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Galactic Neighborhood #2
Odyssey
Colonization of an inhabited planet is forbidden. Someone broke the rules.
Under mysterious circumstances, the colony ship, Odyssey, settled on the strangely barren world of Sahara. Eighty years later, and with no help in sight, their long-term survival is in question.
When help finally arrives, long buried secrets of the past, and the machinations of a scheming politician, threaten to upset carefully laid plans for prosperity.
Caught in the middle are the Rxyl - an elusive, telepathic species already inhabiting the planet. Unaware of the human intrigue, a fortuitous accident forges a bond between the races which will alter the destiny of both peoples forever.
“Political intrigue and problems face the second ship sent from Earth. A good read...”
“Smart, engaging and full of interesting technology. I’m looking forward to reading the 3rd book!”
Under mysterious circumstances, the colony ship, Odyssey, settled on the strangely barren world of Sahara. Eighty years later, and with no help in sight, their long-term survival is in question.
When help finally arrives, long buried secrets of the past, and the machinations of a scheming politician, threaten to upset carefully laid plans for prosperity.
Caught in the middle are the Rxyl - an elusive, telepathic species already inhabiting the planet. Unaware of the human intrigue, a fortuitous accident forges a bond between the races which will alter the destiny of both peoples forever.
“Political intrigue and problems face the second ship sent from Earth. A good read...”
“Smart, engaging and full of interesting technology. I’m looking forward to reading the 3rd book!”
- GenresScience FictionAmazon
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2017
149 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Elliott
17 books74 followersAlexander Elliott lives in the upper Midwest and is the author of books in multiple genres, including science-fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and romance. His work is replete with themes of love, passion, family, humor, hope, and acceptance.
The author is praised for masterful storytelling and creative world-building. His books feature realistic, well-developed characters, emotional depth, sizzling romance, and all the adventure, action, and intrigue necessary for a great read.
If you have enjoyed his work, Alexander would love to hear from you!
Email: aelliottbooks@gmail.com
Website: https://aelliottbooks.com/
The author is praised for masterful storytelling and creative world-building. His books feature realistic, well-developed characters, emotional depth, sizzling romance, and all the adventure, action, and intrigue necessary for a great read.
If you have enjoyed his work, Alexander would love to hear from you!
Email: aelliottbooks@gmail.com
Website: https://aelliottbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 27, 2018
3,5/5
June 27, 2019
Good book
I liked Odyssey. You can tell that the author developed in his writing ability. The plot is goid, the characters are believable, and it was fun to read.
I liked Odyssey. You can tell that the author developed in his writing ability. The plot is goid, the characters are believable, and it was fun to read.
March 12, 2022
Although second in the series, this book can be read as a standalone novel without the need to read the first, although it obviously does help to give a little background. As I said in my review of the previous volume I do like this author's approach to this type of tale. The way he shy's away from the hyper-violence of some authors and gives what I think is a more balanced view of both the human and alien species.
In many ways, the tone is old school like that of the science fiction of the 1920s to 1950s. It is nice for once to see humanity having the upper hand technologically. Also while good and bad characters exist it's something not determined by species. Those are the positives for me, the negatives were the story was a touch more political than the previous, with well-worn paths being tread but that is much a personal issue. Overall another enjoyable take in the series.
In many ways, the tone is old school like that of the science fiction of the 1920s to 1950s. It is nice for once to see humanity having the upper hand technologically. Also while good and bad characters exist it's something not determined by species. Those are the positives for me, the negatives were the story was a touch more political than the previous, with well-worn paths being tread but that is much a personal issue. Overall another enjoyable take in the series.
February 25, 2022
Excellent book! Very well written and entertaining. Kept me enthralled to the end. The first book, Expedition, was more of a utopia of humanity. This second book, Odyssey, encompassed the natural disposition of current human behavior. A more realistic view. But I enjoyed every moment of it. Thanks.
July 1, 2022
Solid 4-Stars.
I think I am finally starting to understand Alexander Elliot's style of writing. I think what he is trying, and succeeding to do is write compelling stories that include as little conflict and violence as possible. At first I mistook that to be that he was simply leaving portions of the story unwritten, but not anymore. What he is giving us is a story where world building is the main character of his stories and the people who act out the roles help us live in that world.
The world of The Galactic Neighborhood has been built fairly simply, and yet contains a lot to discover. Also, I now recognize, after finishing this second book in the series, that he has a plan in place and if you paid attention, you picked up on some of the foreshadowing.
Odyssey continues the story of our friends from the first interstellar ship, Exploration. They've established contact with not one, but two intelligent species, saved one from extinction and the other from tyranny... maybe. Now they've learned about what happened to Earth after they launched and have set out to fine the two other ships send out to explore the galaxy and set up new homes for humanity.
Odyssey tells us what happened to the same named second ship and how their colony is fairing on the world they settled. The Expedition arrives at a critical moment in the colony's development and serves the people of Sahara as well as the budding alliance they've formed with the species they saved from extinction.
Over all, I'm going to recommend this series (even though I haven't finished it yet) to you. But understand, you are not getting a high octane, explosions and pew-pew kind of story. You are getting a story that gives you exactly what you need to know about the universe that is is set in and the people who are living in it. So relax, and read this universe into existence for the simple fun of it.
February 16, 2020
Odyssey is the second book in the Galactic Neighborhood series which follows the adventure of three colony ships that left Earth centuries ago in an effort to establish a human presence in other parts of the galaxy. This time there is more human intrigue as the Pacificans establish contact with the descendants of the colony ship, Odyssey, on the planet they call Saraha. To further complicate things, an indigenous species is discovered that my be sentient.
This book was even better than the first book of the series. The author continues to excel at creating interesting worlds and people, not all who are human. I'm looking forward to beginning the next book of the series, Exploration.
This book was even better than the first book of the series. The author continues to excel at creating interesting worlds and people, not all who are human. I'm looking forward to beginning the next book of the series, Exploration.
December 3, 2019
Okay, I finally got all three books and reread them in order. Each one can stand alone but it helps to read in sequence and with the Kindle edition you get a peek at what's up in the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed this but I was left with the usual ambivalence as to category. Science Fantasy appears to be the valid sub-genre. Again, Earth sent out 3 colony ships with everything the needed to settle a new world. The rest of it you're going to have to read for yourself.
January 22, 2019
Good Sequel
This is the second book in the series and while it is not required to read these in sequence, it will improve the experience. A new world and new species, along with political machinations and human interactions, provide a well played plot. Reasonable character development for the main characters and a trailer for the third book.
This is the second book in the series and while it is not required to read these in sequence, it will improve the experience. A new world and new species, along with political machinations and human interactions, provide a well played plot. Reasonable character development for the main characters and a trailer for the third book.
June 13, 2022
futuristic book with a very positive belief
Landing on the desolate and lonely planet, the remaining human individuals learned to survive. Beneath their feet loved sand dragon’s, unknown and unwilling to interact.
This changes and in a fight for survival, good versus bad, the two species must come together.
Does the future look golden, or will fear outweigh the possible future.
Landing on the desolate and lonely planet, the remaining human individuals learned to survive. Beneath their feet loved sand dragon’s, unknown and unwilling to interact.
This changes and in a fight for survival, good versus bad, the two species must come together.
Does the future look golden, or will fear outweigh the possible future.
August 8, 2021
Benevolence in future contacts with enough sinister overtones to keep interest
A much better tale with far better character development. This sequel offers much better insight into human vagaries and potential for evil
A much better tale with far better character development. This sequel offers much better insight into human vagaries and potential for evil
August 8, 2018
Great
This is the second book of three! It is engrossing and very good reading!!I high?my recommend it to anyone who liked sci fy
This is the second book of three! It is engrossing and very good reading!!I high?my recommend it to anyone who liked sci fy
February 15, 2019
Cool
I love the way the species was found and the colonists helped to repair the planet so all could live together in peace.
I love the way the species was found and the colonists helped to repair the planet so all could live together in peace.
September 23, 2021
Like SF before TV
Well written. Loved both book 1 & 2 of Galactic Neighborhood. Definitely worth the time to read. The characters are well defined and believable.
Well written. Loved both book 1 & 2 of Galactic Neighborhood. Definitely worth the time to read. The characters are well defined and believable.
September 24, 2021
Space alien discovery
Very much enjoyed this book! I spent many evenings sharing this book by reading out loud to my husband. A great way to spend an evening.
Very much enjoyed this book! I spent many evenings sharing this book by reading out loud to my husband. A great way to spend an evening.
January 3, 2020
This one's hard to do a non-spoiler review of because its plot is doused with intrigue. The villain, a political scoundrel who is apparent from really early on (page 1? 2?), has built his democratic stronghold well. Throughout the book, the characters discover how he has come to power and what he's done to hold onto it, and it's pretty well done. Sometimes he seems comically evil, but I don't think that detracted much from the tale.
A host of new main characters rear their heads in this book. Christopher Perry and Mosis/Moreland of Expedition do show up in limited fashion, but Ambrose and Kiren serve well in their roles as primary actors. President Morales was surprisingly moral, which left little complications when it came to choosing right vs. wrong, but I thought it was fitting given the overall length of the book. To have increased the complexity would have easily placed the book into an entirely different territory of book type.
Because Expedition clearly needed more editing before it was published, I thought I would mention that Odyssey is a better-edited book. It could be that Elliot became more experienced, which I think is likely. There were a few too many passages where the main characters shared a chuckle or two which should have been caught by an editor, but I wouldn't say Odyssey is out of the ordinary when it comes to looking for a Kindle self-published work.
A host of new main characters rear their heads in this book. Christopher Perry and Mosis/Moreland of Expedition do show up in limited fashion, but Ambrose and Kiren serve well in their roles as primary actors. President Morales was surprisingly moral, which left little complications when it came to choosing right vs. wrong, but I thought it was fitting given the overall length of the book. To have increased the complexity would have easily placed the book into an entirely different territory of book type.
Because Expedition clearly needed more editing before it was published, I thought I would mention that Odyssey is a better-edited book. It could be that Elliot became more experienced, which I think is likely. There were a few too many passages where the main characters shared a chuckle or two which should have been caught by an editor, but I wouldn't say Odyssey is out of the ordinary when it comes to looking for a Kindle self-published work.
October 17, 2017
Unknown friends
Kinda awkward to sort out what happened without records from initial planetfall. Politics can survive for generations. Especially as covering up rules breaking for 1st contact protocol. The intelligence of the 'dragons' could be easily hidden. They communicated thru telepathy. Without a voice, human interaction was nil. Just the way the ole captain wanted it. Can human goodness win out over greed? A condundrum exacerabated by a fellow colony ship offering help. Previously unknown to planet Shahara relatively newly arrived humans, there are intelligent life forms there already! The original captains plot to hide their existence was thru subterfuge but old generational conniving has been accelerated by colony ship Odysseys arrival. Most are leaning towards offered help from these unknown friends. A dedicated few, not so much!
Kinda awkward to sort out what happened without records from initial planetfall. Politics can survive for generations. Especially as covering up rules breaking for 1st contact protocol. The intelligence of the 'dragons' could be easily hidden. They communicated thru telepathy. Without a voice, human interaction was nil. Just the way the ole captain wanted it. Can human goodness win out over greed? A condundrum exacerabated by a fellow colony ship offering help. Previously unknown to planet Shahara relatively newly arrived humans, there are intelligent life forms there already! The original captains plot to hide their existence was thru subterfuge but old generational conniving has been accelerated by colony ship Odysseys arrival. Most are leaning towards offered help from these unknown friends. A dedicated few, not so much!
May 4, 2019
Please note this is the second book of a series; you will need to have read the first one or the characters, situations, etc. won’t make much sense to you. This is really science fiction light, and was a bot of a letdown from book one of the series as it appeared rushed and formulaic; the good guys always win. I will see what happens with the next one in the series. I borrowed this one with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and despite my comments above I certainly received more than its $2.99 purchase price in entertainment value.
January 15, 2023
Second in series but can stand alone
I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first novel in the series. It developed its main characters more fully, while still being plot-driven. I especially liked meeting the Ryxl. Plenty of action/adventure and still G or PG rated, which I appreciate. Enjoy!
I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first novel in the series. It developed its main characters more fully, while still being plot-driven. I especially liked meeting the Ryxl. Plenty of action/adventure and still G or PG rated, which I appreciate. Enjoy!
October 12, 2023
Another Good Read
Yes — Go Read This Book ASAP (as the follow-on to the 1st book of the Trilogy).
If there’s anything to find fault with in this tale, it’s that there really isn’t very much action and excitement with this series (at least, so far); The Author needs to add some good ol’ shoot-em-up blood and guts.
Yes — Go Read This Book ASAP (as the follow-on to the 1st book of the Trilogy).
If there’s anything to find fault with in this tale, it’s that there really isn’t very much action and excitement with this series (at least, so far); The Author needs to add some good ol’ shoot-em-up blood and guts.
March 14, 2018
Spectacular
Well written saga about a colony on a faraway planet and the aliens who were already living there. Interesting friendships develop and of course at the end it leads into an intriguing story to come.
Well written saga about a colony on a faraway planet and the aliens who were already living there. Interesting friendships develop and of course at the end it leads into an intriguing story to come.
July 17, 2018
Rose
Everything about this book was outstanding! Alexander Elliott has provided perfect characters for each accomplishment and underachievemment reached. Of course my favorite brings were the "sand dragons". I truly loved reading this.c
Everything about this book was outstanding! Alexander Elliott has provided perfect characters for each accomplishment and underachievemment reached. Of course my favorite brings were the "sand dragons". I truly loved reading this.c
May 28, 2020
Another great sci-fi read in this series
The story follows the main characters from the end of the first book adding new ones. This book has some great action and twists along the way.
The story follows the main characters from the end of the first book adding new ones. This book has some great action and twists along the way.
October 12, 2021
A good story. But too impersonal.
The relationship between the humans and aliens was interesting.The story kept my attention. But we didn't get to know the personal side of any of the characters. We need to know more on what they are feeling and thinking.
The relationship between the humans and aliens was interesting.The story kept my attention. But we didn't get to know the personal side of any of the characters. We need to know more on what they are feeling and thinking.
June 7, 2023
Help me read more books
Excellent second book in the series. If you liked the first book, you'll most certainly enjoy thiss one. Now to see what happens in the next book in the series.
Excellent second book in the series. If you liked the first book, you'll most certainly enjoy thiss one. Now to see what happens in the next book in the series.
February 16, 2018
The storyline is fantastic
I quickly became caught up in the story and couldn't put it down! What a ride! Definitely one of my favorites now. Very reminiscent of Andre Norton!
I quickly became caught up in the story and couldn't put it down! What a ride! Definitely one of my favorites now. Very reminiscent of Andre Norton!
November 3, 2019
Good story but gods, it needed more editing! The apostrophe misfires were maddening.
January 21, 2020
alien life helps man change. the relationship between the two life forms is for a hopeful future for the human race.
February 9, 2021
A compelling story that once more needs me to know more. Sequal downloaded ! A good hearted yearn of peaceful and civilised humanity conquering the galaxy.
May 19, 2021
Excellent
Another well written story of first contact. A feel good book with minimal nastiness and few baddies. Lovely to read when you are feeling a bit down.
Another well written story of first contact. A feel good book with minimal nastiness and few baddies. Lovely to read when you are feeling a bit down.
September 13, 2022
very good read
I enjoyed this book I liked the different approach to the story instead of war and it’s consequences this story was refreshing
I enjoyed this book I liked the different approach to the story instead of war and it’s consequences this story was refreshing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews