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Escaping First Contact
At the far edge of cultivated space, a derelict ship rests. Ten times larger than the biggest Terran dreadnaught, the ship is not recognized by any of the five species tenuously coexisting in the galaxy.
Small crews are sent to investigate. What they find is a trap.
Once in the metal labyrinth’s clutches, it is clear the unlikely allies will not escape unless they can work together as a team. Unfortunately, trust and cooperation are entirely out of the question.
An immersive tale of escape and comradery, Escaping First Contact brings together an unforgettable cast of characters, richly detailed alien cultures, deft humour, and explosive action.
"Fantastic world building, believable aliens and lots of snappy action. T.S. Beier is on her way up!"
- S.D. Perry, author of Aliens vs. Predator: Prey, Aliens vs. Predator: War, and the Resident Evil novel series.
Small crews are sent to investigate. What they find is a trap.
Once in the metal labyrinth’s clutches, it is clear the unlikely allies will not escape unless they can work together as a team. Unfortunately, trust and cooperation are entirely out of the question.
An immersive tale of escape and comradery, Escaping First Contact brings together an unforgettable cast of characters, richly detailed alien cultures, deft humour, and explosive action.
"Fantastic world building, believable aliens and lots of snappy action. T.S. Beier is on her way up!"
- S.D. Perry, author of Aliens vs. Predator: Prey, Aliens vs. Predator: War, and the Resident Evil novel series.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
8 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Beier
4 books19 followersT.S. Beier is a science fiction aficionado. Her first published novel, What Branches Grow, is her love letter to the post-apocalyptic genre. It was also the focus of her Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing. On top of her grad certificate, T.S. has a B.A. in English, a Certificate in Publishing, and a Certificate in Interior Decorating.
Her second release, The Burnt Ship Trilogy, is a space opera featuring richly-detailed alien cultures, explosive action, and fun banter.
T.S. lives in Ontario, Canada, with her partner, feral children, and two dogs. She loves ghost towns and the ruins of industry.
Her second release, The Burnt Ship Trilogy, is a space opera featuring richly-detailed alien cultures, explosive action, and fun banter.
T.S. lives in Ontario, Canada, with her partner, feral children, and two dogs. She loves ghost towns and the ruins of industry.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 15, 2021
3.5 Stars… Finally, a book where the aliens are actually… alien.
I enjoyed the uniqueness of this non-Earth centric sci fi novel. It was refreshing to have so much of the story told from the perspective of the different aliens who do not necessarily hold the same beliefs as humans. Along those lines, the author brought in an authentic conversation of diversity by showcasing the diversity of alien races, who all held different social, political, and gender norms. So often I see science fiction place human values on other species so it was great to see an author take the opposite approach.
In terms of the plot, the story was honestly different than what I expected from the synopsis. I expected more sci fi horror, but instead the story felt more like a "slice of life" in the vein of The Wayfarer series by Becky Chambers. This novel was simply more character driven, than suspense driven. The focus was on the aliens and the inter species interactions more than the external conflict.
While not what I initially expected, I still appreciated a lot about this one. I would recommend it to readers looking for a diverse alien adventure.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the author.
I enjoyed the uniqueness of this non-Earth centric sci fi novel. It was refreshing to have so much of the story told from the perspective of the different aliens who do not necessarily hold the same beliefs as humans. Along those lines, the author brought in an authentic conversation of diversity by showcasing the diversity of alien races, who all held different social, political, and gender norms. So often I see science fiction place human values on other species so it was great to see an author take the opposite approach.
In terms of the plot, the story was honestly different than what I expected from the synopsis. I expected more sci fi horror, but instead the story felt more like a "slice of life" in the vein of The Wayfarer series by Becky Chambers. This novel was simply more character driven, than suspense driven. The focus was on the aliens and the inter species interactions more than the external conflict.
While not what I initially expected, I still appreciated a lot about this one. I would recommend it to readers looking for a diverse alien adventure.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the author.
May 5, 2022
3.5 round up to 4
Escaping First Contact is a multi pov space opera. It is the book one of The Burnt Ship Trilogy. We have multiple different species that are now trapped together inside this monster of ship they have named "Misery". Not all of these "people" are friendly at first as for some their species have been at war with each other for sometime. Which is something that has to be forgotten if they are to all work together to escape.
I enjoyed the uniqueness of the characters, and that this novel was very much a "slice of life" in space. Like a said this is a multi pov story and with each chapter being a different member of the "crew" we get to learn the different cultures of each "person". Why they happened to be in the area that they were when they had been captured. Secrets that they have not shared to others and how they reproduce. Yes these alien races all seem to have a fascination with sex, prehaps I should say that Stares has a fascination with sex. All while trying to find their way out of this ship. The confusing part for our cast of characters is why are they there. They still have their weapons. Who ever as taken them is not friendly and seem to be trying with them.
I have grown to like these interesting varying alien races and I hope to read the second book at some point as well as the authors other works. As this was well written, held my attention and I liked it.
If you like Becky Chambers chances are you will also enjoy this trilogy or rather this first book as I have not read the others.
Originally posted on I Can Has Books as part of the book tour.
Escaping First Contact is a multi pov space opera. It is the book one of The Burnt Ship Trilogy. We have multiple different species that are now trapped together inside this monster of ship they have named "Misery". Not all of these "people" are friendly at first as for some their species have been at war with each other for sometime. Which is something that has to be forgotten if they are to all work together to escape.
I enjoyed the uniqueness of the characters, and that this novel was very much a "slice of life" in space. Like a said this is a multi pov story and with each chapter being a different member of the "crew" we get to learn the different cultures of each "person". Why they happened to be in the area that they were when they had been captured. Secrets that they have not shared to others and how they reproduce. Yes these alien races all seem to have a fascination with sex, prehaps I should say that Stares has a fascination with sex. All while trying to find their way out of this ship. The confusing part for our cast of characters is why are they there. They still have their weapons. Who ever as taken them is not friendly and seem to be trying with them.
I have grown to like these interesting varying alien races and I hope to read the second book at some point as well as the authors other works. As this was well written, held my attention and I liked it.
If you like Becky Chambers chances are you will also enjoy this trilogy or rather this first book as I have not read the others.
Originally posted on I Can Has Books as part of the book tour.
April 27, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5
October 8, 2021
Phenomenal sci fi adventure
The world building and aliens are incredible and fascinating, the story is great, and the characters are fantastic. Really bad things happen, but there is laugh-out-loud humor and kindness. I'm not a fan of horror, and I was pleased the story had only minor horror elements, although Hynd's experiences were definitely horrific. The team's willingness to overcome bigotry and misconceptions was well written and believable. Escaping is exactly the kind of sci fi book I want to read. I'm so glad book 2 will bring the team together again, because Stares is hilarious.
The world building and aliens are incredible and fascinating, the story is great, and the characters are fantastic. Really bad things happen, but there is laugh-out-loud humor and kindness. I'm not a fan of horror, and I was pleased the story had only minor horror elements, although Hynd's experiences were definitely horrific. The team's willingness to overcome bigotry and misconceptions was well written and believable. Escaping is exactly the kind of sci fi book I want to read. I'm so glad book 2 will bring the team together again, because Stares is hilarious.
August 9, 2024
This one was a fun adventure! I was going into it expecting some ominous, creepy spaceship to be explored and you did get that but not in the way you would expect. It had a rag tag group of species all put together to go on this mission to investigate the ship and I really enjoyed seeing the different relationships build with these characters. I think I have some favorites but don't want to claim them as that just yet since I will be reading the rest of the series and things might change. It gave me Firefly mixed with Event Horizon vibes. Will definitely be reading more to see what happens next in this series.
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September 21, 2021This review is from the author!
I hope you enjoy this fun and exciting space opera!
It’s inspired by newer classic sci-fi, for example, Alan Dean Foster’s Commonwealth novels, Tanya Huff’s Confederation series, and the Aliens vs. Predator 90s novels, as well as movies like Event Horizon and Alien. It has a touch of military sci-fi (space marines!) and though the alien species are already co-existing (albeit tenuously) the story has many “first contact” elements, such as aliens learning about one another’s cultures and biology. I hope you enjoy the five alien species I have created, as I put a lot of effort into their physiology and social structures. In truth, it was a lot of fun!
The novel has a smattering of forbidden romance, a dash of horror, and I’m a big proponent of diversity, so you’ll find a cosmopolitan cast of characters on a galactic scale. The novel also came out with a lot more humour than I was expecting, so even if we don’t share the same type, I hope it’ll still make you smile.
Unlike my other novel, What Branches Grow, this book is a far lighter in tone, and I’d rate it 14+ for language, sexual situations, and violence. It's part one of a trilogy but does not end on a cliffhanger.
I hope you enjoy it and if so, please use the hashtags #EscapingFirstContact #NostromoPublications and #TheBurntShipTrilogy if you’re going to post on Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, or Twitter. And feel free to tag me directly too @TSBeier
I hope you enjoy this fun and exciting space opera!
It’s inspired by newer classic sci-fi, for example, Alan Dean Foster’s Commonwealth novels, Tanya Huff’s Confederation series, and the Aliens vs. Predator 90s novels, as well as movies like Event Horizon and Alien. It has a touch of military sci-fi (space marines!) and though the alien species are already co-existing (albeit tenuously) the story has many “first contact” elements, such as aliens learning about one another’s cultures and biology. I hope you enjoy the five alien species I have created, as I put a lot of effort into their physiology and social structures. In truth, it was a lot of fun!
The novel has a smattering of forbidden romance, a dash of horror, and I’m a big proponent of diversity, so you’ll find a cosmopolitan cast of characters on a galactic scale. The novel also came out with a lot more humour than I was expecting, so even if we don’t share the same type, I hope it’ll still make you smile.
Unlike my other novel, What Branches Grow, this book is a far lighter in tone, and I’d rate it 14+ for language, sexual situations, and violence. It's part one of a trilogy but does not end on a cliffhanger.
I hope you enjoy it and if so, please use the hashtags #EscapingFirstContact #NostromoPublications and #TheBurntShipTrilogy if you’re going to post on Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, or Twitter. And feel free to tag me directly too @TSBeier
December 28, 2021
Review to follow! This one was great, cannot wait for the sequel!
January 3, 2022
This was so much fun and totally not what I expected! While having plenty of moments that were dark and ominous as predicted based on the cover and synopsis, the dialog was hilarious and the erotic discussions on alien sex from both "so like how do you do this?" To cultural differences was superb! I am super ready to check out book two because these characters were quirky and relatable. Given that Becky chambers was one of my favorite authors last year this definitely felt in the same vein of content just with a bit more kick (in the 🍑). Would love to see these two authors have a chat over coffee.
The aliens were original and this will for sure be a breath of fresh air to some avid scifi readers. There were moments that satisfied my horror loving spirit without going too dark to keep the fun vibes. Definitely a fun time and will recommend to seasoned scifi lovers. Will be placing an order for book 2!
The aliens were original and this will for sure be a breath of fresh air to some avid scifi readers. There were moments that satisfied my horror loving spirit without going too dark to keep the fun vibes. Definitely a fun time and will recommend to seasoned scifi lovers. Will be placing an order for book 2!
January 21, 2022
Original and imaginative space sci-fi full of depth and immersion
Set in a detailed future of cultivated space filled with different species and cultures, T.S. Beier has built a world of depth and originality. These species, some alien and some more familiar to us collide as a diverse group find themselves trapped on a ship, it soon becomes apparent, that even though they might have differences, they will need to work together to survive and escape.
It is within those differences where the story contains power along with plenty of messages about understanding and cohesion while also being fun. Readers will get a lot of information throughout as the point of view changes which establishes a universe with plenty of depth. From the usage of new inventive language to describe certain species to the dialogue interactions – there’s a strange but fun sexual curiosity undertone between some providing a good balance of humour as these characters try to understand each other and navigate their way through a death trap environment and a ship they aptly name ‘Misery’. The whole chemistry between everyone is the real strength in this story.
“Get your weird xenophilia fantasies out of here, Rip!”
And this ship ‘Misery’ is an organic kind of Rubik’s cube full of mystery where threat and challenge lurks around every corner. Our heroes are placed in various scenarios as their journey progresses and just who is behind everything? You’ll have to read it to find out.
“They’re playing with us. The only reason you’re all alive is that they want you to be…”
Anyone who enjoys space sci-fi with plenty of detail and originality along with a message about different cultures working together will certainly enjoy this one!
Set in a detailed future of cultivated space filled with different species and cultures, T.S. Beier has built a world of depth and originality. These species, some alien and some more familiar to us collide as a diverse group find themselves trapped on a ship, it soon becomes apparent, that even though they might have differences, they will need to work together to survive and escape.
It is within those differences where the story contains power along with plenty of messages about understanding and cohesion while also being fun. Readers will get a lot of information throughout as the point of view changes which establishes a universe with plenty of depth. From the usage of new inventive language to describe certain species to the dialogue interactions – there’s a strange but fun sexual curiosity undertone between some providing a good balance of humour as these characters try to understand each other and navigate their way through a death trap environment and a ship they aptly name ‘Misery’. The whole chemistry between everyone is the real strength in this story.
“Get your weird xenophilia fantasies out of here, Rip!”
And this ship ‘Misery’ is an organic kind of Rubik’s cube full of mystery where threat and challenge lurks around every corner. Our heroes are placed in various scenarios as their journey progresses and just who is behind everything? You’ll have to read it to find out.
“They’re playing with us. The only reason you’re all alive is that they want you to be…”
Anyone who enjoys space sci-fi with plenty of detail and originality along with a message about different cultures working together will certainly enjoy this one!
March 16, 2022
This is outside of my typical genre and I still really enjoyed it! The plot was gripping and I found myself concerned for the characters, shocked by the situations they were facing and pulled into the narrative. I like that the characters had different cultures, beliefs and bodies that were discussed in a natural way that gave the characters depth and shows the author's creativity that makes this a cutting edge story.
May 10, 2022
Escaping First Contact by @tinasbeier is a detailed and imaginative, closed-circle sci-fi adventure that is perfect for folks who love character-driven stories. Escaping First Contactbrings together five wildly divergent alien species who have all converged on a mysterious ship in deep space only to find themselves trapped on said ship, forced to work together to survive. Banter filled with a touch of mystery, Escaping First Contact may not answer all of the questions of the universe created by TS Beier; however, it gives you a peek into a well-developed universe of cultures, language, technology and politics. I'm definitely glad the full trilogy is already released so I can continue on with this rag-tag cast of characters. Solid 3.5 star read for sure
Interested in picking up a quick, enjoyable sci-fi read? Escaping First Contact is currently available via Kindle Unlimited OR mybook.to/EscapingFirstContact
So glad to participate in the #escapingfirstcontact book tour and received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
Interested in picking up a quick, enjoyable sci-fi read? Escaping First Contact is currently available via Kindle Unlimited OR mybook.to/EscapingFirstContact
So glad to participate in the #escapingfirstcontact book tour and received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
February 8, 2022
not what I expected at all
A group of different pairs of aliens investigate a strange ship at the edge of the universe. The ships interior is a dangerous place to be but serious distrust and misinformation of each species abounds so working as a team to escape is going to be harder than expected.
I feel the author has a quite a bit of unresolved sexual issues and a slightly unhealthy obsession with porn. Will there be inter species special sex? Will have to read the next in trilogy to find out.
Other than the sexual tension this is an interesting read.
A group of different pairs of aliens investigate a strange ship at the edge of the universe. The ships interior is a dangerous place to be but serious distrust and misinformation of each species abounds so working as a team to escape is going to be harder than expected.
I feel the author has a quite a bit of unresolved sexual issues and a slightly unhealthy obsession with porn. Will there be inter species special sex? Will have to read the next in trilogy to find out.
Other than the sexual tension this is an interesting read.
February 18, 2022
I did not think I was a space opera sci-fi reader, but the more I read them, the more I fall in love with this genre. But with Escaping First Contact, I Really fell in love! This space opera has So much more depth than any other space, sci-fi book I've read recently. I love the character / alien interactions, the relationship and intimate conversations, and the overall labyrinth of a tale told within this book. I fell in love with the odd characters, as well as learning about them and their alien lifestyles. I'm excited to learn more in book two!
December 11, 2021
I really enjoyed the complexity of the world in this book. Everything was detailed and explained, without it evoking some kind of encyclopedic description. The journey through Misery was compelling, revealing something new about each character in every new location. I find myself intrigued by the relationships between the races, and I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!
November 9, 2022
I didn’t enjoy the writing of this at all.
January 6, 2023
Interspecies romance?
I have mixed feelings about parts of this book. It has good elements, it's entertaining enough. A bit stretched and convenient at times.
I have mixed feelings about parts of this book. It has good elements, it's entertaining enough. A bit stretched and convenient at times.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews