
Dawn Chapman did it. The First Contact-the second book-is just as good as Lethao, the initial novel of The Secret King series.
The First Contact gets us closer to the Aonise as they get to Earth. It also makes us closer to the villain who intends to take up the throne.
And Queen Mika is the right woman for the amazing King Kendro.
She is as dedicated and altruistic as her husband and never less powerful.
The tension is high and the Aonise's prejudices are under the light-and in that not different from our own earthly maladies-but love takes a great part in the story development.
The interchange between humans and aliens creates interesting connections.
King Kendro contacts a little girl and that goes over time and generations. The sweet idea of grand parenting love and care finds its place and blossoms in an unexpected twist.
The First Contact spares no heart either. Different suffering find the aliens in their contact with Earth's people. I felt sad, but glad Dawn approached the hurtful topic of abuse. Books must take their place in bringing prejudice awareness. Differences must be respected as well.
The First Contact keeps the reader glued until the end.
And eager for the next book.
Dawn Chapman did it. The First Contact-the second book-is just as good as Lethao, the initial novel of The Secret King series.
The First Contact gets us closer to the Aonise as they get to Earth. It also makes us closer to the villain who intends to take up the throne.
And Queen Mika is the right woman for the amazing King Kendro.
She is as dedicated and altruistic as her husband and never less powerful.
The tension is high and the Aonise's prejudices are under the light-and in that not different from our own earthly maladies-but love takes a great part in the story development.
The interchange between humans and aliens creates interesting connections.
King Kendro contacts a little girl and that goes over time and generations. The sweet idea of grand parenting love and care finds its place and blossoms in an unexpected twist.
The First Contact spares no heart either. Different suffering find the aliens in their contact with Earth's people. I felt sad, but glad Dawn approached the hurtful topic of abuse. Books must take their place in bringing prejudice awareness. Differences must be respected as well.
The First Contact keeps the reader glued until the end.
And eager for the next book.
December 12, 2017
After reading the first book of The Secret King Trilogy, I was excited to find out what happened to Kendro and his people. I was not disappointed. This sequel has even more explosive action, political intrigue, romance, and betrayal.
As the Aonise make first contact with the humans that inhabit the planet earth, which they hope to make their new home, we are introduced to a host of new, human characters some friendly, some not so accepting of the new refugees. Kendro and his people strive to establish a base on the new world, helped by some familiar allies and new friends, while continuing to negotiate their own society's conflicts and their personal lives. Most of the Aonise want to make friends with the human residents, and build bridges with those who want them to leave. Some have a much different, darker agenda.
While this space opera has the fantastic elements of aliens with strange powers, and futuristic technology, the tensions and bonds between the two species are believable and realistic, and the characters are well rounded and empathetic.
I especially liked the interrelationships between human and Aonise characters, which highlighted the similarities and differences between the two species.
I was happy that some of my favourite characters got to explore and thrive in this new world, discovering new friends and strange customs (having a pint). There were also heartbreaking moments which left me shocked. The ending was bitter sweet but satisfying. Now need to know what happens next!
As the Aonise make first contact with the humans that inhabit the planet earth, which they hope to make their new home, we are introduced to a host of new, human characters some friendly, some not so accepting of the new refugees. Kendro and his people strive to establish a base on the new world, helped by some familiar allies and new friends, while continuing to negotiate their own society's conflicts and their personal lives. Most of the Aonise want to make friends with the human residents, and build bridges with those who want them to leave. Some have a much different, darker agenda.
While this space opera has the fantastic elements of aliens with strange powers, and futuristic technology, the tensions and bonds between the two species are believable and realistic, and the characters are well rounded and empathetic.
I especially liked the interrelationships between human and Aonise characters, which highlighted the similarities and differences between the two species.
I was happy that some of my favourite characters got to explore and thrive in this new world, discovering new friends and strange customs (having a pint). There were also heartbreaking moments which left me shocked. The ending was bitter sweet but satisfying. Now need to know what happens next!
February 6, 2017
This is a good book. Yet there is a reason why I am giving it a three star rating, and I do not do this lightly. The writing is good and I would recommend it for someone who is into Science Fiction mixed in with a bit of fantasy. I wanted to love the characters and follow them on their adventure I couldn't. There is just so much story here that I wanted this to be broken into at least two books so that more of the stories could be explored.
I think the author did a great job in building this story up, but there was something lacking. I could not say what was lacking, but that which was lacking had me fighting to finish the book. I was pleased with the ending.
I do recommend this book for those willing to explore and or expand their reading list.
I think the author did a great job in building this story up, but there was something lacking. I could not say what was lacking, but that which was lacking had me fighting to finish the book. I was pleased with the ending.
I do recommend this book for those willing to explore and or expand their reading list.
June 20, 2017
Welcome to Earth
The refugees from Lethao are closing in on the planet earth. They make contact with the Prime minister of Great Britain who extends an invitation to them. Octav and Chace are recovering from their ordeal but seem to find more problems they need to face. We are introduced to some humans also, some are there to help but many don't want to see aliens living alongside them. Fear and prejudice are rampant and become dangerous for Kendro and his people. I really enjoyed the story though I thought the important details at the end of the book seemed a bit rushed. Loved all the action and intrigue and enjoy hearing what the Aonise think about the human way of life. Great story and highly recommended.
The refugees from Lethao are closing in on the planet earth. They make contact with the Prime minister of Great Britain who extends an invitation to them. Octav and Chace are recovering from their ordeal but seem to find more problems they need to face. We are introduced to some humans also, some are there to help but many don't want to see aliens living alongside them. Fear and prejudice are rampant and become dangerous for Kendro and his people. I really enjoyed the story though I thought the important details at the end of the book seemed a bit rushed. Loved all the action and intrigue and enjoy hearing what the Aonise think about the human way of life. Great story and highly recommended.
December 24, 2016
First Contact is the second book in Dawn Chapman’s science fiction series, The Secret King and continues to chart the progress of the Aonise as they search for a new home. Their journey – so far – has been fraught with danger, and at times, some close calls, but salvation is in sight.
Planet Earth could offer the Aonise a chance to resettle and put the trauma of their escape from Lethao behind them. Their ships aren’t in the best of shape, food is running low, and as if that wasn’t enough, secrets are becoming harder to conceal.
If you’ve read Lethao and thought it a fast-paced, action-filled ‘ride’, then you had better make sure you are buckled in for First Contact. It is an exciting read, exploring not only the politics and power dynamics of the Aonise but the hierarchy of power we are more familiar with on Planet Earth.
First Contact is a soft sci-fi/space opera, focusing on the lives of the characters we met in Lethao as well as introducing some new ones. The writing, as always, moves the story at a good pace, using a balance of narration and dialogue to keep the reader up to speed with events.
Events are alternated from two perspectives in the early stages of the book. The reader is given a chance to catch-up with the Aonise’ progress while introducing Earth-based characters. The question of whether they are alone in the universe is finally answered, and more to the point, how they intend to deal with the uninvited guests.
I really enjoyed this book. For me, it had all the elements of space opera that I like – distinct characters, lots of conflicts, twists and turns, and a scenario I could never get bored of reading. My only criticism is that it does have a sharper ending than Lethao, but if I'm honest with myself, at this point, I’m wholly invested in the characters so shall await book three with eager anticipation.
First published on: http://indiescififantasy.com/first-co...
Planet Earth could offer the Aonise a chance to resettle and put the trauma of their escape from Lethao behind them. Their ships aren’t in the best of shape, food is running low, and as if that wasn’t enough, secrets are becoming harder to conceal.
If you’ve read Lethao and thought it a fast-paced, action-filled ‘ride’, then you had better make sure you are buckled in for First Contact. It is an exciting read, exploring not only the politics and power dynamics of the Aonise but the hierarchy of power we are more familiar with on Planet Earth.
First Contact is a soft sci-fi/space opera, focusing on the lives of the characters we met in Lethao as well as introducing some new ones. The writing, as always, moves the story at a good pace, using a balance of narration and dialogue to keep the reader up to speed with events.
Events are alternated from two perspectives in the early stages of the book. The reader is given a chance to catch-up with the Aonise’ progress while introducing Earth-based characters. The question of whether they are alone in the universe is finally answered, and more to the point, how they intend to deal with the uninvited guests.
I really enjoyed this book. For me, it had all the elements of space opera that I like – distinct characters, lots of conflicts, twists and turns, and a scenario I could never get bored of reading. My only criticism is that it does have a sharper ending than Lethao, but if I'm honest with myself, at this point, I’m wholly invested in the characters so shall await book three with eager anticipation.
First published on: http://indiescififantasy.com/first-co...
April 25, 2017
The Secret King: First Contact by Dawn Chapman is the sequel to the first novel, Lethao, which chronicled the journey of the human-like Aonise to the planet Earth after their sun exploded. One part 1970s Battlestar Galactica, one part Jack Kirby, and one part Game of Thrones--it was a very enjoyable story which made me eager to review the next one. Even so, I had to admit a certain amount of trepidation due to my overwhelming hatred of humans.
Perhaps I should explain. When I speak of humans, I generally mean that Earthlings in these sorts of stories never end up appealing to me. Mankind meeting aliens in the present is always going to either have to bend over backward to make the aliens awful people or will result in us looking like the rednecks of the universe with our general backwardness. Take Doctor Who under the 9th and 10th Doctors? We did not cover ourselves in glory presenting Rose Tyler's family as the model of our species.
Dawn Chapman avoids the flaws of this (as well as Battlestar Galactica 1980, which it superficially resembles) by presenting the humans of 2016 as surprisingly enlightened. Despite upending everything we know about the universe, evolution, and our place in the universe--the United Kingdom accepts the two-million Aonise into its territory as a peaceful exchange of technology for resources begins. I think we could have spent a little more time on the human reaction to this news but I think the author made a good decision keeping the perspective squarely focused on the aliens during this.
Rather than deal with the dumb apes on this world, we have the Aonise's perspective on humanity and trying to fit in. There's a little too much focus on the romantic troubles between a few characters from two humans to a adulterous human/Aonise relationship but, overall, I enjoyed the pace as King Kendro tries to make peace while not tipping his hand too much. The fact everyone more or less deals fairly with one another in negotiations was so surprising that it actually counts a genre subversion.
It's interesting seeing the perspective of a 70s science fiction race like the Aonise have to deal with the mundane humans of our world. The Aonise have what amounts to psychic powers and healing magic while also being tall Flash Gordon dressed people. It makes you hate being a Muggle but there's a few interesting moments which are noteworthy like the fact human genetic experimentation shocks the Aonise as does their willingness to push taboos. There's even a disturbing moment where Kendro debates whether they'll eventually have to "bind" humanity just to keep us in check.
Much of the book depends on your familiarity with the characters from the previous book as well as how much you're invested in their personal crises. It's less about making peace with humanity and the possibility of war (though that's there too) than keeping the heir hidden, the love between two officers, and the continuing threat of Dalamaar. I'm disappointed there wasn't much Lady Katesh as well since she remains my favorite character in the series as well as infinitely more interesting than the ostensible villain.
In conclusion, I enjoyed First Contact a great deal. While I didn't enjoy it as much as Lethao and think it could have pushed a few more envelopes, it's a solid piece of science fiction from beginning to end.
Perhaps I should explain. When I speak of humans, I generally mean that Earthlings in these sorts of stories never end up appealing to me. Mankind meeting aliens in the present is always going to either have to bend over backward to make the aliens awful people or will result in us looking like the rednecks of the universe with our general backwardness. Take Doctor Who under the 9th and 10th Doctors? We did not cover ourselves in glory presenting Rose Tyler's family as the model of our species.
Dawn Chapman avoids the flaws of this (as well as Battlestar Galactica 1980, which it superficially resembles) by presenting the humans of 2016 as surprisingly enlightened. Despite upending everything we know about the universe, evolution, and our place in the universe--the United Kingdom accepts the two-million Aonise into its territory as a peaceful exchange of technology for resources begins. I think we could have spent a little more time on the human reaction to this news but I think the author made a good decision keeping the perspective squarely focused on the aliens during this.
Rather than deal with the dumb apes on this world, we have the Aonise's perspective on humanity and trying to fit in. There's a little too much focus on the romantic troubles between a few characters from two humans to a adulterous human/Aonise relationship but, overall, I enjoyed the pace as King Kendro tries to make peace while not tipping his hand too much. The fact everyone more or less deals fairly with one another in negotiations was so surprising that it actually counts a genre subversion.
It's interesting seeing the perspective of a 70s science fiction race like the Aonise have to deal with the mundane humans of our world. The Aonise have what amounts to psychic powers and healing magic while also being tall Flash Gordon dressed people. It makes you hate being a Muggle but there's a few interesting moments which are noteworthy like the fact human genetic experimentation shocks the Aonise as does their willingness to push taboos. There's even a disturbing moment where Kendro debates whether they'll eventually have to "bind" humanity just to keep us in check.
Much of the book depends on your familiarity with the characters from the previous book as well as how much you're invested in their personal crises. It's less about making peace with humanity and the possibility of war (though that's there too) than keeping the heir hidden, the love between two officers, and the continuing threat of Dalamaar. I'm disappointed there wasn't much Lady Katesh as well since she remains my favorite character in the series as well as infinitely more interesting than the ostensible villain.
In conclusion, I enjoyed First Contact a great deal. While I didn't enjoy it as much as Lethao and think it could have pushed a few more envelopes, it's a solid piece of science fiction from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews