900 years ago, we launched the probes, hoping to find the light of intelligence in the vast dark. They were never heard from again.
As humanity’s star-colonies struggle to emerge from a long dark age, the probes are all but forgotten.
Now a message from one of them offers bright hope … or will it lead to a new darkness?
In the year 3014, the fledgling Confederation of Colonies must overcome one last barrier to unity: the centuries-old scourge of the pirate factions.
The crew of the starship Assured are in the midst of fighting the final pocket of pirate resistance on the verges of human-explored space when the battle is interrupted by a deep space transmission from a long-lost probe.
With the confirmation that aliens are building their own space-faring civilization 260 lightyears away, the human race’s petty brawling seems suddenly insignificant.
Humanity’s neighbors have extended an invitation. Assured is tasked with meeting them. Only one question remains …
An enjoyable read with great characters. Unfortunately the third act was marred by a Hollywood-level portrayal of science and technology. But the plot has me interested for more.
If you love space operas, expansive universes, and high stakes, then you should pick up Third Contact by Peter J. Aldin. Personally, I'm a sucker for a good space opera, so I couldn't resist when offered to read and review this gem!
The year is 3014, and humanity is still at war. More accurately, the Confederation of Colonies is at war. However, they are a unified front against pirates and other resistors, who want nothing more than to take everything they have worked so hard for. However, a new arrival will quickly put pirates in the back of their minds...
Wow! Third Contact was such a fun read. Science fiction is always at its best (in my opinion) when it has strong characters driving the plot. That is precisely what is happening here, giving readers plenty of reasons to be invested in the story.
Third Contact is split into three acts (I adore the irony/planning here, given the title). I think I enjoyed the first two acts more, though the third served a specific purpose, which it did well! I'm looking forward to reading more by Peter J. Aldin, especially if it is similar to this.
"Third Contact" is a great story filled with imagination, round, well-developed characters, and a high level of action. I am already well into the sequel which continues in much the same excellent pattern. Scoot over Star Wars!
An enthralling story from the first words. Most sci-fi show aliens as bland, two-dimensional beings and not allowing us to see through their eyes. Aldin provides us an insight into the perspective of the aliens (as much as any human can) so we can get a better understanding of why they do what they do. I found all the characters were believable and well-written, running the gamut of many human emotions and personal qualities (both good and bad).