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Assisted by a sentient A.I., Expedition’s unsuspecting crew is awakened by an alien transmission, leading them to the Vingah—an insectoid race preserved in stasis. Following first contact, the new allies combine forces to free the Vingah from their dead planet and find new worlds for both peoples. Armed with advanced technology and a common purpose, they face the uncertainties of a galaxy filled with wonder, danger, and incredible opportunities. (Book one of the Galactic Neighborhood trilogy. The stories are best read in order to understand the complete backstory and characters.)

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2017

336 people are currently reading
219 people want to read

About the author

Alexander Elliott

17 books75 followers
Alexander 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/

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5 stars
135 (38%)
4 stars
118 (34%)
3 stars
67 (19%)
2 stars
21 (6%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
205 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2018
Hope

The story is a great example of hope for contacting alien civilizations and living with them in peace. It does not mean that there is no danger in space, there is. But what it does show is and the indomitable spirit of humankind so that we can feel comfortable reaching out into the universe. The story is a well written and entertaining experience. Definitely worthwhile taking the time to read!
8 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2017
A great read, but the accomplishments and successes stretch credulity to the limits

By that I mean HUGE miraculous incredible feats of personal and scientific growth are accounted for on almost every page, with few if any failures.
On the whole this is a good book that is well written and absent of any dead ends or unresolved personnel issues. I'd read a sequel without any hesitation, and Lil forward to further adventures, perhaps with a bit more confrontational predicaments with alien adversaries.
105 reviews
August 2, 2021
First contact with generous and benevolent aliens has great perks

An excellent fantasy 1st contact story. It is entertaining but wholly unrealistic. A feel good sharing tale that glosses over technical and astrographical points completely. interpersonal exchanges are glossed over and most characters are shallow and undeveloped
243 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2020
Great sci-fi read

This book has some great well developed characters that keep your interest with some action and twists to make this a great story.
Profile Image for Dawn Mielke.
178 reviews
March 21, 2022
Awesome book! Looking forward to reading the Odessey. I loved the crew and attitudes. A nice forward change from humanity's paranoia and war like demeanor. I loved the interactions with the new species. Very well written and kept my attention.
Profile Image for Garry Whitmore.
294 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2021
It took me a while to come up with a word to best describe this book, and I ended up with "Traditional". In many ways, this story could have been written any time from the 1930s to the present day. First, this is not a criticism it's an enjoyable, well written, tale, of exploring humans, both friendly and not so friendly aliens, and their interactions.

For me, an ageing retiree whose been reading Sci-fi for over 50 years there was nothing I hadn't encountered before. As I say not a bad thing but probably stopped it from getting a full five-star rating. Reading it was like enjoying a plate of comfort food like sausage and mash or roast beef, enjoyable but no raised eyebrows, or WTF moments.

While part of a series of three books so far it works as a stand-alone tale, although the introduction to the next book is cleverly done and a few seeds for future developments seem to have been sowed, and yes the second volume is already purchased.
Profile Image for Ralph.
257 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2020
A fun story of exploration and first contact, reminiscent of some of the stories I read as a kid. Not a lot of interpersonal intrigue or international/interspecies conflicts, just a light story of people establishing an extraterrestrial foothold in the universe.
This is not a hard science fiction novel. Most of the technological capabilities are unexplained by the author and the hurdles of establishing a new colony are not disclosed to the reader. It just happens. That is what makes it a "light" read. This book is just an optimistic, feel good, sci-fi story.
Now, on to "Odyssey", the sequel to "Expedition".
Profile Image for Millennial Book Review.
530 reviews13 followers
January 4, 2021
Expedition is a good book. The plot was interesting, as were the science fiction elements and characters. At the same time, it struggled to keep its suspense in the latter half of the story and relies on a lot of conveniences. The pacing is good, but the writing style itself isn’t particularly memorable. I haven’t decided if I’ll read the next book, but I quite enjoyed this book. Expedition is a quick, fun read and I’d recommend it to casual science fiction fans looking for a first-contact story.

My full review can be found here
Profile Image for Tony.
44 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2017
It isn't often that I read a new science fiction author and end up thinking "wow, that was good. It's nice to see things end on an up note once in a while." And for me, that was exactly how it worked.

Excellent use of Deus ex Macina in a highly unexpected way. The characters were well-rounded, their interactions were sound, the premise was excellent, and I'm looking forward to the next book.

What more could a reader ask for?
Profile Image for Bruce Dinsman.
1,561 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2019
Okay, my boys and I had this discussion in the car a few days ago. I would classify this as Science Fiction but it still has the world-building qualities of Fantasy. Without revealing plot twists, Expedition is the first in a trilogy and if you read the blurbs, they each cover a colony group; Earth sent out Colony ships because the planet was dying (self-inflicted). Anyway, I enjoy a good Sci-Fi/Fantasy romp, so good on ya.
Profile Image for Dave.
3 reviews
March 24, 2019
Excellent Read

Trials of colony space exploration, well written, not overly technical, easily written & accepted concepts. Good character develop & inter reaction, meeting new aliens races handled very well. Many will enjoy reading this book.
20 reviews
September 1, 2022
Well Worth Reading

I read this and throughly enjoyed it. I seldom give 4 stars let alone 5 and I was tempted to for the story but just a bit short
Profile Image for Mr. Bear.
96 reviews10 followers
June 23, 2022
An easy enjoyable read. 3.6 stars

This is the second of Mr. Elliot's stories I've read. The first was his first published story which he has since removed from circulation. Both share a common theme if reestablishing human society. In the case of Expedition, it is via a sub-light Colony ship.
My overall experience reading this story is positive. It is not your typical first contact in that while there are obstacles to overcome, the problems are quickly solved over the span of a small number of pages. Conflict is almost nonexistent. Everything works out perfectly.
Reading that, you might think I was saying this is a boring book. Surprisingly, I am not. Is it a nail biter? Nowhere close to it, but I was drawn in all the same.
Expedition reads, to me, more like a journal entry or something like a retelling of historical events. Character development is minimal but you get enough to know who they are and what motivates them.
If you thrive on reading densely intertwined plot lines and deep dives into character analysis, you might not get joy from reading Expedition. On the other hand, if you're looking for an enjoyable, light story for a relaxing read, give Expedition a try. I recommend it for those reasons. I'm moving on to book two now.
Profile Image for Travis.
2,917 reviews49 followers
June 6, 2023
Help me read more books

This is an interesting story. I didn't know I already have the second book in the series, so I'll be continuing this one right away. I like the aliens in this one, and how they're working with humans to fix things, including hostile aliens. The next book should be interesting as well, since we'll see different aliens, and get to see what their solution to that race might be. If you're a scifi fan, especially of first contact stories, you should add this one to your to read list.
Profile Image for Leslie Kroger.
52 reviews
May 31, 2018
An adventure in space

An adventure in space with meetings of aliens and threats and the abolity to prolong life.....could it get mush better then that when talking about imagination. This book hit every imaginable fantasy one could think of. I was brought into the spaceship and was along for the entire adventure. With anticipation of what was to come. I will be reading more in this series for sure
Profile Image for Michael.
Author 173 books38 followers
May 4, 2019
This is really science fiction light, but an enjoyable story, and is a good way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon. The author did do a good job of character development, and you do feel as if you do know some of the characters by the time you are finished. I borrowed this one with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and certainly received more than its $2.99 purchase price in entertainment value.
206 reviews11 followers
January 22, 2023
Exciting space exploration & colonization book!

I really enjoyed this book by Alexander. Mosis, the intrepid, sentient ship’s AI was one of my favorite characters. The ship’s encounters with multiple alien species was very well handled. I also enjoyed all of the advanced high tech in this story. All elements of the story worked very well together. I’m very much looking forward to the sequel. Get this book & read it now. You WILL be very glad that you did! :)
588 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2023
Excellent Book and Story — Go Read This ASAP!

As usual, it was a great delight (with rare success) to find a new Author and Tale that are (mostly) well written, and immediately keeps The Reader’s attention.

There’s not more to tell you except to go read this book ASAP; I’m anxious to get into the 2nd book of the series (with the hope and expectation that it’ll be just as good, if not better).
324 reviews8 followers
September 6, 2017
Wonderful story, I loved it!

What more can I say, my review title says it all.
I read this book all in one sitting, because I truly didn't want to put it down. This easy reading scyfy story was made even more enjoyable by the lack of being too overly technical in nature. Any lover of science fiction should really enjoy this one
Profile Image for PJ Lea.
1,064 reviews
January 31, 2018
📚📚📚

A good story, I enjoyed the different ways that the crew interacted with the beings they came across, rather than going in all guns blazing.
Unfortunately I found myself skipping parts, it didn't hold my attention. Luckily the rest of the book made up for it so I'll try the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Keith.
2,155 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2019
Quite Positive

An interesting SciFi exploration theme with mostly positive movements makes this an enjoyable story. There are a few elements of danger to contend with but for the most part the storyline is positive and egalitarian. Ends on a positive note and with a lean in to the next book.
10 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2020
A nice quick read and a nicely overall uplifting story. I liked The character development of the ships A I, I do belive it would be interesting to see him develops even further. Seeing things through his eyes as the years go by.




I look forward to the rebuilding of the earth system after they solve the problem of who done it. Thanks
107 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2017
Ptetty good

This book is a nice read. It is about finding new worlds but doesn't have too much in the way of suspense and is kind of light on intrigue. Still a good read and I am still looking forward to reading the next book.
1,343 reviews4 followers
June 7, 2018
Good sci-fi, well written, with new aliens found, both friendly and unfriendly.

Follow the ship as she works to rescue an again civilization from extinction, and prevent a saurian planet from destroying them both.
Profile Image for C.A. Knutsen.
Author 8 books90 followers
November 1, 2018
Excellent tour de force

A well-written presentation of many aspects of the colony ship and first contact (good and bad). Very well-thought-out array of technologies and strategies. Broad in scope and enjoyable to read.
181 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2018
Of you like action packed,tied up in bow ending this is it!

I loved it for all those good characteristics that are possible in humanity. Plus, the strong Trek attitude of good will benefits all concerned. Trek kicks butt in this book. Great Sci-Fi.
15 reviews
May 15, 2021
Most enjoyable read. Light SF

Looking for a bit of a change when I came across this book. Not been able to get into a sifi novel for a few years and enjoyed it. Nothing to taxing just a fun read. Well done Alexander Elliott will look out for another of yours.
Profile Image for A.J..
622 reviews8 followers
January 15, 2023
Fast -moving, plot-driven first contact space opera

Interesting, quick read with happy ending. Reminiscent of Andre Norton and the original Star Trek series. No deep philosophical dilemmas or preachy themes, just G-rated action-adventure. Enjoy.
3 reviews
October 2, 2017
Rushed

It had so much possibility with an excellent storyline, but it just felt rushed. This leads to shallow characters which distracts from the story.
Profile Image for Rhonda Bruce.
30 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2017
Fun read

Interesting and fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book and exited that the other 2 are ready and waiting for me ! Thank you and please, keep writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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