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Federation Trilogy #1
Federation
FEDERATION takes first contact to a whole new level. A galactic empire of a quarter of a million worlds stumbles across the Earth. Their philosophy on life is totally unexpected. With the help of intelligent automatons, they've turned a reviled political system into a utopia for the masses, but are they a force for good or evil?
A Daragnen university graduate, Yol Rummy Blin Breganin, discovers that Earth failed in its attempt to join the Federation, and, for some unknown reason, members are forever banned from visiting or contacting the planet. Rummy had never heard of a whole world being outlawed. Perhaps it would be sensible to leave well enough alone but no, he decides to investigate…
FEDERATION is the first in a series of near-future, hard science-fiction novels by Tony Harmsworth, the First Contact specialist.
Immerse yourself in humankind’s cultural and economic dilemma by buying FEDERATION today.
A Daragnen university graduate, Yol Rummy Blin Breganin, discovers that Earth failed in its attempt to join the Federation, and, for some unknown reason, members are forever banned from visiting or contacting the planet. Rummy had never heard of a whole world being outlawed. Perhaps it would be sensible to leave well enough alone but no, he decides to investigate…
FEDERATION is the first in a series of near-future, hard science-fiction novels by Tony Harmsworth, the First Contact specialist.
Immerse yourself in humankind’s cultural and economic dilemma by buying FEDERATION today.
- GenresScience Fiction
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
119 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Tony Harmsworth
37 books38 followersBorn in Brocket Hall.
Educated in Welwyn Garden City and Bude to 'A' level standard.
Entered industry in 1968 rising to store manager of a retail company at 21 then into systems and procedure management with Wella and Lentheric.
Created the Loch Ness Centre in 1980 and designed other exhibitions including the Macbeth Experience and Fort Augustus Abbey Heritage Centre.
Acknowledged as one of the foremost experts on Loch Ness and its (now solved) phenomenon.
Became a tour operator when the Abbey was closed and built his businesses to become the first official 5 star coach tour and also to become the number one tour in Scotland on Trip Adviser.
Retired in 2013 to concentrate on writing and now has seven science fiction novels published and two in the pipeline.
Has written two non-fiction books: Scotland's Bloody History and Loch Ness Explained.
Educated in Welwyn Garden City and Bude to 'A' level standard.
Entered industry in 1968 rising to store manager of a retail company at 21 then into systems and procedure management with Wella and Lentheric.
Created the Loch Ness Centre in 1980 and designed other exhibitions including the Macbeth Experience and Fort Augustus Abbey Heritage Centre.
Acknowledged as one of the foremost experts on Loch Ness and its (now solved) phenomenon.
Became a tour operator when the Abbey was closed and built his businesses to become the first official 5 star coach tour and also to become the number one tour in Scotland on Trip Adviser.
Retired in 2013 to concentrate on writing and now has seven science fiction novels published and two in the pipeline.
Has written two non-fiction books: Scotland's Bloody History and Loch Ness Explained.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 13, 2019
Excellent First Contact Science Fiction!
It was well crafted, intricate story, written in the classic science fiction style. There were so many wild species and planets, excellent technology and a way, way different million year old point of view. We get invited into this million year old Federation comprised of about a quarter of a million planets but It starts with- we got banned from the Federation - and so the story goes from there. Very enjoyable. I am glad there will be more.
It was well crafted, intricate story, written in the classic science fiction style. There were so many wild species and planets, excellent technology and a way, way different million year old point of view. We get invited into this million year old Federation comprised of about a quarter of a million planets but It starts with- we got banned from the Federation - and so the story goes from there. Very enjoyable. I am glad there will be more.
October 11, 2020
I enjoyed this book, liked the structure of diaries and minutes of meetings etc. Good plot about a potential utopian future for the world - will look out for the next book in the trilogy.
January 2, 2020
Not a very enjoyable book to read.
Not a very good book to read. I read from beginning to end. The author of this book is obvious has political views that throughout history has proven time and time again that socialism doesn't work and a failed system. If there was an option to use 0 stars I'd actually use that one, but there obviously isn't. I chose this the lowest rating because this supposed science book is nothing but political in nature. Very little science fiction in it. I didn't like the book because it was left leaning in it's political spectrum. If i was a betting person and i am. Anyone that has political views about socialism, communism, any views about a totalitarian state is positive would find this book an enjoyable read. It took me a week to read this book, and i normally read books in a day or two. I had to put it down on multiple occasions.
Not a very good book to read. I read from beginning to end. The author of this book is obvious has political views that throughout history has proven time and time again that socialism doesn't work and a failed system. If there was an option to use 0 stars I'd actually use that one, but there obviously isn't. I chose this the lowest rating because this supposed science book is nothing but political in nature. Very little science fiction in it. I didn't like the book because it was left leaning in it's political spectrum. If i was a betting person and i am. Anyone that has political views about socialism, communism, any views about a totalitarian state is positive would find this book an enjoyable read. It took me a week to read this book, and i normally read books in a day or two. I had to put it down on multiple occasions.
July 26, 2019
Brilliant twist to the idea of first contact. Can't help but wonder whether, if every teen could read and comprehend this book, the world might have some hope of becoming a better place one day! Thank you Tony for an enjoyable story that helps us view the world from an alternative perspective...
June 6, 2020
It was an interesting idea but the story itself was way too oversimplified for me to really get into it. I really liked the idea of humanity having its entire culture and economic system challenged by alien society but the exploration of these ideas seem very basic.
May 11, 2019
Absolutely brilliant!
November 6, 2019
Cracking political scifi ,worth getting into this series !
October 7, 2022
It reminded me a lot of Orwell’s Animal Farm as a satirical allegory. So, setting the fantasmagorical unlikelihood of a benevolent intergalactic ‘Federation’ of beings aside, the scenario of this book is totally in keeping with the likely reactions of the ‘leadership’ of nations on this planet.
I am inclined to agree with the author that the self-centredness of the rich and powerful on planet Earth, together with factionalism, religious extremism, greed and downright inefficiency will always make this an unfair and unequal world.
Don’t get me wrong! I think that the vast majority of people are basically good, kind, gentle and peace loving but they don’t run planet Earth! Unfortunately, it’s the 1% who do run the planet that need to chamge their world view….and I don’t see that happening any time soon.
I am inclined to agree with the author that the self-centredness of the rich and powerful on planet Earth, together with factionalism, religious extremism, greed and downright inefficiency will always make this an unfair and unequal world.
Don’t get me wrong! I think that the vast majority of people are basically good, kind, gentle and peace loving but they don’t run planet Earth! Unfortunately, it’s the 1% who do run the planet that need to chamge their world view….and I don’t see that happening any time soon.
August 2, 2022
So humans think they are evolved?
Promising start. Not without limitations. Would have liked some more xenobiology. Some more characterisation, as everyone seemed much the same as everyone else. Narrative a bit one dimensional and linear. Despite narrative being from range of sources, they seemed to speak in one voice.
But the big idea is a great one, and likely to get libertarians, rightards, and redneck's blood boiling, maybe even literally.
Promising start. Not without limitations. Would have liked some more xenobiology. Some more characterisation, as everyone seemed much the same as everyone else. Narrative a bit one dimensional and linear. Despite narrative being from range of sources, they seemed to speak in one voice.
But the big idea is a great one, and likely to get libertarians, rightards, and redneck's blood boiling, maybe even literally.
June 12, 2021
Highly recommended reading for anyone with astronomical, political, or technical interests
I enjoyed this book greatly and admire the author's obvious technical knowledge, but found UK-centric bias slightly offputting.
This is the third book I have read by this author; I have enjoyed them all, and will read 'Federation and Earth' next.
I enjoyed this book greatly and admire the author's obvious technical knowledge, but found UK-centric bias slightly offputting.
This is the third book I have read by this author; I have enjoyed them all, and will read 'Federation and Earth' next.
December 28, 2022
A fascinating read.
Now this book gives you something to think about, for better or worse. Being a Sci-Fi fan for near 50 years, I have often wondered how the issues presented here would be met by the nations of Earth. I really look forward to finishing this series to see Tony's version.
Now this book gives you something to think about, for better or worse. Being a Sci-Fi fan for near 50 years, I have often wondered how the issues presented here would be met by the nations of Earth. I really look forward to finishing this series to see Tony's version.
January 16, 2020
I like the premise. I also like the idea of a diary/essay structure. However, whilst I am all for tackling poverty, inequality and climate change, this book is very heavy-handed in its approach, and in the characterisations.
April 3, 2020
I enjoy first contact fiction and this one was imaginative and well done. It clearly demonstrates some of the problems facing our world and what the negatives are when most people don't keep rein on some people. I will be looking for the following two installments in the trilogy.
June 22, 2021
Great story, Excellent read
What an amazing book. The author has captured the reality of life on earth in this first book of the series. I can't wait to start the next book. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
What an amazing book. The author has captured the reality of life on earth in this first book of the series. I can't wait to start the next book. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
November 13, 2020
First Contact with post-scarcity Galactic Federation with political and economic twist.
February 2, 2022
It was very interesting take on Earth's first encounter with aliens.
September 21, 2022
Most realistic vision of how the earth would react to a peaceful first contact.
November 16, 2022
Awsome read
The story is like a mirror that we should look at but probably won't. The federation is too perfect. The aliens are creatively constructed
The story is like a mirror that we should look at but probably won't. The federation is too perfect. The aliens are creatively constructed
November 24, 2022
Documentary not a story
The book is all tell not show, its like ready a boring history book. The idea had potential but falls flat.
The book is all tell not show, its like ready a boring history book. The idea had potential but falls flat.
February 25, 2023
I loved it
This story really showed the problems of the world. I can not wait to read the next book. Just fantastic.
This story really showed the problems of the world. I can not wait to read the next book. Just fantastic.
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November 26, 2024Excellent premise, well thought through and an unusual approach telling it from an alien perspective. However, the writing style just doesn't catch me and keep me enthralled.
June 3, 2020
Good science fiction always looks at our culture and uses extrapolation to make us think. Great science fiction makes us think of new and important ways to look at society, or points out to the masses something others see but which is easier to explain in a foreign setting. Bad science fiction is simplistic, whiny, and preachy. Sadly, this book is the later.
Aliens come to Earth and invite us to a galactic federation. However, national politics, especially from an arrogant US president, prevents that. It's obvious, simplistic and trite. The book really tells us nothing new and doesn't make us think of things differently. It reads like a well written teenage exploration of angst.
Aliens come to Earth and invite us to a galactic federation. However, national politics, especially from an arrogant US president, prevents that. It's obvious, simplistic and trite. The book really tells us nothing new and doesn't make us think of things differently. It reads like a well written teenage exploration of angst.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews