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Galactic Neighborhood #3
Exploration
Exploration’s peaceful search for a new home ends abruptly when the vessel is attacked by the Silestri, stripped of its crew, and destroyed. While the men are marooned and left for dead, the women are forced into a slavery of the worst kind on the enemy’s homeworld.The lost ship was not forgotten, and the search continued until the discovery of a corridor through space leading straight to the enemy—and the dark secrets they kept. In a race against time, an audacious rescue effort is launched to reunite the remnants of humanity and bring them safely home. (Book three of the Galactic Neighborhood trilogy. The stories are best read in order to understand the complete backstory and characters.)WARNING—this story contains elements of alien slavery, sexual violence, and psychological trauma that some readers may find disturbing.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2017
140 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Elliott
17 books75 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 34 reviews
December 1, 2019
I enjoyed all three books in this series, they were easy to read, flowed well and kept me turning the page, which is indeed a compliment to the writer. I saw a couple of negative reviews about the bad stuff that showed up in book 3, but I disagreed with the review. It was necessary to build toward the climax of the story (no pun intended).
October 28, 2020
Review
An interesting trip of books. A bit technical at times but always believable.😊I liked the many different characters in the stories.
An interesting trip of books. A bit technical at times but always believable.😊I liked the many different characters in the stories.
July 19, 2022
A suitable conclusion for the trilogy. A solid 4 stars
Supreme world building. Enjoyable character development. Low octane action, but logical story progression. This story in particular, but the trilogy overall, provides a well thought out image of humanity at its best overcoming some serious roadblocks as it sets out into the unknown to becomes a multi-world presence in the galaxy.
There are some serious, and possibly triggering, aspects to Exploration. Sex slavery and all the abuses related to it. While described in some detail, it isn't gratuitous. It is there to set up the emotional conflict that some if the characters experience in various stages. Some of the most complex storytelling I've experienced from this author, so far.
Yet, as with the first two books in the trilogy, Expedition is still an easy read. The story, while at times is a but telegraphed, it is also unburdened with overly convoluted plot twists. Just what I needed to read at this moment of my life.
Supreme world building. Enjoyable character development. Low octane action, but logical story progression. This story in particular, but the trilogy overall, provides a well thought out image of humanity at its best overcoming some serious roadblocks as it sets out into the unknown to becomes a multi-world presence in the galaxy.
There are some serious, and possibly triggering, aspects to Exploration. Sex slavery and all the abuses related to it. While described in some detail, it isn't gratuitous. It is there to set up the emotional conflict that some if the characters experience in various stages. Some of the most complex storytelling I've experienced from this author, so far.
Yet, as with the first two books in the trilogy, Expedition is still an easy read. The story, while at times is a but telegraphed, it is also unburdened with overly convoluted plot twists. Just what I needed to read at this moment of my life.
June 29, 2019
Again, good book
Is this the conclusion? I see lots of potential for more books! Maybe a violent race tech-level equal of the alliance? Or maybe a new race that is a puzzle to all 3 races?
Is this the conclusion? I see lots of potential for more books! Maybe a violent race tech-level equal of the alliance? Or maybe a new race that is a puzzle to all 3 races?
February 27, 2022
Not as good as the previous 2 books in series. But still riveting well written.
July 21, 2022
A fantastic story!
I read this book first out of this set for a few reasons and I really enjoyed it. I loved all the interesting tech and the fact they gave young people a chance to shine. The overwhelming victory was a bit much but it left the required warm and fuzzies.
I read this book first out of this set for a few reasons and I really enjoyed it. I loved all the interesting tech and the fact they gave young people a chance to shine. The overwhelming victory was a bit much but it left the required warm and fuzzies.
October 12, 2020
Excellent reads
An excellent read of a trio of books. Very intriguing and wonderful writing. Enjoyed the co-mingling of all the species.
An excellent read of a trio of books. Very intriguing and wonderful writing. Enjoyed the co-mingling of all the species.
July 10, 2022
A pleasure for sci-fi to buffs and action fans too.
You know they are going to rescue the slaves. This is no surprise. The " joy "of the story is getting to that point.
You know they are going to rescue the slaves. This is no surprise. The " joy "of the story is getting to that point.
February 20, 2020
A great conclusion to this 3-book series. Elliott's writing seems to get better with each novel. I enjoyed the worlds he created as well as the aliens that inhabited them. His upbeat storytelling is enjoyable and refreshing. I would love to read more of his work if he decides to further explore the "Galactic Neighborhood".
March 19, 2022
A very good read
I thoroughly enjoy the Galactic Neighborhood trilogy. The nice thing to realize is that each book does end 'happily '. As harsh as life can be, it made even some of the horrible events in the story end with karma biting the bad guys in the butt. Thank you for the entertaining read.
I thoroughly enjoy the Galactic Neighborhood trilogy. The nice thing to realize is that each book does end 'happily '. As harsh as life can be, it made even some of the horrible events in the story end with karma biting the bad guys in the butt. Thank you for the entertaining read.
January 23, 2019
Decent Ending
While there was a bit more tragedy and anguish in this book, it does fit in well with the rest of the series. Decent character development even with the emotionally charged themes.
While there was a bit more tragedy and anguish in this book, it does fit in well with the rest of the series. Decent character development even with the emotionally charged themes.
May 23, 2022
Dealing with Silestri
This is a great story. I like the author's recitation and the well thought out plot. The story is vary believable, the characters are interesting and easy to empathize with. This is a great example of how to write science fiction.
This is a great story. I like the author's recitation and the well thought out plot. The story is vary believable, the characters are interesting and easy to empathize with. This is a great example of how to write science fiction.
February 17, 2019
Great read
If you're going to read this book i suggest you start with book 1, it's not necessary but you will enjoy it much more.
This is the way Sci-Fy should be written.
If you're going to read this book i suggest you start with book 1, it's not necessary but you will enjoy it much more.
This is the way Sci-Fy should be written.
January 3, 2020
While I think Odyssey was my favorite of the series, I'd place this one above Expedition. It was really well edited in terms of sentence structures, typos, and general stuff like that, but it still had a couple motivations that I found strange and somewhat plot-hole esque.
Like Expedition, the bad guys in this book seemed a little flat. While fleshed out a bit with characters like Birmew, who I enjoyed, the book felt a bit rushed to get to the big finale.
Because the trilogy does have an overarching focus on the successes of the original seed ship, Expedition, and her crew, we don't get to spend quite as much time building up the characters that deserve all the attention in this book. Characters like Glynnis and Marina have to take back stage during the portions where the Pacifican humans, who successfully colonized a planet decades ago, make their plans and preparations. As a result, I felt the characters who had gut-wrenchingly intense motivations were given little agency to forward the story. While this is probably realistic, I wasn't sure it worked out very well as a story device.
As an aside, this book contains a bit more sexytime adventures - and not in a pleasant, consensual way - than the previous ones. While the other two books would be fine for a teen or a mature tween to read on their own, I'd suggest guiding a typical YA reader through this one.
Like Expedition, the bad guys in this book seemed a little flat. While fleshed out a bit with characters like Birmew, who I enjoyed, the book felt a bit rushed to get to the big finale.
Because the trilogy does have an overarching focus on the successes of the original seed ship, Expedition, and her crew, we don't get to spend quite as much time building up the characters that deserve all the attention in this book. Characters like Glynnis and Marina have to take back stage during the portions where the Pacifican humans, who successfully colonized a planet decades ago, make their plans and preparations. As a result, I felt the characters who had gut-wrenchingly intense motivations were given little agency to forward the story. While this is probably realistic, I wasn't sure it worked out very well as a story device.
As an aside, this book contains a bit more sexytime adventures - and not in a pleasant, consensual way - than the previous ones. While the other two books would be fine for a teen or a mature tween to read on their own, I'd suggest guiding a typical YA reader through this one.
April 15, 2022
Like the other books in this series, it can be read as a stand-alone volume but I would recommend that the two prior volumes are read first just to make things a little clearer.
In this volume, we discover the fate of Earth's third and last interstellar exploration vessel "Exploration". Without giving away spoilers that situation is less than ideal, and the majority of this tale is about how it is resolved. I have lauded the author in his past volumes for his old golden age sci-fi sensibilities, but this time he goes old school in the wrong way, as the villains of the piece are crude stereotypical, sexist creations.
This is the book's major weakness in my eyes and was something of a disappointment to me. The author has created a fascinating universe, with a variety of races who interact and work together. Up to now, we've had good and bad individuals, but a whole race is too much.
Fortunately, there was enough good stuff to keep me interested and reading. I can only hope the author realises his errors and learns for any future volumes.
In this volume, we discover the fate of Earth's third and last interstellar exploration vessel "Exploration". Without giving away spoilers that situation is less than ideal, and the majority of this tale is about how it is resolved. I have lauded the author in his past volumes for his old golden age sci-fi sensibilities, but this time he goes old school in the wrong way, as the villains of the piece are crude stereotypical, sexist creations.
This is the book's major weakness in my eyes and was something of a disappointment to me. The author has created a fascinating universe, with a variety of races who interact and work together. Up to now, we've had good and bad individuals, but a whole race is too much.
Fortunately, there was enough good stuff to keep me interested and reading. I can only hope the author realises his errors and learns for any future volumes.
September 10, 2017
Excellent!
Well, in the last 4 days I have read the entire series. I have to say I loved it. The only thing I dislike, is the fact the series has ended. Keep them coming Mr.Elliot!
I found the entire series wonderfully written, with great characters. I also appreciated the fact that the books all stay on story, without getting sidetracked by tons of smaller details. That, to me, made them very enjoyable to read. The positive outlook the series has was also a great change for me , considering most of the books I read tend to be extremely dark. I actually enjoyed the lack of zombies!
Well, in the last 4 days I have read the entire series. I have to say I loved it. The only thing I dislike, is the fact the series has ended. Keep them coming Mr.Elliot!
I found the entire series wonderfully written, with great characters. I also appreciated the fact that the books all stay on story, without getting sidetracked by tons of smaller details. That, to me, made them very enjoyable to read. The positive outlook the series has was also a great change for me , considering most of the books I read tend to be extremely dark. I actually enjoyed the lack of zombies!
November 24, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book was a complete shock for me. It was well written, characters expertly portrayed, situations well planned out with rational resolutions.The situations always led to other situations, but they were portrayed in a manner that built upon each other in a logical sequence versus a jumble up situation where the reader had to attempt to figure out what was going on and happening. The characters were solid and strong in demanding situations, but we're normal enough to have to try and figure their actions out before they committed themselves. A very good book
This book was a complete shock for me. It was well written, characters expertly portrayed, situations well planned out with rational resolutions.The situations always led to other situations, but they were portrayed in a manner that built upon each other in a logical sequence versus a jumble up situation where the reader had to attempt to figure out what was going on and happening. The characters were solid and strong in demanding situations, but we're normal enough to have to try and figure their actions out before they committed themselves. A very good book
February 4, 2018
1.5 stars rounded up to 2 because I loved the first two books. Unnecessary and frankly unwanted scenes of alien rape/death, solace type same sex relationships and alien castration as a punishment. Why oh why did you ruin such a potentially great series Mr. Elliot? We really did NOT need multiple scenes from inside the alien slave/rape/whore house and who makes alien kitty-men with barbs (you know where) that kills the women. Who does that? And don't forget aliens altering human babies to eat, yuck. 2 thumbs down for your total destruction of a good story line with creepy subject matter. Sorry, don't recommend this series anymore.
March 12, 2018
Highly enjoyable read
Exploration is a very interesting science fiction novel. The interaction between the explorers and those that would do them harm is very rewarding to read. The author seems to have captured personalities that we would all like to emulate or to be protected from. I would encourage everyone who is interested in science fiction and possibilities of our interaction with them to take the time to read this book. I really enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down!!
Exploration is a very interesting science fiction novel. The interaction between the explorers and those that would do them harm is very rewarding to read. The author seems to have captured personalities that we would all like to emulate or to be protected from. I would encourage everyone who is interested in science fiction and possibilities of our interaction with them to take the time to read this book. I really enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down!!
May 4, 2019
Please note this is the third book of a series; you will need to have read the first two or the characters, situations, etc. won’t make much sense to you. To me, this installment was a complete letdown from the other two books of the series and it is the end of my reading further installments: the author seemed to be preoccupied with describing in detail, several times, of aliens raping human women. It was fairly graphic and unnecessary, and seemed ot be the main point of the story vs. a continuation of a science fiction series. Unless this is your thing, I would give this one a pass.
January 26, 2022
The first two books in this series were really enjoyable, and filled with ideas and encounters with alien species that were well thought out. This book I finally gave up on about 30% through because the constant abuse heaped on the Exploration crew at the hands of the aliens. The repeated ‘death by rape’ made me wonder why the author felt the need to repeat the sequences over and over. But if you think castration, rape and abuse are important to move a story along — well you will have to find another reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2023
Help me read more books
Completes the series, and wraps up all the subplots nicely. Well done.
If you like a series/trilogy that solves all the various issues, then this series is for you. I'm sure the author could revisit the seriess if so desired, there's always more aliens to be introduced, or more explorations to be had, or something similar, but for now, it's done, and that's a rarity these days, so my compliments on that aspect of things.
Completes the series, and wraps up all the subplots nicely. Well done.
If you like a series/trilogy that solves all the various issues, then this series is for you. I'm sure the author could revisit the seriess if so desired, there's always more aliens to be introduced, or more explorations to be had, or something similar, but for now, it's done, and that's a rarity these days, so my compliments on that aspect of things.
May 7, 2024
The Conclusion
The first book of the series I got for free. I love science fiction that isn't too deep. While reading the first book, the 2nd became available,...for free! (I am cheap, can you tell?) I have waited for over a year, but the 3rd book was offered a week ago and I got it! It was a dramatic detour from the first two books, but delivered an unexpected story! I really think Mr Elliott needs to give Birmew his own novel! Thanks for writing a great trilogy!!!
The first book of the series I got for free. I love science fiction that isn't too deep. While reading the first book, the 2nd became available,...for free! (I am cheap, can you tell?) I have waited for over a year, but the 3rd book was offered a week ago and I got it! It was a dramatic detour from the first two books, but delivered an unexpected story! I really think Mr Elliott needs to give Birmew his own novel! Thanks for writing a great trilogy!!!
September 24, 2023
stop at book 2…
I read a lot of sci fi, and while the first 2 books were ok quick reads, this one I had to put down. I don’t know why the author felt the need to go the route of alien beastiality and unspeakable acts of sexual violence towards women, but unless those are topics you enjoy reading about, perhaps stop at book 2 or avoid this series.
I read a lot of sci fi, and while the first 2 books were ok quick reads, this one I had to put down. I don’t know why the author felt the need to go the route of alien beastiality and unspeakable acts of sexual violence towards women, but unless those are topics you enjoy reading about, perhaps stop at book 2 or avoid this series.
October 15, 2023
A Good End to a SciFi Trilogy
Finally, this third book had some teeth and action in it (which, truthfully, was missing from the 1st 2 books).
I don’t want to give away the plot, but The Reader should immediately go out at read the Galactic Neighborhood series. It was well-written and a welcome change after encountering many, many other crappy Authors.
Finally, this third book had some teeth and action in it (which, truthfully, was missing from the 1st 2 books).
I don’t want to give away the plot, but The Reader should immediately go out at read the Galactic Neighborhood series. It was well-written and a welcome change after encountering many, many other crappy Authors.
October 15, 2017
Never give up
Yeah, I know, it's easy to say but not so easy to do unless you mean to. Submitting to defeat is not in mankind's genetic DNA. To survive means to live. Irregardless of circumstances. The divided crew of ship Exploration knows this well.
Yeah, I know, it's easy to say but not so easy to do unless you mean to. Submitting to defeat is not in mankind's genetic DNA. To survive means to live. Irregardless of circumstances. The divided crew of ship Exploration knows this well.
February 3, 2020
ALL SCI-FI READERS WILL LOVE THIS BOOK! 😍BUY THIS BOOK NOW!
I was so excited and joyous to get this story. The author is amazing and has weaved a wonderful storyline!😍
BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍 GET SWEPT AWAY BY IT!😍
I was so excited and joyous to get this story. The author is amazing and has weaved a wonderful storyline!😍
BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍 GET SWEPT AWAY BY IT!😍
January 16, 2023
Satisfying end to the trilogy
Wraps up loose ends and leaves the reader with hope for a bright future. Good old-fashioned "feel good" SF. ***Note: this novel includes "adult" situations (slavery and sexual degradation) so not "G rated"
Wraps up loose ends and leaves the reader with hope for a bright future. Good old-fashioned "feel good" SF. ***Note: this novel includes "adult" situations (slavery and sexual degradation) so not "G rated"
January 28, 2018
Take your time with this one
You won't be sorry you started this book. Very entertaining, smart and an exciting read. You'll love the ending, pick it up today.
You won't be sorry you started this book. Very entertaining, smart and an exciting read. You'll love the ending, pick it up today.
June 1, 2020
A good sci-fi story
This book of the series brought the three colonies together but first they had to defeat another evil alien race.
This book of the series brought the three colonies together but first they had to defeat another evil alien race.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews