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Not Alone #4
Fractured Union
Some doors aren't meant to be opened... While many on Earth grow fearful of the Messengers' remarkable powers and others lament a lack of interplanetary cooperation, two discoveries threaten to turn the world on its head. One find could simultaneously rewrite the history of two planets; one revelation could tear Dan McCarthy's life apart. With the stakes higher than ever following the birth of his daughter Piper — a child like no other with a secret the world isn't ready to handle — Dan will do whatever it takes to protect his family. But as keen as Dan is to help the Messengers at every turn, he might soon come to see that no good deed goes unpunished... __________ Not Fractured Union is the fourth book in the globally acclaimed Not Alone series, which is intended to be read in The Contact Trilogy 1. Not Alone 2. Not Second Contact 3. Not The Final Call The Discovery Trilogy 4. Not Fractured Union 5. Not Leap of Destiny 6. Not Revelations *** COMING IN 2021 *** The Evolution Trilogy 7. Not The Awakening 8. Not Hidden Wonder 9. Not Endgame Not Alone is an 'Amazon Most Sold Fiction' certified bestseller, official Audible.com 'Best of 2016' finalist, international and multi-format #1 sci-fi bestseller, and multi-time Kindle Unlimited 'All Star' title.
526 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2019
425 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 22, 2023
Pat pēc visa, kas līdz šim noticis, labi zinot, ka Visumā vairs neesam vieni paši uz savas planētas ar izdomas pilno vārdu Zeme, ne valstu politiķi, nedz sabiedrības kā tādas ir spējušas vienoties zem viena karoga, zem vienas organizācijas, lai veiksmīgāk stātotos pretim potenciāliem draudiem, ja tādi rasto, vai sāktu apgūt pirmajiem iepazītajiem citplanētiešiem Mesendžeriem pieejamās tehnoloģijas.
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December 17, 2019
"This is one of the best sci fi books I've read. The plot is awesome, it takes you to the very end to a thrilling finish." Back in 2015 I took a chance on an author I hadn't read before. I was looking for sci fi, and stumbled across the first Not Alone book and it's great cover art. The above quote is how I started my review for Not Alone. Fast forward to 2019. I've become a HUGE fan of Falconer's work. His trilogy of the Not Alone series blew me away. Not Alone: Fractured Union is all and more of any expectations I had. Dan McCarthy, Emma Ford, and their brand new baby girl Piper are happy as homebodies. Usually, Dan's brother Clark and Emma's sister Tara handle PR for them while they happily stay home. But everyone knows there's usually never a happily ever after in any story. Not Alone: Fractured Union takes the family back into the fray when a threatening series of events makes the whole world wonder what will happen to them. Dan McCarthy is only one man, but with his family of supporters, Dan is once again asked to make contact. When he does, he uncovers something that will turn the world and their alien friends into a Fractured Union that may threaten all mankind.
I encourage you to read the books in order. I guarantee you'll love the books and become a fan of Falconer's just like I am.
I encourage you to read the books in order. I guarantee you'll love the books and become a fan of Falconer's just like I am.
April 19, 2020
Great ending, but ....
Oh the tediousness of it all. There's this constant introspection. Emma is good, but Tara is good too, and Clark is good, but no one can take away Dan's position as the original. Dan keeps having to deal with compromises, but the messengers trust him, but they're getting tired of waiting for the earth governments to decide to get started in viewing all the technology that the messengers have to offer. There are all these anti establishment groups that like to dump green paint on people or even worse. This takes up half the book. It gets better though as we find that telepathy can be inherited. We go to Kerguelen and discover there's another race of beings grooming both us and the messengers. We grab a bunch of toys and come home leaving a bunch of disgruntled messengers behind. The relationship between Earth and the messengers is on the rocks, and we've got a secret we don't want to tell earth about. The story is fun but the blah blah blah in between is quite tedious.
Oh the tediousness of it all. There's this constant introspection. Emma is good, but Tara is good too, and Clark is good, but no one can take away Dan's position as the original. Dan keeps having to deal with compromises, but the messengers trust him, but they're getting tired of waiting for the earth governments to decide to get started in viewing all the technology that the messengers have to offer. There are all these anti establishment groups that like to dump green paint on people or even worse. This takes up half the book. It gets better though as we find that telepathy can be inherited. We go to Kerguelen and discover there's another race of beings grooming both us and the messengers. We grab a bunch of toys and come home leaving a bunch of disgruntled messengers behind. The relationship between Earth and the messengers is on the rocks, and we've got a secret we don't want to tell earth about. The story is fun but the blah blah blah in between is quite tedious.
May 29, 2020
Really poor storytelling
I only paid $0.99 for this book and I paid too much. An interesting story is completely lost in the constant repetition of the same ground in an amateurish, soap opera, O...wait that insults soap operas, fashion. The simplistic writing does lend itself to speed reading which is the only way to wade through this mush. The objective is obviously to sell the next installment...available for preorder no doubt. I’m done.
I only paid $0.99 for this book and I paid too much. An interesting story is completely lost in the constant repetition of the same ground in an amateurish, soap opera, O...wait that insults soap operas, fashion. The simplistic writing does lend itself to speed reading which is the only way to wade through this mush. The objective is obviously to sell the next installment...available for preorder no doubt. I’m done.
March 16, 2020
Another amazing installment in the Not Alone series. I can’t wait to read the next two books.
January 2, 2026
Wow... same series, sort of... but keeps getting better all the time!
Great book series about first contact, and the idiot politics that go along with it.
Great book series about first contact, and the idiot politics that go along with it.
January 3, 2020
I am hooked on this series
I think the reason why I like it so much is that the author lets us get to know his characters very well, and they are sympathetic and likable. Even his aliens have personalities.
One would not call these books fast paced and there are no descriptions of battles, unless you include public relations campaigns. Having had a generalized disdain for the manipulation of public opinion, it is surprising to me to see the practice so sympathetically defended.
It is interesting that the author is evidently a Brit, but the book is set in the US. He usually succeeds in using American vernacular, including, to my discomfort, using “like” when “as” is meant. But does he know that Americans do not call experts or big-shot eggheads,”boffins?” I was amused. I look forward to the rest of the series. I am a little scared about these large, long-headed, manipulative aliens we have just learned about, and really do hope their sun blew up or a fourth set of aliens took them out. We shall see.
I think the reason why I like it so much is that the author lets us get to know his characters very well, and they are sympathetic and likable. Even his aliens have personalities.
One would not call these books fast paced and there are no descriptions of battles, unless you include public relations campaigns. Having had a generalized disdain for the manipulation of public opinion, it is surprising to me to see the practice so sympathetically defended.
It is interesting that the author is evidently a Brit, but the book is set in the US. He usually succeeds in using American vernacular, including, to my discomfort, using “like” when “as” is meant. But does he know that Americans do not call experts or big-shot eggheads,”boffins?” I was amused. I look forward to the rest of the series. I am a little scared about these large, long-headed, manipulative aliens we have just learned about, and really do hope their sun blew up or a fourth set of aliens took them out. We shall see.
April 29, 2020
Does this series need another book? Nope. Did I read it? Yep. Again we're back with our buddies Edward Snowden and his rich friends like Elon Musk..... erm, I mean Dan McCarthy and Tido with told through the lens of the media zeitgeist. It's still an odd series that's still enjoyable, although I don't think the series is getting better.
It really still feels like everything here on out is tacked on. I'll read the next one but starting to lose my interest.
It really still feels like everything here on out is tacked on. I'll read the next one but starting to lose my interest.
October 12, 2020
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!
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!
December 17, 2019
Just when you thought this great series was over, we find out there's another trilogy. I was very pleased as I enjoyed the first three books a lot.
Not Alone: Fractured Union (book 4) is another great read. The total series has had a long story arc that is quite different from any other first contact books I've read. This instalment has a lot of surprises that leaves many possibilities for the next two books. I certainly look forward to reading them.
Consistent with the first three books, this one involves lots of politics and media, along with further reveals of the alien planet and its own unique internal problems.
Not Alone: Fractured Union (book 4) is another great read. The total series has had a long story arc that is quite different from any other first contact books I've read. This instalment has a lot of surprises that leaves many possibilities for the next two books. I certainly look forward to reading them.
Consistent with the first three books, this one involves lots of politics and media, along with further reveals of the alien planet and its own unique internal problems.
February 8, 2020
Awaiting the next installment of the Discovery series anxiously concerned of withdrawal!
This story is one of the most interesting, entertaining and plausible First Contact stories I have read in my Entire reading life. Aside from the initial fact that the Hidden Secret was a lie, which I don't believe will be true in our reality. This book series hooked me early and that hook remains firmly in place. The first book of the Discovery series shows a continuing improvement in the Strength of the story and one can actually appreciate the fact that Author is seriously enjoying his craft, as am I! Great Job Mr. Falconer, Great Job. Floyd Jamison
This story is one of the most interesting, entertaining and plausible First Contact stories I have read in my Entire reading life. Aside from the initial fact that the Hidden Secret was a lie, which I don't believe will be true in our reality. This book series hooked me early and that hook remains firmly in place. The first book of the Discovery series shows a continuing improvement in the Strength of the story and one can actually appreciate the fact that Author is seriously enjoying his craft, as am I! Great Job Mr. Falconer, Great Job. Floyd Jamison
July 6, 2024
The title of book 4 in this Not Alone series is quite indicative of the contents.
I would say that when aliens and humans meet, chaos to follow is just about the only result to
be expected, more so when an attempted assassination goes wrong and the perpetrator gets killed...by an alien.
Then there is the daughter born to Dan and Emma, Pippa, who seems to quite intelligent a baby, who, at seven months gives every indication of starting to talk. And more.
Then, on the alien side, trouble seems to brewing from news that seems to contradict previous claims by the aliens as regards their planet.
Yes, there is a lot of trouble brewing.
Mesmerisingly so.
Enjoy.
I would say that when aliens and humans meet, chaos to follow is just about the only result to
be expected, more so when an attempted assassination goes wrong and the perpetrator gets killed...by an alien.
Then there is the daughter born to Dan and Emma, Pippa, who seems to quite intelligent a baby, who, at seven months gives every indication of starting to talk. And more.
Then, on the alien side, trouble seems to brewing from news that seems to contradict previous claims by the aliens as regards their planet.
Yes, there is a lot of trouble brewing.
Mesmerisingly so.
Enjoy.
January 5, 2020
Not Alone; and rarely United
These books take you on a whirl wind ride that is enlightening and impressive. The books show that politics wether you like it out not always is there, in the background, foreground and in the future. But only we can hold and make those in charge accountable within the framework we are given. I look forward to the last two books. I feel like I know the characters enough to cry, worry, be angry with and want to slapped a few too. But all good stories remind us of the basic goodness in the simple folks, just trying to live and let live.
These books take you on a whirl wind ride that is enlightening and impressive. The books show that politics wether you like it out not always is there, in the background, foreground and in the future. But only we can hold and make those in charge accountable within the framework we are given. I look forward to the last two books. I feel like I know the characters enough to cry, worry, be angry with and want to slapped a few too. But all good stories remind us of the basic goodness in the simple folks, just trying to live and let live.
February 5, 2020
This was a strong follow up to Not Alone: The Contact Trilogy. I liked the direction that the story went in, and that it was a complete story albeit with a great lead into the next one in line.
That said, I was disappointed with the length of it, it felt a lot shorter than the three tales that preceded it, and I relished the length of those, it gave rise to some wonderful plot exploration and detail. At 500+ pages, this isn't short by any means, but after 2200+ words across the first trilogy, I was mentally expecting similar.
That said, I was disappointed with the length of it, it felt a lot shorter than the three tales that preceded it, and I relished the length of those, it gave rise to some wonderful plot exploration and detail. At 500+ pages, this isn't short by any means, but after 2200+ words across the first trilogy, I was mentally expecting similar.
June 28, 2020
To be honest after three books I was a bit skeptical on where the story was going and if Falconer was just cashing in on a popular series like so many authors do nowadays.
Put your worries and fears aside as this installment is just as good as the three previous ones and the story is simply amazing. There is so little to fault with this that it's not worth mentioning as it is so well thought out and written. So glad to have book 5 on hand to start immediately!
Put your worries and fears aside as this installment is just as good as the three previous ones and the story is simply amazing. There is so little to fault with this that it's not worth mentioning as it is so well thought out and written. So glad to have book 5 on hand to start immediately!
May 14, 2021
Great book!
Humanity already knows or is not alone since becoming aware of the Messengers. But a discovery in Turkey suddenly doubles our awareness of other species. The Messengers and Dan McCarthy, along with his friends now need to figure out what this means and whether or not it will impact the budding friendship between our two planets. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Humanity already knows or is not alone since becoming aware of the Messengers. But a discovery in Turkey suddenly doubles our awareness of other species. The Messengers and Dan McCarthy, along with his friends now need to figure out what this means and whether or not it will impact the budding friendship between our two planets. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 14, 2021
Even better than the 1st trilogy
This closer knit sharing of secrets within the nornal birchwood group cuts down on the media/ political driven story of the first series and I think is a bit better for it with some of the world leaders being a bit more toned down and more open in another alphabet agency of cooperation which seems a bit more relastic.
The best bit however is the cleverly opened facet of the messengers being opened up for everyone's revelation.
This closer knit sharing of secrets within the nornal birchwood group cuts down on the media/ political driven story of the first series and I think is a bit better for it with some of the world leaders being a bit more toned down and more open in another alphabet agency of cooperation which seems a bit more relastic.
The best bit however is the cleverly opened facet of the messengers being opened up for everyone's revelation.
August 21, 2021
A new trilogy, and it is even better. Craig has built upon the first trilogy, expanding the experiences and bringing surprising revelations to the readers. The suspense he builds is all absorbing. So many surprises!
Craig has an astonishing understanding of human nature, politics, and the extremes those in power will go to in order to keep that power. My mind is continually blown away by his observations, made through the characters and their circumstances and choices.
Craig has an astonishing understanding of human nature, politics, and the extremes those in power will go to in order to keep that power. My mind is continually blown away by his observations, made through the characters and their circumstances and choices.
February 10, 2020
The saga continues!
After four books in the "Not Alone" journey, I've enjoyed how the story unfolds. I like that I care about what happens to those in the story. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the author had picked up where the trilogy left off. I can't wait for the next book release!
After four books in the "Not Alone" journey, I've enjoyed how the story unfolds. I like that I care about what happens to those in the story. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the author had picked up where the trilogy left off. I can't wait for the next book release!
February 24, 2020
Astonishing!!!
When I was eleven years old, I found "The Hobbit" and, this " Lord of the Rings. " It expanded my sight and strengthened my morals , leading me through life. Fifty-nine years later, this series of "Not Alone" is now woven into my own wisdom and TOTALLY BLEW MY MIND!!!!!
When I was eleven years old, I found "The Hobbit" and, this " Lord of the Rings. " It expanded my sight and strengthened my morals , leading me through life. Fifty-nine years later, this series of "Not Alone" is now woven into my own wisdom and TOTALLY BLEW MY MIND!!!!!
June 7, 2020
Another great book in the series!
Craig Falconer has done it again. Written a good sequel to his trilogy!! I enjoyed this book immensely. There are a lot of twists and turns and unexpected plots! Keep me reading it as fast as I could! Great series, looking forward to the next book!!
Craig Falconer has done it again. Written a good sequel to his trilogy!! I enjoyed this book immensely. There are a lot of twists and turns and unexpected plots! Keep me reading it as fast as I could! Great series, looking forward to the next book!!
August 24, 2021
Moving Forward
It's a lot better paced than the previous book, and contains some fascinating twists. As always the main cast of characters are understandable, relatable but most definitely heroes.
The backdrop of Colorado is wonderful and the aliens are both very human and very alien.
Very much looking forward to the next one.
It's a lot better paced than the previous book, and contains some fascinating twists. As always the main cast of characters are understandable, relatable but most definitely heroes.
The backdrop of Colorado is wonderful and the aliens are both very human and very alien.
Very much looking forward to the next one.
January 29, 2025
I LOVE THESE BOOKS!
First of all, I meant to use capitals in the title because I really like this series. I can't wait to start the next book and see where it takes me. Emma, Dan and Pipper have been a great family that I feel I know cuz I have basically grown up with them from their first meeting. Keep 'um comin'.
First of all, I meant to use capitals in the title because I really like this series. I can't wait to start the next book and see where it takes me. Emma, Dan and Pipper have been a great family that I feel I know cuz I have basically grown up with them from their first meeting. Keep 'um comin'.
January 7, 2020
Best Read
The Not Alone Fractured Union was probably the best reads ever for me , I started reading and got so obscure I found it so difficult to put it to one side so I could go to bed for some rest. So get the whole series and you will not be disappointed.
The Not Alone Fractured Union was probably the best reads ever for me , I started reading and got so obscure I found it so difficult to put it to one side so I could go to bed for some rest. So get the whole series and you will not be disappointed.
January 8, 2020
Worth reading!
I have enjoyed this concept of alien life. Unexpected twists kept me reading to find out what will happen next. I have not been does and invite others to take the journey.
I have enjoyed this concept of alien life. Unexpected twists kept me reading to find out what will happen next. I have not been does and invite others to take the journey.
January 19, 2020
Too political
Sorry, I stopped reading this one less than half way thru. Although 8 enjoyed the other two books, now everything is so political it’s just not interesting for me anymore. Perhaps I may reread this one in the future.
Sorry, I stopped reading this one less than half way thru. Although 8 enjoyed the other two books, now everything is so political it’s just not interesting for me anymore. Perhaps I may reread this one in the future.
January 30, 2020
Fractured but not broken
Loved this book and the continuing story of not being alone. I am fascinated by how this story seems to go hand in hand with Ancient Astronaut theorists. So come and join us as we communicate and travel with aliens from another planet.
Loved this book and the continuing story of not being alone. I am fascinated by how this story seems to go hand in hand with Ancient Astronaut theorists. So come and join us as we communicate and travel with aliens from another planet.
February 6, 2020
Very engaging story with characters you want to know
Very engaging story with characters you want to know. The multiple layers of hoax and truth kept me reading and wanting to know more.
Very engaging story with characters you want to know. The multiple layers of hoax and truth kept me reading and wanting to know more.
February 10, 2020
Great series!
I have really enjoyed reading these books and look forward to the next 2. These have gone beyond the usual plots that other series have. Please read starting with book 1.
I have really enjoyed reading these books and look forward to the next 2. These have gone beyond the usual plots that other series have. Please read starting with book 1.
February 14, 2020
New territory opened for exploration and discovery. Great reading awaits.
I enjoyed this latest book in the series and can hardly wait for the next. It appears the story is just starting
I enjoyed this latest book in the series and can hardly wait for the next. It appears the story is just starting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews