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Astral Conspiracy #1
The Gate
He lost his job. He lost his girl. Now it’s all he can do not to lose his life.
Landon Thorne is a disgraced archaeologist, a laughing stock in his field because of his unconventional beliefs – he’s an ancient astronaut theorist. No one takes him seriously.
Until an alien armada targets Earth.
Now Landon’s in high demand – by the US government and someone far more sinister.
They race across two continents to the Gate of the Gods, the one place on Earth that might give humans an advantage over the aliens. But no one is prepared for what they’ll find.
And not everyone will make it out alive.
Fans of action, intrigue, and aliens will love The Gate, the first book in the Astral Conspiracy series. Pick up your copy now!
Landon Thorne is a disgraced archaeologist, a laughing stock in his field because of his unconventional beliefs – he’s an ancient astronaut theorist. No one takes him seriously.
Until an alien armada targets Earth.
Now Landon’s in high demand – by the US government and someone far more sinister.
They race across two continents to the Gate of the Gods, the one place on Earth that might give humans an advantage over the aliens. But no one is prepared for what they’ll find.
And not everyone will make it out alive.
Fans of action, intrigue, and aliens will love The Gate, the first book in the Astral Conspiracy series. Pick up your copy now!
- GenresScience Fiction
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2019
25 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Cross
8 books9 followersD.L. Cross has loved science fiction ever since she was a young girl and fell for Major Don West on television's Lost in Space. To this day, she still quotes the show, though her favorite lines were spoken by the robot and the antagonist.
Parallel universes or alternate realities, aliens or dinosaurs, superpowers or super viruses, time travel or AI... no sci-fi theme is off limits and all of them fascinate her.
D.L. Cross also writes other genre fiction under the name Staci Troilo, and you can find more information about all her identities and all her work at her website: https://stacitroilo.com.
Parallel universes or alternate realities, aliens or dinosaurs, superpowers or super viruses, time travel or AI... no sci-fi theme is off limits and all of them fascinate her.
D.L. Cross also writes other genre fiction under the name Staci Troilo, and you can find more information about all her identities and all her work at her website: https://stacitroilo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 9, 2019
I’ve been looking forward to this release and was impressed from the first page. “The Gate” is the beginning of the Astral Conspiracy Series, and I found it was like reading a movie it was so vivid. The characters felt very real including my favorite, Landon Thorne. He had theories others made fun of until they realized he was right. I connected with him staying true to himself and not allowing others to force change. With so much action and urgency in the story, it was hard to put down. I found myself saying more than once: “They don’t have time for this!” There was plenty of history and research mixed into the story that added another level of intrigue. Ancient Alien Theories fascinate me, so I was thrilled to find an exciting story with that woven into it. I highly recommend this well-written book, especially if you love aliens, the what-if scenario, action, history, theories, and characters you can grow to love--and hate!
May 27, 2019
Dr. Landon Thorne is an archaeologist who specializes in the potential for (or presence of) alien visits to earth. But his career has been on a downhill slide for quite a while. His only published book was panned by every expert who read it and avoided by the rest. He couldn’t get a job because he was considered a 'nut' and the one friend who did hire him to teach history at a private college eventually fired him because Landon wouldn't stop sharing his alien theories as part of the history syllabus. Even the girlfriend he considered a soulmate--the only one who really believed in him and his work--turns out not to be what she seemed.
As he wonders what to do, alien invaders are detected five days away from landing on Earth. Suddenly, Thorne is in demand by both the U.S. government and other nefarious characters intent on using his knowledge of aliens for their own purposes, specifically, what he might know about an Earthly portal to outer space. But there's more to it than simply decoding alien invaders. He must also unravel a mysterious secret that has been hidden away since the mid 1940’s. Turns out, Thorne may be the only one with the key to both.
The Gate starts fast and never lets up. There are a couple of really clever twists that I won't reveal but they made this a satisfying read. And this is just the beginning. The books ending is simply the start of the next phase. Highly recommended for fans of sci fi and alien plots.
As he wonders what to do, alien invaders are detected five days away from landing on Earth. Suddenly, Thorne is in demand by both the U.S. government and other nefarious characters intent on using his knowledge of aliens for their own purposes, specifically, what he might know about an Earthly portal to outer space. But there's more to it than simply decoding alien invaders. He must also unravel a mysterious secret that has been hidden away since the mid 1940’s. Turns out, Thorne may be the only one with the key to both.
The Gate starts fast and never lets up. There are a couple of really clever twists that I won't reveal but they made this a satisfying read. And this is just the beginning. The books ending is simply the start of the next phase. Highly recommended for fans of sci fi and alien plots.
May 12, 2019
In this fast-paced story, author D.L. Cross creates a melting pot of conspiracies, government coverups and ancient civilizations. Professor Landon Thorne is an expert on alien theories, unfortunately most of his speculations have left him labeled a crackpot—until alien spacecraft are detected hurtling toward Earth. Suddenly, Thorne is the man everyone needs—from secret government operatives to mercenaries for hire. Worse, the woman Thorne thought he loved turns out to be an operative who was assigned as his handler. In the matter of a single day his world goes from routine college campus to hidden government facility, to the wilds of Peru.
Cross sets a breathless pace, juggling a diverse cast of characters, most with their own agendas. There are alliances, crosses and double-crosses, betrayals and perceived betrayals. Tension is kept high with the impending arrival of potentially hostile aliens.
A good deal of research clearly went into this novel, as the author addresses the Roswell Incident, Incas, the Serpent Mound, and a web of other threads that leaves the reader constantly guessing where the next curveball is coming from. Cross throws plenty of them and sets her chapters for hooks that makes it impossible not to keep swiping pages. The writing is tight, the dialogue exchanges, rapid-fire. I found the Roswell thread particularly intriguing. This is the first book in what promises to be a riveting series. If you’re a fan of ancient alien theories mixed with fast-paced intrigue, and characters who command the pages, you don’t want to miss this one!
Cross sets a breathless pace, juggling a diverse cast of characters, most with their own agendas. There are alliances, crosses and double-crosses, betrayals and perceived betrayals. Tension is kept high with the impending arrival of potentially hostile aliens.
A good deal of research clearly went into this novel, as the author addresses the Roswell Incident, Incas, the Serpent Mound, and a web of other threads that leaves the reader constantly guessing where the next curveball is coming from. Cross throws plenty of them and sets her chapters for hooks that makes it impossible not to keep swiping pages. The writing is tight, the dialogue exchanges, rapid-fire. I found the Roswell thread particularly intriguing. This is the first book in what promises to be a riveting series. If you’re a fan of ancient alien theories mixed with fast-paced intrigue, and characters who command the pages, you don’t want to miss this one!
October 5, 2020
Having read other books by this author (Staci Troilo/D L Cross), I grabbed my copy of The Gate as soon as it went on pre-order, and I haven’t been disappointed.
What a fantastic fast-paced read. We meet Landon Thorne, long ridiculed for his outlandish beliefs. Then we meet the agents of AATIP, who pull us into a world of betrayal, back-stabbing, ambition, lies, and intrigue.
Meanwhile, an Astral App has alerted everyone on Earth that Aliens are coming.
All of a sudden, Landon Thorne is the man everyone wants. And while he’s happy his beliefs and life’s work have, finally, been recognised and vindicated, he’s less than thrilled at the mess and complications he gets pulled into.
While the author has obviously done lots of research for this book, she doesn’t bore the reader with it, but uses it to enhance an already gripping tale of Aliens, conspiracies, government secrets, and betrayals. While this first episode in the series does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, it also rounds off many of the preceding threads nicely and leaves you wanting more.
I’m eagerly awaiting the second book in the Invasion Universe (Astral Conspiracy) series. If you’re a fan of ancient-alien theories, thrown together with modern conspiracy theories and plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue, then you’re bound to love this book.
I can’t recommend this first book in the series highly enough. It gets a solid 5 stars from me. Go out and buy it now.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
What a fantastic fast-paced read. We meet Landon Thorne, long ridiculed for his outlandish beliefs. Then we meet the agents of AATIP, who pull us into a world of betrayal, back-stabbing, ambition, lies, and intrigue.
Meanwhile, an Astral App has alerted everyone on Earth that Aliens are coming.
All of a sudden, Landon Thorne is the man everyone wants. And while he’s happy his beliefs and life’s work have, finally, been recognised and vindicated, he’s less than thrilled at the mess and complications he gets pulled into.
While the author has obviously done lots of research for this book, she doesn’t bore the reader with it, but uses it to enhance an already gripping tale of Aliens, conspiracies, government secrets, and betrayals. While this first episode in the series does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, it also rounds off many of the preceding threads nicely and leaves you wanting more.
I’m eagerly awaiting the second book in the Invasion Universe (Astral Conspiracy) series. If you’re a fan of ancient-alien theories, thrown together with modern conspiracy theories and plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue, then you’re bound to love this book.
I can’t recommend this first book in the series highly enough. It gets a solid 5 stars from me. Go out and buy it now.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
September 24, 2019
Being a sci-fi fan, especially of The X-Files, this book immediately appealed to me. And look at that striking cover! It was a must read.
Professor Landon Thorne is having a seriously crappy day after losing his job, his girlfriend, and then being kidnapped and held at gunpoint multiple times. On the other hand, his theories about aliens, previously panned by experts in the field, may be proven right. So there's that.
With double crosses, questionable motivations, and government coverups, it's hard to know who to trust or what to believe. Some of the characters are so unlikeable (I'm looking at you, Nadia), you yearn for them to be put in their place. Or sent to the aliens as a welcoming committee to determine if their intentions are naughty or nice in hopes of sparing the more likeable characters.
I enjoyed the multiple viewpoints and witty dialogue, and the conversations between Tasha and Father Tomas are exceptionally thought-provoking from a religious aspect.
With a mix of archeology, ancient civilizations, and the threat of invasion, The Gate is an intriguing, action-packed read. I can't wait for the next book. Bring on the aliens!
Professor Landon Thorne is having a seriously crappy day after losing his job, his girlfriend, and then being kidnapped and held at gunpoint multiple times. On the other hand, his theories about aliens, previously panned by experts in the field, may be proven right. So there's that.
With double crosses, questionable motivations, and government coverups, it's hard to know who to trust or what to believe. Some of the characters are so unlikeable (I'm looking at you, Nadia), you yearn for them to be put in their place. Or sent to the aliens as a welcoming committee to determine if their intentions are naughty or nice in hopes of sparing the more likeable characters.
I enjoyed the multiple viewpoints and witty dialogue, and the conversations between Tasha and Father Tomas are exceptionally thought-provoking from a religious aspect.
With a mix of archeology, ancient civilizations, and the threat of invasion, The Gate is an intriguing, action-packed read. I can't wait for the next book. Bring on the aliens!
May 20, 2019
A cross between Indiana Jones and Men in Black!
When emergency broadcasting sends out a notice of the impending invasion of aliens, disgraced archeology professor Landon Thorne suddenly becomes a hot commodity.
Betrayed by the woman he loved- an AATIP Agent- Thorne decides to help a fellow agent instead of her and lands himself in hot water at the hands of a band of merciless mercenaries.
The race is on to save the human race. Landon must use his archeological theories to make contact with the aliens and avert a worldwide crisis before it’s too late, but all is not as it seems. The danger he faces on earth may be more than anything from outer space.
An amazing amount of research went into this story and lifts it above the average read for me. I enjoy learning new things when I pick up a book and this one taught a bit of ancient history as well as scientific theory that was truly interesting.
The author did a fantastic job building tension and yet the layers of humor kept the subject matter from becoming too forbidding.
FAVORITE LINES
Where did he begin? Where did he end? Did he even exist at all? Purple music waltzed up his arms, cool and wet. It tasted of ozone. Or was he tasting himself, consuming his own essence? An ouroboros of flesh and blood and bone and soul, born of the Earth and of the Heavens themselves.
Cross, D.L.. The Gate: An Invasion Universe Novel (Astral Conspiracy Book 1) . Sterling & Stone. Kindle Edition.
Landon took a deep breath, then he rose up on his knee. Stretching his other leg back for leverage, he leaned over Wolf, bracing his hand on the stone floor for balance. If it was a yoga pose, it had to be called Suicidal Man.
Cross, D.L.. The Gate: An Invasion Universe Novel (Astral Conspiracy Book 1) . Sterling & Stone. Kindle Edition.
I give The Gate 5+ lovely kisses- well worth the read!
When emergency broadcasting sends out a notice of the impending invasion of aliens, disgraced archeology professor Landon Thorne suddenly becomes a hot commodity.
Betrayed by the woman he loved- an AATIP Agent- Thorne decides to help a fellow agent instead of her and lands himself in hot water at the hands of a band of merciless mercenaries.
The race is on to save the human race. Landon must use his archeological theories to make contact with the aliens and avert a worldwide crisis before it’s too late, but all is not as it seems. The danger he faces on earth may be more than anything from outer space.
An amazing amount of research went into this story and lifts it above the average read for me. I enjoy learning new things when I pick up a book and this one taught a bit of ancient history as well as scientific theory that was truly interesting.
The author did a fantastic job building tension and yet the layers of humor kept the subject matter from becoming too forbidding.
FAVORITE LINES
Where did he begin? Where did he end? Did he even exist at all? Purple music waltzed up his arms, cool and wet. It tasted of ozone. Or was he tasting himself, consuming his own essence? An ouroboros of flesh and blood and bone and soul, born of the Earth and of the Heavens themselves.
Cross, D.L.. The Gate: An Invasion Universe Novel (Astral Conspiracy Book 1) . Sterling & Stone. Kindle Edition.
Landon took a deep breath, then he rose up on his knee. Stretching his other leg back for leverage, he leaned over Wolf, bracing his hand on the stone floor for balance. If it was a yoga pose, it had to be called Suicidal Man.
Cross, D.L.. The Gate: An Invasion Universe Novel (Astral Conspiracy Book 1) . Sterling & Stone. Kindle Edition.
I give The Gate 5+ lovely kisses- well worth the read!
May 4, 2019
*Lucky enough to read an advanced reader copy of this book*
I loved the mix of archeology, ancient civilisations, and modern times in this story. I felt that the blend was perfect and reminded me of the ancient alien programs and myths that I have read over the years, D. L. Cross and I have that in common as I’m sure many of you do too.
This story was well written and the characters are real, believable.
If you are looking for a story full of action then this is a good choice. If you are just interested in the aliens then you also won’t be disappointed, the greys make an appearance also.
A great all round book in my opinion and I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I loved the mix of archeology, ancient civilisations, and modern times in this story. I felt that the blend was perfect and reminded me of the ancient alien programs and myths that I have read over the years, D. L. Cross and I have that in common as I’m sure many of you do too.
This story was well written and the characters are real, believable.
If you are looking for a story full of action then this is a good choice. If you are just interested in the aliens then you also won’t be disappointed, the greys make an appearance also.
A great all round book in my opinion and I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
June 7, 2021
Very unusual Sci-Fi book, where most of the people work for AATIP!
Starts slow, but gets better every page.
Still can't wait to finish the entire series...!
Very recommended!
Starts slow, but gets better every page.
Still can't wait to finish the entire series...!
Very recommended!
May 16, 2019
I took this book on vacation with me, and what a great fun, fast read! Perfect for hanging around the pool. Landon Thorne has ALWAYS known aliens once lived on Earth. We get a hint later in the book that there's something special about him, something that makes the U.S. government send a "handler" to gain his confidence and learn more about him. I can't wait to find out what that "something" is, but the alien that the government took into custody at Roswell knows Landon's name and will only speak to him. Unfortunately, learning about the GOOD aliens who keep track of Earth had better be a rush job since the not-so-friendly giant aliens are sending an Armada to invade us. Poor Landon is in for more trouble than he ever dreamed possible--summoned by the government, tricked by a way too ambitious agent, kidnapped by mercenaries, shot at and drugged, and sent to find the key for the Gate to the Gods. We meet plenty of characters of all types--good guys who aren't so good, innocent bystanders whose families are threatened if they don't help the mercenaries, a priest who hates the alien, etc. All of them are done well, and the pace builds tension as it zips along. A fun, entertaining read.
September 11, 2019
I usually love science fiction, but I'm not a fan of the Indiana-Jones-like adventures ( characters' development is often overlooked in favour of action and plot). However, The Gate was a pleasant surprise in this respect. Once started, I could hardly put it down until I reached the end.
Landon Thorne, college professor, criticised for his theories about aliens, is undoubtedly the main character in this story. However, he is surrounded by a cast of characters fascinating and well characterised. Each one of them has his own agenda. Each one of them pursues his objective without much thinking about the consequences on other people. This creates an intertwining of storylines, binding to each other in a crescendo that leads up to the ending.
And the ending leaves you desperate for more.
This novel, first instalment in a new series (The Astral Conspiracy), has everything you might desire in science fiction. Aliens, ancient artefacts, legends, theories, action, adventure, conspiracy, and personal conflicts.
I can't wait for the second volume!
Landon Thorne, college professor, criticised for his theories about aliens, is undoubtedly the main character in this story. However, he is surrounded by a cast of characters fascinating and well characterised. Each one of them has his own agenda. Each one of them pursues his objective without much thinking about the consequences on other people. This creates an intertwining of storylines, binding to each other in a crescendo that leads up to the ending.
And the ending leaves you desperate for more.
This novel, first instalment in a new series (The Astral Conspiracy), has everything you might desire in science fiction. Aliens, ancient artefacts, legends, theories, action, adventure, conspiracy, and personal conflicts.
I can't wait for the second volume!
March 20, 2021
I’m not usually a reader of science fiction, but after learning about The Gate, I decided to try it. I’m glad I did.
Professor Landon Thorn believes in the concept of ancient aliens. He even wrote a book on the subject. Unfortunately, no one believes him and many make fun of him. In one day, Landon loses both his job and his girl. Could things get any worse?
Of course, they can. When an alert comes that warns of the earth’s invasion, Landon is pressed into service with a US Government Agency with hopes of saving the planet.
Cross weaves elements of mystery and suspense into this book. She put a great deal of research into the book, including the 1947 Roswell incident and the ancient Incan civilization.
The characters are well-developed, the settings well-written, and the action fast-paced. If you want a quick, satisfying read, The Gate is for you. I, for one, look forward to the next book of this series.
Professor Landon Thorn believes in the concept of ancient aliens. He even wrote a book on the subject. Unfortunately, no one believes him and many make fun of him. In one day, Landon loses both his job and his girl. Could things get any worse?
Of course, they can. When an alert comes that warns of the earth’s invasion, Landon is pressed into service with a US Government Agency with hopes of saving the planet.
Cross weaves elements of mystery and suspense into this book. She put a great deal of research into the book, including the 1947 Roswell incident and the ancient Incan civilization.
The characters are well-developed, the settings well-written, and the action fast-paced. If you want a quick, satisfying read, The Gate is for you. I, for one, look forward to the next book of this series.
January 11, 2021
The Gate by D.L. Cross is a well-researched, action-packed story of professor Landon Thorne, an archaeologist whose alien theories are scoffed at even by his own friend. The story revolves around digging the old secrets before the aliens land on earth. It begins at an exceptional pace but slackens mid-way, getting mired in human frailties and many people jump into the cauldron of intrigues. It picks up by the end but leaves many questions unanswered.
I like D.L.'s crisp style of writing; the dialogues flow well but become ambiguous and you may have to go back to understand who is saying what! There is some profane language in the first part of the book; I don’t think it was needed, as it diminishes the value of an absorbing story. The characters have been crafted with a realistic touch, especially Tasha and Nadia who never fail to manipulate situations in their favor. If you like sci-fiction with a historical backing, this book is for you.
I like D.L.'s crisp style of writing; the dialogues flow well but become ambiguous and you may have to go back to understand who is saying what! There is some profane language in the first part of the book; I don’t think it was needed, as it diminishes the value of an absorbing story. The characters have been crafted with a realistic touch, especially Tasha and Nadia who never fail to manipulate situations in their favor. If you like sci-fiction with a historical backing, this book is for you.
March 15, 2021
This is book one of the Astral Conspiracy series and with the riveting ending, I cannot wait to get into book 2! In this book, the protagonist, Landon Thorne, finds himself out of work and out of luck. That is until the Astral App alerts the impending arrival of aliens. Then, it seems everyone needs and wants this professor who has studied and believes in the ancient alien theory. The journey he finds himself on is relentless and filled with danger and takes him all the way to South America. If not for the need of his knowledge, his life would be worth nothing. This story is very fast-paced with plenty of heart-stopping action. The characters are believable, including the motivations for their actions. I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who is fascinated by the existence of aliens. It is well-written and even though the author gets into several of the character's POV, she does it with ease and it never feels jarring.
July 19, 2019
I haven't read any of the other books in the Invasion Universe, and this was a fantastic stepping stone into that world.
The good:
- the snappy dialogue (the author has a great ear)
- the main characters are realistic and intriguing--even if I agreed with their agendas, they had just enough flaws to make me wonder if I should be trusting one or two of them!
- the plot unwinds quickly and kept my interest as it sped along
- the action scenes are taut and visceral
But my favorite thing? That had to be the inclusion of some really cool archeological details that the author uses to flesh out this alien invasion. The information felt fresh, and it never, ever weighed down the story.
The bad:
- I have to wait for the next book!
Really a great read!
The good:
- the snappy dialogue (the author has a great ear)
- the main characters are realistic and intriguing--even if I agreed with their agendas, they had just enough flaws to make me wonder if I should be trusting one or two of them!
- the plot unwinds quickly and kept my interest as it sped along
- the action scenes are taut and visceral
But my favorite thing? That had to be the inclusion of some really cool archeological details that the author uses to flesh out this alien invasion. The information felt fresh, and it never, ever weighed down the story.
The bad:
- I have to wait for the next book!
Really a great read!
July 4, 2019
This was probably the most amazing book I’ve read in the last couple of years. It was hard to put down, but life got in my way. It honestly only took me a day combined to get through it.
Real world sites, ancient artifacts, aliens, and the threat of invasion. Take all of these, combine it with a few legends and this one is a hell of a story. Highly recommended. I know I’ll be reading the subsequent books.
Real world sites, ancient artifacts, aliens, and the threat of invasion. Take all of these, combine it with a few legends and this one is a hell of a story. Highly recommended. I know I’ll be reading the subsequent books.
October 9, 2020
Great start to a promising series...
Fast pace, easy reading, interesting and varied characters, subplots, twists, surprises galore - and the Extraterrestrials haven’t even landed yet!
Having read THIS book, I’ve bought the set without hesitation.
Fast pace, easy reading, interesting and varied characters, subplots, twists, surprises galore - and the Extraterrestrials haven’t even landed yet!
Having read THIS book, I’ve bought the set without hesitation.
January 15, 2021
Interesting but doesn't wrap up in this book
The premise is fun and I had fun looking up the places mentioned. However, this is not a stand alone book. It doesn't wrap up anything and it isn't interesting enough to commit to the rest of the books in the series.
The premise is fun and I had fun looking up the places mentioned. However, this is not a stand alone book. It doesn't wrap up anything and it isn't interesting enough to commit to the rest of the books in the series.
January 17, 2020
This is a fantastic fast-paced and action packed read, with some great characters, and a plot that explores some interesting legends and theories.
January 8, 2021
Good engaging start to a series.
October 7, 2021
Left hanging, ready to read book 2
July 16, 2019
Having read other books by this author, I grabbed my copy of The Gate as soon as it went on pre-order, and I haven’t been disappointed. What a fantastic fast-paced read.
We meet Landon Thorne, long ridiculed for his outlandish beliefs. Then we meet the agents of AATIP, who pull us into a world of betrayal, back-stabbing, ambition, lies, and intrigue.
Meanwhile, an Astral App has alerted everyone on Earth that Aliens are coming. All of a sudden, Landon Thorne is the man everyone wants. And while he’s happy his beliefs and life’s work have, finally, been recognised and vindicated, he’s less than thrilled at the mess and complications he gets pulled into.
While the author has obviously done lots of research for this book, she doesn’t bore the reader with it, but uses it to enhance an already gripping tale of Aliens, conspiracies, government secrets, and betrayals.
While this first episode in the series does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, it also rounds off many of the preceding threads nicely and leaves you wanting more. I’m eagerly awaiting the second book in the Invasion Universe (Astral Conspiracy) series.
If you’re a fan of ancient-alien theories, thrown together with modern conspiracy theories and plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue, then you’re bound to love this book. I can’t recommend this first book in the series highly enough. It gets a solid 5 stars from me. Go out and buy it now.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
We meet Landon Thorne, long ridiculed for his outlandish beliefs. Then we meet the agents of AATIP, who pull us into a world of betrayal, back-stabbing, ambition, lies, and intrigue.
Meanwhile, an Astral App has alerted everyone on Earth that Aliens are coming. All of a sudden, Landon Thorne is the man everyone wants. And while he’s happy his beliefs and life’s work have, finally, been recognised and vindicated, he’s less than thrilled at the mess and complications he gets pulled into.
While the author has obviously done lots of research for this book, she doesn’t bore the reader with it, but uses it to enhance an already gripping tale of Aliens, conspiracies, government secrets, and betrayals.
While this first episode in the series does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, it also rounds off many of the preceding threads nicely and leaves you wanting more. I’m eagerly awaiting the second book in the Invasion Universe (Astral Conspiracy) series.
If you’re a fan of ancient-alien theories, thrown together with modern conspiracy theories and plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue, then you’re bound to love this book. I can’t recommend this first book in the series highly enough. It gets a solid 5 stars from me. Go out and buy it now.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
June 5, 2019
An alien invasion is imminent, and Landon Thorne goes from being a recently fired college professor to a much sought-after expert. His unconventional theories on ancient alien astronauts have caught the attention of top-secret government operatives and a group of mysterious bad guys.
This is classic first-contact sci-fi, and Cross appears to have done her research. Combine fact with a dose of imagination and a bunch of ruthless characters, and this is a story that moves at a fast clip.
And those “ruthless characters” include just about everyone. The main characters are well-rounded, ambitious, competitive, and argumentative. And Cross has no problem letting characters cross the line and/or killing them off.
The Gate, the first book in the Astral Conspiracy series, leaves off with a cliff-hanger, so be prepared to read the next books to reach the conclusion of the tale. Highly recommended for readers of sci-fi thrillers.
This is classic first-contact sci-fi, and Cross appears to have done her research. Combine fact with a dose of imagination and a bunch of ruthless characters, and this is a story that moves at a fast clip.
And those “ruthless characters” include just about everyone. The main characters are well-rounded, ambitious, competitive, and argumentative. And Cross has no problem letting characters cross the line and/or killing them off.
The Gate, the first book in the Astral Conspiracy series, leaves off with a cliff-hanger, so be prepared to read the next books to reach the conclusion of the tale. Highly recommended for readers of sci-fi thrillers.
December 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book. The main character, Landon was likable and relatable. The story kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m not crazy with how it ended and was left with many unanswered questions, but it was an entertaining narrative worth reading.
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