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Not Alone #1–3 omnibus
Not Alone: The Contact Trilogy: Complete Box Set #1-3
The secret is out: Aliens exist, the government knows, and Dan McCarthy just found the proof...
When Dan McCarthy stumbles upon a folder containing evidence of the conspiracy to end all conspiracies -- a top-level alien cover-up -- he leaks the files without a second thought.
The incredible truth revealed by Dan’s leak immediately captures the public’s imagination, but Dan’s relentless commitment to exposing the cover-up and forcing disclosure quickly earns him some enemies in high places.
For his whole life, Dan McCarthy has searched for a reason to believe. Now that he finally has one, he might soon wish he didn’t...
This box set contains all three novels in The Contact Trilogy:
1) Not Alone
2) Not Alone: Second Contact
3) Not Alone: The Final Call
But the great news doesn't end here — Not Alone: Fractured Union, the fourth book in the series and first in The Discovery Trilogy, has just been published!
When Dan McCarthy stumbles upon a folder containing evidence of the conspiracy to end all conspiracies -- a top-level alien cover-up -- he leaks the files without a second thought.
The incredible truth revealed by Dan’s leak immediately captures the public’s imagination, but Dan’s relentless commitment to exposing the cover-up and forcing disclosure quickly earns him some enemies in high places.
For his whole life, Dan McCarthy has searched for a reason to believe. Now that he finally has one, he might soon wish he didn’t...
This box set contains all three novels in The Contact Trilogy:
1) Not Alone
2) Not Alone: Second Contact
3) Not Alone: The Final Call
But the great news doesn't end here — Not Alone: Fractured Union, the fourth book in the series and first in The Discovery Trilogy, has just been published!
2324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2019
1540 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 4, 2020
This was a long three book set (about 2,200 pages) - but the story was very interesting and kept me reading! Very unusual story line, at least, for me - I read a lot of sci-fi including several alien contact scenarios. This story angle was new and blended in very real life politics which were frustrating - I say this as a compliment to the author as you are drawn into the story and all the emotional turmoil of world politicians who play power games while our heroes strive for the truth about the aliens. The twists and turns and constant action keeps you turning pages and wanting to read ahead to see what happens. I highly recommend this three book set :-) It looks like the author is continuing the story line in more books, but don't let that stop you from reading the first three books as the story has a clean ending point. In other words the story does not leave you hanging but does leave room for more story telling which I look forward to :-)
March 11, 2021
Great story and premise badly hobbled with excessive verbiage.
The idea behind this series is so fine. So good and wonderful. The author though as many have mentioned is a word user. A phrase user and generator of space filling verbiage. These three books could have been cut by a third and been great. Does he get paid NY the world??? His wonderful story often gets lost in his repackaged repetitiveness. Com'on man.
The idea behind this series is so fine. So good and wonderful. The author though as many have mentioned is a word user. A phrase user and generator of space filling verbiage. These three books could have been cut by a third and been great. Does he get paid NY the world??? His wonderful story often gets lost in his repackaged repetitiveness. Com'on man.
February 8, 2020
I made it through 85% of this trilogy and am amazed that I went that far - it was ponderous! I no longer cared what was going to happen. There was one horrendous error, however, that surprises me that no reviewer noted. It was inexcusable - and it involved an event vital to what immediately followed in the narrative. I ask the following: If a major event occurs today to a celestial object somewhat less than a light year distant, how long will it be before that event would be observable by Earth telescopes? Would you believe within seconds? I think NOT!
February 1, 2020
DNF
This has got to be one of the most boring SF stories I’ve ever read. I gave up after several hours, not willing to waste any more of my time on the hope that it will actually become interesting.
This has got to be one of the most boring SF stories I’ve ever read. I gave up after several hours, not willing to waste any more of my time on the hope that it will actually become interesting.
March 2, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book of the trilogy, it had a good plot, good characters and kept my attention. As I got into book 2 I started thinking that I wasn't really enjoying it, it seemed like a lot of filler. It got to the point where I reluctantly gave up on the book. Time is precious and if you are not enjoying the journey into another story, then there are plenty more books around. Maybe it gets more interesting again farther down the track, but I will never know.
March 20, 2020
Slow, soppy, episodic and nonsensical. The story is ridiculous. The plot weak. I read 80% and couldn't stomach any more of the white knight cotton candy silliness. It read more like a children's book than adult sci-fi. I was looking forward to a great read based on the reviews but I was disappointed. Don't waste your time.
December 21, 2019
Mundane
As with most theologies the first book was good, the second book readable and the third book not worth the time
As with most theologies the first book was good, the second book readable and the third book not worth the time
October 12, 2020
Audiobooks
This is a very long series, close to 100 hours of listening in the unabridged audiobook format of six novels. Given the length, you need a voice pleasant to hear and James Patrick Cronin does a terrific job throughout. Pacing, tempo, male and female voices, etc., overall production very well done. Not Alone is a SciFi series and Book One was released in August of 2016, book 6 in June of 2020, all by Audible Studios. Not Alone is character-driven, albeit few main characters – which is nice listening and you get to know everyone. No need for struggling to keep track of who-is-who, and thanks to the excellent narration, no problems with who-is-speaking-to-who.
Plot. Dan McCarthy, while riding his bike on a delivery, collides with a robber who drops an envelope containing definitive proof of a government cover-up. Human knowledge of aliens, i.e., we are Not Alone, has been a fact since 1938. Early on, you're skeptical and before the books are finished - well, no spoilers. But, SciFi lovers will be beyond pleased as Dan's amazing adventures unfold. Start with book one, and read in sequence or you'll miss a great deal.
Liked. Character development, humanoid, and otherwise. You like most, hate a few. The ultimate goodness of mankind, and any potential visitors, is something we all wish to be true.
Not so hot? Repetitive. Most noticeable in the series, Falconer re-caps a great deal, almost as if he needs to remind himself where the plot is and how we got here, reading from his own notes. Painful to listen to for anyone who is binge-listening to all six books in the series. Kept mumbling, 'Yeah, yeah, I know, I know - move on." Actually did have to fast-forward a bit.
No clicking knees, not a blood-and-guts type horror SciFi. This is a first contact story out of a vivid imagination telling us what it might really be like. World politics, wonder, fear, greed, hope - it's all here. No sex, nothing offensive. Recommended!
This is a very long series, close to 100 hours of listening in the unabridged audiobook format of six novels. Given the length, you need a voice pleasant to hear and James Patrick Cronin does a terrific job throughout. Pacing, tempo, male and female voices, etc., overall production very well done. Not Alone is a SciFi series and Book One was released in August of 2016, book 6 in June of 2020, all by Audible Studios. Not Alone is character-driven, albeit few main characters – which is nice listening and you get to know everyone. No need for struggling to keep track of who-is-who, and thanks to the excellent narration, no problems with who-is-speaking-to-who.
Plot. Dan McCarthy, while riding his bike on a delivery, collides with a robber who drops an envelope containing definitive proof of a government cover-up. Human knowledge of aliens, i.e., we are Not Alone, has been a fact since 1938. Early on, you're skeptical and before the books are finished - well, no spoilers. But, SciFi lovers will be beyond pleased as Dan's amazing adventures unfold. Start with book one, and read in sequence or you'll miss a great deal.
Liked. Character development, humanoid, and otherwise. You like most, hate a few. The ultimate goodness of mankind, and any potential visitors, is something we all wish to be true.
Not so hot? Repetitive. Most noticeable in the series, Falconer re-caps a great deal, almost as if he needs to remind himself where the plot is and how we got here, reading from his own notes. Painful to listen to for anyone who is binge-listening to all six books in the series. Kept mumbling, 'Yeah, yeah, I know, I know - move on." Actually did have to fast-forward a bit.
No clicking knees, not a blood-and-guts type horror SciFi. This is a first contact story out of a vivid imagination telling us what it might really be like. World politics, wonder, fear, greed, hope - it's all here. No sex, nothing offensive. Recommended!
November 19, 2021
I bought the boxset of the first three books, wondering if this was wise. Turns out I had difficulty finding a corner of the house where I could resd without my wife finding me. I did not want to put it down! Rarely do I find a book that dragged me in, slowly and without mercy, until the final chapter of book 3. Ok the story is basically a first contact, with some idiot politicains thrown into the mix. The main characters are really well drawn, loved Emma. The way the first contact is handled, and the aliens introduced into the story was a bit slow but hey, I didnt stop reading! The whole time, I kept thinking, this is so real!
Craig, you have written a really good story, and thank you for about 10 days of having to find excuses why chores didnt get done, and smuggling my Kindle around.
If the reader is wondering why I havent included more of the story line, I dont do spoilers. All I can say is I really hope this set of books affects you in the same way.
Only 5 stars, I cant find more!
Craig, you have written a really good story, and thank you for about 10 days of having to find excuses why chores didnt get done, and smuggling my Kindle around.
If the reader is wondering why I havent included more of the story line, I dont do spoilers. All I can say is I really hope this set of books affects you in the same way.
Only 5 stars, I cant find more!
December 12, 2019
I read "Not Alone" when it first came out. I didn't know the author, but I really liked the title and cover art so I gave it a whirl. Loved it! In my review I said that it was the best book I had read so far that year. Today, all these years later, I've become a devoted fan of Craig A. Falconer's books. The trilogy is a wonderful set. All 3 books far exceeded any expectations I had. The story is about Dan McCarthy, a young man who desperately wanted to believe that aliens were real. He certainly got his wish, and more. All the characters are the type that if they were real, you'd count them as friends or enemies, however you looked at it. This series isn't just another set of books about aliens on earth. It's much more. Yes, the books are on the longish side, but don't let that stop you from reading this set. I think you should get this trilogy, it's well worth your reading time. Falconer has written a series that you'll love. I can guarantee it!
May 20, 2021
An unexpected treasure…
I honestly thought that I was picking up some high school grade alien in the backyard badly written book. I was surprised and beyond pleased, to find a trilogy of well written, well thought-out and highly entertaining stories that fit seamlessly together. This is my first exposure to Mr. Falconer, but I guarantee it won’t be my last. These stories were so immersive I lost all sense of disbelief. The pace and delivery, the careful buildup of the characters lent this work the feeling of an early King project. Back when Stephen’s Salem’s Lot kept you up nights, gripping silver knives rubber-banded together in the shape of a cross, just in case
something…or someone came tapping at your window. I could rhapsodize a long time, but that would delay me from starting the second Not Alone trilogy. Trust me…NOT gonna happen! Gab this. Read it. These things are like Lays potato chips. I dare you to eat just one!
I honestly thought that I was picking up some high school grade alien in the backyard badly written book. I was surprised and beyond pleased, to find a trilogy of well written, well thought-out and highly entertaining stories that fit seamlessly together. This is my first exposure to Mr. Falconer, but I guarantee it won’t be my last. These stories were so immersive I lost all sense of disbelief. The pace and delivery, the careful buildup of the characters lent this work the feeling of an early King project. Back when Stephen’s Salem’s Lot kept you up nights, gripping silver knives rubber-banded together in the shape of a cross, just in case
something…or someone came tapping at your window. I could rhapsodize a long time, but that would delay me from starting the second Not Alone trilogy. Trust me…NOT gonna happen! Gab this. Read it. These things are like Lays potato chips. I dare you to eat just one!
May 12, 2020
This trilogy is over 2000 pages long, but is written well enough to retain your interest throughout. The plot twists will keep you wondering, not only about the aliens but who are the good guys and who are the bad.
Dan, the protagonist, believes in aliens with all his heart and thinks he has found proof of cover-up conspiracy.
I think the character development through the three books is great. The storyline kept me riveted and I really did enjoy the story. It was so long that I got involved in some other reading at the same time, but was always able to pick right up where I was when I left when I started again. That is how memorable the characters are.
I do recommend this to anyone who wants a good story about aliens, conspiracy, or just good old story telling.
Dan, the protagonist, believes in aliens with all his heart and thinks he has found proof of cover-up conspiracy.
I think the character development through the three books is great. The storyline kept me riveted and I really did enjoy the story. It was so long that I got involved in some other reading at the same time, but was always able to pick right up where I was when I left when I started again. That is how memorable the characters are.
I do recommend this to anyone who wants a good story about aliens, conspiracy, or just good old story telling.
September 21, 2021
51 days it took me to read this trilogy. So many times I passed over it to read other books. Frankly the length put my off for a year. One needs to be ready to invest the time to appreciate the writing. Yes, I will take a break with another author or two before reading books 4-6.
This was sci-fi at its best. Deceit, despair, lies, crooked politicians, down-to-earth characters. I read in the mornings before work and every night. Many times I would wake up with the kindle in sleep mode because I fell asleep reading.
Entertainment. Whether one believes the premise of aliens or not, this book paints a vivid picture. Apocalyptic outcomes are not always needed in alien / human stories.
Well done. Yes I believe.
This was sci-fi at its best. Deceit, despair, lies, crooked politicians, down-to-earth characters. I read in the mornings before work and every night. Many times I would wake up with the kindle in sleep mode because I fell asleep reading.
Entertainment. Whether one believes the premise of aliens or not, this book paints a vivid picture. Apocalyptic outcomes are not always needed in alien / human stories.
Well done. Yes I believe.
November 24, 2023
Intriguing, fascinating,and very Human
The books read like today's headlines. The conspiracies, the lies, the political machinations are as timely if set in the 1950's as they are today - or tomorrow. That it felt so timely was occasionally (to me) a drawback, because it really was so similar to the political drama of the current time. However, this realism made the fantastical that much easier to accept.
I am amazed at Craig A. Falconer's ability to weave a complex and often unexpected twists into the plotline. The dialogues are on-point and the character development draws the reader in. You love and sometimes love-to-hate these characters. This triplet would make a fabulous tv or movie series if faithfully produced. I like it such more than The Game of Thrones!
The books read like today's headlines. The conspiracies, the lies, the political machinations are as timely if set in the 1950's as they are today - or tomorrow. That it felt so timely was occasionally (to me) a drawback, because it really was so similar to the political drama of the current time. However, this realism made the fantastical that much easier to accept.
I am amazed at Craig A. Falconer's ability to weave a complex and often unexpected twists into the plotline. The dialogues are on-point and the character development draws the reader in. You love and sometimes love-to-hate these characters. This triplet would make a fabulous tv or movie series if faithfully produced. I like it such more than The Game of Thrones!
December 3, 2019
This box set is a perfect way to jump into this series, which will eventually consist of six books (two trilogies) in total. These aren't novellas, but full length novels, so the box set is a bargain.
It's a very unique, present day take on first contact. It is not a space opera or wars in the belt region, rather a thoughtful look at first contact that involves a lot of politics at its worst with an emphasis on social and conventional media.
The character development is well done and we experience their growth through each book. There are lots of plot twists that keep the story moving along at a good pace. I've really enjoyed this series so far.
March 13, 2020
A "not put down "set, highly interesting and involving - not great literature but involving reading. The general plot is well founded with lots of twists and turns and the characters are Shakespeare-like.... with evil verse the good throughout, you can almost picture booing, hissing and cheering and clapping as you read. Ideas of alien technology are interesting and imaginative. The language at times is inappropriate, especially when communicating at a diplomatic level with aliens, with swearing and slang that shows often with modern authors (hence a 4 not 5 rating). It is a long read but that is a bonus because the book is all involving.
April 22, 2020
10 stars on a 5-star scale - it's seriously THAT GOOD.
If you thought the first book was amazing, wait til you read books 2 & 3! This series is very down-to-Earth and by that, I mean the characters, the places, the politics, and even the aliens are extremely believable. I just can't get over how phenomenal this series is! It slid easily into my top favorite series, and if you are looking for something that will grab you & is impossible to put down, look no further, because this is it!
If you thought the first book was amazing, wait til you read books 2 & 3! This series is very down-to-Earth and by that, I mean the characters, the places, the politics, and even the aliens are extremely believable. I just can't get over how phenomenal this series is! It slid easily into my top favorite series, and if you are looking for something that will grab you & is impossible to put down, look no further, because this is it!
June 5, 2020
I really liked the plot, story, twists and turns. Difficult to put down.
What I didn't like, and what became more and more tiresome as the story progressed, was the amount of recap.
We don't need to get the same things explained over and over again (mostly concering the plot that the reader would be aware of anyway..).
The same goes for a considerable part of the conversasions.
So, with that in mind, I feel the trilogy could benefit from a bit of trimming.
Still - Great trilogy and a nice take on a possible first contact scenario!
What I didn't like, and what became more and more tiresome as the story progressed, was the amount of recap.
We don't need to get the same things explained over and over again (mostly concering the plot that the reader would be aware of anyway..).
The same goes for a considerable part of the conversasions.
So, with that in mind, I feel the trilogy could benefit from a bit of trimming.
Still - Great trilogy and a nice take on a possible first contact scenario!
January 4, 2020
What A Chore
Fairly good story, it just dragged on and on. Took forever for me to read it and that had nothing to do with the length. Falconer had a tendency to use paragraphs and pages to talk innocuous details that really had no bearing in the overall story. Didn’t think I was ever going to finish. I actually stopped twice to read another book. And then after all that, the ending was on the lame side. Glad I’m done.
Fairly good story, it just dragged on and on. Took forever for me to read it and that had nothing to do with the length. Falconer had a tendency to use paragraphs and pages to talk innocuous details that really had no bearing in the overall story. Didn’t think I was ever going to finish. I actually stopped twice to read another book. And then after all that, the ending was on the lame side. Glad I’m done.
August 9, 2020
Too much like a Disney made for tv
Simplistic and sophomoric plot once it gets last book one. Imho author tried to extend a good start and went adding brain.
The trivial and buy vs good guy plot ignores any character complexity.
Dans speech to the alien council is simplistic and his promise that earth will unite to save these advanced species is unrealistic and promising something without any resources.
He should have quit after book 1.
Simplistic and sophomoric plot once it gets last book one. Imho author tried to extend a good start and went adding brain.
The trivial and buy vs good guy plot ignores any character complexity.
Dans speech to the alien council is simplistic and his promise that earth will unite to save these advanced species is unrealistic and promising something without any resources.
He should have quit after book 1.
October 26, 2020
Not alone
I started this when there was only 2 books, but having read all three, I truly recommend it highly. We have had contacts watching us during WWII , a fact revealed to me by my father who saw crafts faster than anything we or the Japanese had, capable of suddenly making 90 degree turns without loss of speed. Sworn to secrecy, but my father is gone—he would have loved this series
I started this when there was only 2 books, but having read all three, I truly recommend it highly. We have had contacts watching us during WWII , a fact revealed to me by my father who saw crafts faster than anything we or the Japanese had, capable of suddenly making 90 degree turns without loss of speed. Sworn to secrecy, but my father is gone—he would have loved this series
December 10, 2022
Science Fiction, politics and people
This story tells of an unselfish, humble, and honest "Everyman" type of twenty-something who causes first alien contact to happen with the help of his aggressive but politically connected and intuitive manager. After first-contact unforeseen benefits come and go in both directions in a well told story with more twists than you'd expect at first. You'll enjoy NOT ALONE, and want to read more of Craig's works.
This story tells of an unselfish, humble, and honest "Everyman" type of twenty-something who causes first alien contact to happen with the help of his aggressive but politically connected and intuitive manager. After first-contact unforeseen benefits come and go in both directions in a well told story with more twists than you'd expect at first. You'll enjoy NOT ALONE, and want to read more of Craig's works.
April 8, 2025
This was a massive box set -- it took four weeks for me to finish the three books! It wasn't just due to page length, but because the story itself kinda required pacing myself.
The title leaves no surprise -- it's an alien contact story. 👽 And yes, it's the "little green men" type of alien. Yet I was pleased and also appropriately annoyed by the web of Earth politics that slooooooow everything down. The author gives little tiny glimpses of what we came for (the aliens!!!!!!) in between chapters and chapters and chapters of frustrated waiting. And then just when you're about to give up -- another glimpse.
The characters are fairly one-dimensional and the world-building isn't so great, but the pacing of the book and really unique elements of the aliens' story make it worth it. I've shared bits of the story with several people in real life; it's surprisingly applicable to our actual, daily lives.
I immediately purchased Books 5-7 upon finishing, because I've learned to trust this author and I want more!
The title leaves no surprise -- it's an alien contact story. 👽 And yes, it's the "little green men" type of alien. Yet I was pleased and also appropriately annoyed by the web of Earth politics that slooooooow everything down. The author gives little tiny glimpses of what we came for (the aliens!!!!!!) in between chapters and chapters and chapters of frustrated waiting. And then just when you're about to give up -- another glimpse.
The characters are fairly one-dimensional and the world-building isn't so great, but the pacing of the book and really unique elements of the aliens' story make it worth it. I've shared bits of the story with several people in real life; it's surprisingly applicable to our actual, daily lives.
I immediately purchased Books 5-7 upon finishing, because I've learned to trust this author and I want more!
June 15, 2025
This book had some interesting themes, including government transparency issues and the ethos of the alien civilization regarding assistance. Unfortunately, these themes could have been explored well in about half the number of pages. There was far too much chatter about the main characters, and I found myself skimming over pages of government and “influencer” character squabbles. I stuck it out for the entire story but wish it would have been much shorter.
January 4, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading books 1-3 of Not Alone: The Contact Trilogy. Craig A. Falconer is an author whose work I will definitely be following. His style of writing managed to easily keep me turning the pages for hours and hours on end. As soon as I finished the trilogy today and read a preview of Book 4, I purchased it immediately.
This series is well worth your time.
This series is well worth your time.
January 29, 2020
Long but always very interesting
Wasn’t sure what to expect when I tried this one. Usually I’m into action and fast paced story’s and many times during my reading I kept wondering why this one was managing to keep on edge all the time. Suffice to say that I’ve read it all the way to the end of the author notes and will give the next chapter a try.
Wasn’t sure what to expect when I tried this one. Usually I’m into action and fast paced story’s and many times during my reading I kept wondering why this one was managing to keep on edge all the time. Suffice to say that I’ve read it all the way to the end of the author notes and will give the next chapter a try.
January 31, 2020
What an absolute stunner of a series, and very pleased to be able to do straight from book one to two without a wait, as the entire story was such as page turner! Such a treat to have a really decent long read, with time for great character development and a truly excellent, twisting and turning plot. Definitely one of my best reads of the last 12 months.
February 4, 2020
Very entertaining and we'll written!
I am impressed with how well the author has incorporated all the characters introductions as well as how well the character development was carried out. Very entertaining and thought provoking in light of the chance that there are truly other inhabited worlds out there. Well done!
I am impressed with how well the author has incorporated all the characters introductions as well as how well the character development was carried out. Very entertaining and thought provoking in light of the chance that there are truly other inhabited worlds out there. Well done!
March 26, 2020
Classic science fiction
A very engaging read for sure. Fantastic, unlikely main character. A very humble guy that is only after doing the right thing. You can only like Dan and his family and friends. If you want a classic tale that is well written and a nice paced read give this series a shot.
A very engaging read for sure. Fantastic, unlikely main character. A very humble guy that is only after doing the right thing. You can only like Dan and his family and friends. If you want a classic tale that is well written and a nice paced read give this series a shot.
September 28, 2020
Brilliant first contact trilogy, some reviewers have said to gets a bit bogged down in the middle and could have been shorter, but I didn’t find that the case.
A bit fantastical in places, but this is fiction right! A good story and just downloaded the next trilogy which to me is a decent measure of how good this one was if I’m willing to spend more time and money on the story.
A bit fantastical in places, but this is fiction right! A good story and just downloaded the next trilogy which to me is a decent measure of how good this one was if I’m willing to spend more time and money on the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews