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Fair Trade: An Alien Invasion Story
Most of my writing is in a series people seem to enjoy but there is a constant small crowd who I'd really like your take on an alien invasion story. Well this is for them. The bulk of the aliens come to Earth stories assume their vast superiority, sometimes invincibility. Sometimes they suddenly appear on the white house lawn dictating terms. I have yet to see one with them appearing at the Kremlin or Canberra which seems rather parochial. Other times they are so advanced they quarantine the Earth or Solar System without discussion because we are such barbarian slime-balls. They may alternately be impossible to talk to and attack without mercy. All these assume they come with a plan and the means to carry it out. Our own age of exploration showed things happen much less orderly. Islands and natives were happened upon while seeking someplace else or even because a storm or miscalculation left the ship lost. In that case there is no plan but survival with the assets at hand. As with any game remember that turnabout is fair play.
- GenresScience FictionAliens
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2021
241 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Mackey Chandler
35 books219 followersMackey (Mac') Chandler is retired to Rochester Michigan from a working life that spanned a large number of occupations. Mold maker, aerospace machinist, plumber, mechanic and dozen more as well as owning several businesses. This life experience and travel show in the depth and variety of his writing.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 13, 2022
Very good!
May 16, 2022
An interesting fun read about alien contact! Slow moving story line!
December 26, 2021
Chandler, Mackey. Fair Trade: An Alien Invasion Story. Kindle, 2021.
In a recent blog, Nathan Lowell pointed out that easy independent publishing on Internet platforms has shown that there are substantial audiences for authors whose work would have a hard time finding an agent and would likely never be picked up by dead-tree publishers with editorial departments and advertising budgets. Mackey Chandler’s science fiction is a case in point. Before Fair Trade, he had already published 18 novels in two ongoing series. He is not a world-class writer, but he does tell entertaining stories set in future worlds that are more nuanced than one might expect. His stories might have found their way into pulp magazines or fanzines in the mid-twentieth century, but without the Internet there would be no place for them in a publishing world dominated by six companies and a decreasing number of brick-and-mortar bookstores. But I am happy to read them at a price that does not break my bank. In Fair Trade, a starship enters our near-future solar system with serious mechanical problems. They have only met two other space-faring races, neither of whom are friendly. When their exploratory drone is shot down, they don’t expect much better from humans. Earth’s many governments view them with suspicion but recognize the advantages they might gain if they could acquire some alien technology. Some of their technology is indeed superior to human stuff, but some of it isn’t. Duncan injects wry humor as we watch both sides misinterpret each other’s culture. Most Earth governments would like a monopoly on the aliens, but such secrets are hard to keep. The story develops around three alien-human encounters: one with a retired black-ops soldier in Alaska who provides them with some good security advice, another with a car dealer in Florida who protects them from a gator attack, and a third with an 80-year-old amateur astronomer who shares his discovery with amateur astronomer around the world. It is just the kind of story I would have been happy to read in a copy of Galaxy in my long-ago youth. 3.5 stars, and I look forward to the next volume.
In a recent blog, Nathan Lowell pointed out that easy independent publishing on Internet platforms has shown that there are substantial audiences for authors whose work would have a hard time finding an agent and would likely never be picked up by dead-tree publishers with editorial departments and advertising budgets. Mackey Chandler’s science fiction is a case in point. Before Fair Trade, he had already published 18 novels in two ongoing series. He is not a world-class writer, but he does tell entertaining stories set in future worlds that are more nuanced than one might expect. His stories might have found their way into pulp magazines or fanzines in the mid-twentieth century, but without the Internet there would be no place for them in a publishing world dominated by six companies and a decreasing number of brick-and-mortar bookstores. But I am happy to read them at a price that does not break my bank. In Fair Trade, a starship enters our near-future solar system with serious mechanical problems. They have only met two other space-faring races, neither of whom are friendly. When their exploratory drone is shot down, they don’t expect much better from humans. Earth’s many governments view them with suspicion but recognize the advantages they might gain if they could acquire some alien technology. Some of their technology is indeed superior to human stuff, but some of it isn’t. Duncan injects wry humor as we watch both sides misinterpret each other’s culture. Most Earth governments would like a monopoly on the aliens, but such secrets are hard to keep. The story develops around three alien-human encounters: one with a retired black-ops soldier in Alaska who provides them with some good security advice, another with a car dealer in Florida who protects them from a gator attack, and a third with an 80-year-old amateur astronomer who shares his discovery with amateur astronomer around the world. It is just the kind of story I would have been happy to read in a copy of Galaxy in my long-ago youth. 3.5 stars, and I look forward to the next volume.
January 19, 2022
I've enjoyed some of the author's main series works in the past but had drifted away from the subsequent titles for various reasons but mainly due to not liking where he was taking the plot. This novel which is completely independent of his prior books however gave me a new chance to enjoy his work.
And the magic worked again for me. The author writes well and in an enjoyable so getting back on the horse metaphorically was quite an enjoyable ride. This tale of a ship full of aliens who accidentally end up in the solar system of the "Crazy" human race is full of light and dark, humour and dark deed, calm and violence. for once the aliens are not ravening invaders, but a group of souls who just want to get home. I also liked the way the aliens weren't totally superior in technology, how human and alien technologies had taken different paths making our tech better than theirs in some areas (lasers, electronics, atom bombs), while theirs in better in others (star drives, fusion power, anti-gravity).
It is fun to read how humans and aliens grow together with time, make friends and enemies. It is shown the galaxy is not a friendly place, however, the aliens wonder if it's right to let the uber predator that is the human race out to the stars.
It was an enjoyable romp and nice to enjoy this author again. the tale while complete leaves enough open-ended to produce a sequel if the author wants.
And the magic worked again for me. The author writes well and in an enjoyable so getting back on the horse metaphorically was quite an enjoyable ride. This tale of a ship full of aliens who accidentally end up in the solar system of the "Crazy" human race is full of light and dark, humour and dark deed, calm and violence. for once the aliens are not ravening invaders, but a group of souls who just want to get home. I also liked the way the aliens weren't totally superior in technology, how human and alien technologies had taken different paths making our tech better than theirs in some areas (lasers, electronics, atom bombs), while theirs in better in others (star drives, fusion power, anti-gravity).
It is fun to read how humans and aliens grow together with time, make friends and enemies. It is shown the galaxy is not a friendly place, however, the aliens wonder if it's right to let the uber predator that is the human race out to the stars.
It was an enjoyable romp and nice to enjoy this author again. the tale while complete leaves enough open-ended to produce a sequel if the author wants.
August 12, 2022
Not a typical invasion story. Many of the scenes are from the point of view of the aliens and often humorous. There’s a lot of culture clash, confusion, and trying to duck government bureaucracy or clashes between different government agencies. I found many scenes humorous. This is the first of a new series completely unrelated to the author’s other books; although a few items from those other books were mentioned such as the mouse flu, there is no way for the timelines to mesh.
Definitely worth rereading.
Definitely worth rereading.
January 9, 2022
Refreshing!
I read a lot. Mostly SCFI. I am older and retired. Very few books that have aliens first contact with earth
have friendly aliens. That's why I liked this one. Yep the author had humans that were friends with them and respect. Also quite the opposite. The characters
are great. I thank the author for?
a good read. I await the next book!
I read a lot. Mostly SCFI. I am older and retired. Very few books that have aliens first contact with earth
have friendly aliens. That's why I liked this one. Yep the author had humans that were friends with them and respect. Also quite the opposite. The characters
are great. I thank the author for?
a good read. I await the next book!
October 30, 2021
A little better than my rating
The story was unlikely but interesting.
The writing s&%$#d.
Average it out at a 3.
If you prefer concept over competence, it might be better than that.
The story was unlikely but interesting.
The writing s&%$#d.
Average it out at a 3.
If you prefer concept over competence, it might be better than that.
October 14, 2021
Interesting take on first contact
This book is an interesting take on first contact. Some of the political orientations are laughably accurate or I would imagine so. Especially the US though they would lighten up later at the behest of the corporate world. No way The corporate world wanna lower politicians and military to restrict them from access to that kind of technology forever. That said the Chinese pride is probably the most accurate. They will wait and aggressively try to steal the Tech. No bowing to(perceived) inferiors for wanted tech just take it. This book however is very slow and not very action packed.Not entirely sure who is considered the MC. That said i dont like Keeping Jed out of the loop. After all he's done for them and will in future he should be in on policy decisions. Is abilities seem understated from his career description and certainly not demonstrated to a heavy ° but he's obviously Very knowledgeable and intelligent. He has thrown in with them and put his life/career/safety one the line to help and the put him on the fence. Surely not much of a reward for doing the right thing. Though i enjoyed the book its pace draged like watching drip coffee... Drip. Hopefully a second book will pick up the pace a bit.
This book is an interesting take on first contact. Some of the political orientations are laughably accurate or I would imagine so. Especially the US though they would lighten up later at the behest of the corporate world. No way The corporate world wanna lower politicians and military to restrict them from access to that kind of technology forever. That said the Chinese pride is probably the most accurate. They will wait and aggressively try to steal the Tech. No bowing to(perceived) inferiors for wanted tech just take it. This book however is very slow and not very action packed.Not entirely sure who is considered the MC. That said i dont like Keeping Jed out of the loop. After all he's done for them and will in future he should be in on policy decisions. Is abilities seem understated from his career description and certainly not demonstrated to a heavy ° but he's obviously Very knowledgeable and intelligent. He has thrown in with them and put his life/career/safety one the line to help and the put him on the fence. Surely not much of a reward for doing the right thing. Though i enjoyed the book its pace draged like watching drip coffee... Drip. Hopefully a second book will pick up the pace a bit.
October 26, 2021
Interesting Take On ‘First Contact’ Thwarted By Author’s ‘Wokeness’ & Writing
“Fair Trade: An Alien Invasion Story” had an interesting and oft times humorous take on ‘First Contact’ by humans in a near future — a few decades hence.
The author’s non-subtle ‘wokeness,’ formulaic plotline devices including a couple of super-duper military special operators (a la “Jason Bourne”) so prevalent in much of the contemporary SciFi genre, and the awkward, stilted & obtuse writing style all combined to seriously damaged what otherwise was a worthy story concept.
Toss-up between a 3 or 2 star for this reader.
“Fair Trade” was fully read via Kindle Unlimited, and has a neutral recommendation.
“Fair Trade: An Alien Invasion Story” had an interesting and oft times humorous take on ‘First Contact’ by humans in a near future — a few decades hence.
The author’s non-subtle ‘wokeness,’ formulaic plotline devices including a couple of super-duper military special operators (a la “Jason Bourne”) so prevalent in much of the contemporary SciFi genre, and the awkward, stilted & obtuse writing style all combined to seriously damaged what otherwise was a worthy story concept.
Toss-up between a 3 or 2 star for this reader.
“Fair Trade” was fully read via Kindle Unlimited, and has a neutral recommendation.
October 2, 2021
a bit less trading than I hoped
But a fun tale, nevertheless.
All of your favorite ‘humans are weird’ tropes make appearances early on, but some deeper examinations recur throughout. Most scenes focused on command level and executive decisions, with only a few moments of common level activity. Thus it is not so much about ‘trade’ as in buying and selling, as ‘trade’ meaning the balance of power in global commerce.
Some readers may be put off by the strongly libertarian politics. YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary).
I would only be interested in a sequel because I enjoy the Author’s work. I don’t really feel this *needs* a sequel.
But a fun tale, nevertheless.
All of your favorite ‘humans are weird’ tropes make appearances early on, but some deeper examinations recur throughout. Most scenes focused on command level and executive decisions, with only a few moments of common level activity. Thus it is not so much about ‘trade’ as in buying and selling, as ‘trade’ meaning the balance of power in global commerce.
Some readers may be put off by the strongly libertarian politics. YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary).
I would only be interested in a sequel because I enjoy the Author’s work. I don’t really feel this *needs* a sequel.
October 26, 2021
Not your average invasion story - this is MUCH better!
Forget any invasion story you have ever read. Chandler has come up with a unique twist that that will delight you. The invaders are lost and have a severely damaged Star Drive which needs to be torn down and rebuilt. Earth is the only place where they may find resources to repair their ship. The trouble is, they quickly find out that the inmates of the asylum known as Earth seem to be in charge. Chandler has written the best invasion book I have ever come across. His character development is marvelous, especially with the Aliens. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
One question though: Will there be a sequel?
Forget any invasion story you have ever read. Chandler has come up with a unique twist that that will delight you. The invaders are lost and have a severely damaged Star Drive which needs to be torn down and rebuilt. Earth is the only place where they may find resources to repair their ship. The trouble is, they quickly find out that the inmates of the asylum known as Earth seem to be in charge. Chandler has written the best invasion book I have ever come across. His character development is marvelous, especially with the Aliens. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
One question though: Will there be a sequel?
October 31, 2021
Saw this and it piqued my interest enough to give it a go. It's also something that falls outside my existing tags. Not sure if I'll fix that or not, but if I get two like this I certainly will. Interesting take on first contact and a good read over all. I did find the extended expositions on various things interesting, but they did get long and relatively info-dense sometimes.
It gets a 4 because it's good and competently written, but lacks that extra edge, zing, je ne sais quoi which would give it the 5th star. One other point of interest, it's yet another book written by an American that really paints the American government as a deep-state swamp of corruption.
It gets a 4 because it's good and competently written, but lacks that extra edge, zing, je ne sais quoi which would give it the 5th star. One other point of interest, it's yet another book written by an American that really paints the American government as a deep-state swamp of corruption.
May 8, 2022
The first half is gold, character development, first contact, cultural surprises, dialogue, all as good as it gets. That part is very good. First contact stories hold a mirror up to us and this one does that with a vengeance. The second half though, with technology, politics, conflict and subterfuge drags a little and is dense with explanatory dialogue. I know many, if not most, will feel the opposite about the halves and enjoy the latter part more. It's certainly not as predictable as most and I did like the ending bringing it above 4 stars but not enough to round up alas. The few laugh out loud moments (every alien invasion story need some) were very funny.
October 3, 2021
Chandler hits another home run
This is the story of the People coming to Earth. They find in short order that humans are not far behind them technically, in fact in many ways we have them beat. Good thing we're both relatively peaceful, right? Peaceful right up until the enemy of the People, the Tigers, show up in our skies...and we decimate them...
Humans are corrupting the People culturally, monetarily, and technologically...its a fun ride.
This is the story of the People coming to Earth. They find in short order that humans are not far behind them technically, in fact in many ways we have them beat. Good thing we're both relatively peaceful, right? Peaceful right up until the enemy of the People, the Tigers, show up in our skies...and we decimate them...
Humans are corrupting the People culturally, monetarily, and technologically...its a fun ride.
November 21, 2021
An interesting take on technology differences
The aliens arrived and are clearly more advanced than us, right?
Well, yes and no... And the differences are as illuminating as you might expect.
The author does a fair job of controlling his libertarian orientation, but doesn't let that get in the way of making some pretty serious (and valid) observations about government agencies.
Also, semi retired super spies!!
The aliens arrived and are clearly more advanced than us, right?
Well, yes and no... And the differences are as illuminating as you might expect.
The author does a fair job of controlling his libertarian orientation, but doesn't let that get in the way of making some pretty serious (and valid) observations about government agencies.
Also, semi retired super spies!!
March 18, 2022
I DNF'd at 91%. This book has great promise and was a gripping read for the first 50%. But, it's got noticable issues a good copy editor couple help - quotes that continue when they should stop, uncapitalized character names, exposition in characters 'thoughts', etc. And then it dragged and took a weird jump around 85% and I just had to stop. I enjoyed the first 2/3rd and super skimmed the last 10%.
October 15, 2024
Love all the books
Chandler is great at creating new possibilities, a wonderful imagination . Sense of humor and human weakness are always part of his words. Books are not too long and I have kept reading, even the April series that is 14 books long. Big on guns and independent characters, not hesitant to kill. Even if Texas mind is not your thing, you will love all his books.
Chandler is great at creating new possibilities, a wonderful imagination . Sense of humor and human weakness are always part of his words. Books are not too long and I have kept reading, even the April series that is 14 books long. Big on guns and independent characters, not hesitant to kill. Even if Texas mind is not your thing, you will love all his books.
October 3, 2021
👍👍👍👍
The title of this review will be apparent if you read the book. I absolutely enjoyed every page! The concept is original (as far as I know) and compelling. I could see first contact playing out somewhat like this.
I hope this story continues, there are lots of places to go and People to see.
The title of this review will be apparent if you read the book. I absolutely enjoyed every page! The concept is original (as far as I know) and compelling. I could see first contact playing out somewhat like this.
I hope this story continues, there are lots of places to go and People to see.
October 4, 2021
Wowed
This story of a retired black ops
guy chilling in Alaska when some Aliens drop by his cabin to restock was Fantastic. After he runs away from the government and cash in his video of them, he joins them as a security consultant.
A great story teller writes great stories.
This story of a retired black ops
guy chilling in Alaska when some Aliens drop by his cabin to restock was Fantastic. After he runs away from the government and cash in his video of them, he joins them as a security consultant.
A great story teller writes great stories.
October 6, 2021
What If?
I've enjoyed all of Mr Chandler is books, some more then once. This one is both thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. The aliens aren't to alien and the world is portrayed in a very realistic way. Thank God for Jed and Bernard. It's been a while since I've given a 5 star review but this one is well deserved.
I've enjoyed all of Mr Chandler is books, some more then once. This one is both thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. The aliens aren't to alien and the world is portrayed in a very realistic way. Thank God for Jed and Bernard. It's been a while since I've given a 5 star review but this one is well deserved.
October 11, 2021
Shipwrecked, but not without resources.
And now for something just a bit different. This is quite entertaining, a chance to see the humorous side of what we are and how we live, and, at times, way too insightful of the obvious foolishness we pretend is neither obvious or foolish. Nicely done.
And now for something just a bit different. This is quite entertaining, a chance to see the humorous side of what we are and how we live, and, at times, way too insightful of the obvious foolishness we pretend is neither obvious or foolish. Nicely done.
October 12, 2021
Very good
A very good first coontact book. The politics are a bit simplified compared to the depressing reality but only a bit, and only to make it readable, the biology too but frankly this is one of the most realistic while also being entertaining books I have read. Hope this turns into a series.
A very good first coontact book. The politics are a bit simplified compared to the depressing reality but only a bit, and only to make it readable, the biology too but frankly this is one of the most realistic while also being entertaining books I have read. Hope this turns into a series.
October 22, 2021
Darn humans corrupting those slow to change Alien civilizations again!
I really enjoyed this. If you're a fan of David Gerald's books you might recognize a similar theme but it's definitely its own thing. I really hope this author writes another book or two in this Universe! I'd love to see it developed into a Trilogy or series
I really enjoyed this. If you're a fan of David Gerald's books you might recognize a similar theme but it's definitely its own thing. I really hope this author writes another book or two in this Universe! I'd love to see it developed into a Trilogy or series
October 30, 2021
A different kind of invasion tale
Fair Trade is an invasion story with an extra twist. Far from the fearful slavering BEMs the stranded travelers succeed in bringing earth into the stars.
It's a good read, there's even a second invasion by actual BEMs with a lot of help from several countries military might.
I had fun! Try it, you might like it.
Fair Trade is an invasion story with an extra twist. Far from the fearful slavering BEMs the stranded travelers succeed in bringing earth into the stars.
It's a good read, there's even a second invasion by actual BEMs with a lot of help from several countries military might.
I had fun! Try it, you might like it.
January 7, 2022
Very different take on an alien invasion story that was a quick read and kept my attention. Oddly, the writing and plot seemed to come from a different (older) era though the references were up-to-date and I expected to see that the story was originally written decades ago, not September 2021. Still, an enjoyable read that makes me want to pick up other stories by Mackey Chandler.
January 16, 2022
I tried to like it
I made it through about 60% of the book. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. It never did. It reads like a documentary on how to assimilate an alien culture to our planet. Dry and somewhat pedantic regarding minutia detailing all the steps required for a fair assimilation.
I made it through about 60% of the book. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen. It never did. It reads like a documentary on how to assimilate an alien culture to our planet. Dry and somewhat pedantic regarding minutia detailing all the steps required for a fair assimilation.
February 9, 2022
DNF
I am tired of two things in this book.
1. European authors deciding that the U.S. has to default to their measurement system. We use knots, miles and feet. That isn't going to change. Deal with it.
2. Authors who hate America and love socialism using their books as a platform to tell everyone how bad America is.
This author went on my 'do not read' list.
I am tired of two things in this book.
1. European authors deciding that the U.S. has to default to their measurement system. We use knots, miles and feet. That isn't going to change. Deal with it.
2. Authors who hate America and love socialism using their books as a platform to tell everyone how bad America is.
This author went on my 'do not read' list.
April 5, 2022
Excellent adventure!
A fascinating take on alien.
.. invasion?
A ship from another planet is stuck here on earth, and this book details the developing relationship between aliens and earthmen, from space battles to treaties and finance and politics. Never boring, extremely well written, it is a must read!
A fascinating take on alien.
.. invasion?
A ship from another planet is stuck here on earth, and this book details the developing relationship between aliens and earthmen, from space battles to treaties and finance and politics. Never boring, extremely well written, it is a must read!
January 16, 2023
unbelievably funny, and probably true.
From the. Monitoring of air traffic, to the careful countermeasures of managing US interference, this book does it all. Believable characters, great commentary and a knowledge of the human behavior lead to a fantastic and funny tale of new relationships. Well worth the read.
From the. Monitoring of air traffic, to the careful countermeasures of managing US interference, this book does it all. Believable characters, great commentary and a knowledge of the human behavior lead to a fantastic and funny tale of new relationships. Well worth the read.
September 26, 2021
A Great First Contact Book
I very much enjoyed this book, as I do most books by Mackey Chandler. The characters were engaging and it was interesting to see a literal alien viewpoint. I hope there is a sequel or spin off to enjoy in the future.
I very much enjoyed this book, as I do most books by Mackey Chandler. The characters were engaging and it was interesting to see a literal alien viewpoint. I hope there is a sequel or spin off to enjoy in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews