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First Contact

Win a free kindle copy of this book!

12 days and 13:37:35

100 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
Imagine humanity's reaction as a large asteroid exhibiting intelligent agency...an alien presence...comes into our solar system from interstellar space, goes into orbit around Earth, and then takes up residence in the human psyche!

Set in the near future, THING First Contact takes us on an epic adventure. Not just back in time to prehistoric France and through history to ancient Greece, but a journey through the human psyche to the point of our very own being embedded in the fabric of time.

Twenty-eight-year-old amateur astronomer Jason Hall holds the fate of humanity in his hands! Little does he realize until he finds himself on it, this thing from interstellar space he has been tracking. Now he must travel back in time to heal human destiny.

Will he ever see his dear, Becky, again? Does any of it matter when the THING goes into orbit around Earth and millions of humans fall victim to the Digital Catatonia, the mind virus? Western civilization hangs in the balance. Does Jason hold the key? Can he survive, or is it all up to Arkan, the alien in his mind….

426 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2022

70 people are currently reading
537 people want to read

About the author

Kendall Williams

3 books24 followers
About the author

Kendall Williams writes character-driven, speculative fiction that fuses dialogue and narrative with high adventure and deep philosophical inquiry from a quantum perspective, offering cosmic mystery and multi-dimensional intrigue within a science fiction framework. His books are not just stories; they are experiences that pull readers into the inescapable realities of the human condition faced with a first alien encounter, prompting us to question our humanity, human destiny, and time itself.

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Zane Abbott.
60 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2025
If you love sci-fi that challenges your perception of reality, THING: First Contact is an absolute must-read. Kendall Williams seamlessly weaves together history, politics, adventure, and deep philosophical questions to create a story that feels as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

At the heart of it all is Jason Hall—a regular guy who finds himself caught up in something far bigger than he ever imagined. Through his perspective, we experience an unconventional first contact scenario, one that isn’t just about aliens visiting Earth, but about how their presence upends everything we thought we knew—about ourselves, our past, and our place in the universe. The time-travel elements, the historical references, and the discussions on quantum theory make this book a wild, intelligent, and sometimes eerie read.

But what makes this book truly special is how realistic it feels. The political maneuvering, the governments scrambling for control, and the dark conspiracies lurking in the shadows make it feel eerily similar to the world we live in today. At times, I had to remind myself I was reading fiction because so much of it felt spookily plausible.

The pacing is brilliant, the suspense is unrelenting, and there are moments that made me laugh, gasp, and even tear up. And while the book gives us glimpses of hope, it’s not in the way you’d expect—this is a story that challenges the idea of what hope really means. I cannot wait for the next installment because this feels like just the beginning of something much bigger.

Profile Image for Marco Russo.
47 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2025
Kendall Williams has crafted something truly special with THING: First Contact. It’s not just a sci-fi novel—it’s a thought experiment, a historical journey, and a political thriller all rolled into one. From the earliest days of mankind to the philosophy of Plato, and all the way to cutting-edge discussions on quantum theory, this book takes you on an adventure through time, space, and the very fabric of human consciousness.

At its core, this is a story of discovery—of an alien presence, of our own hidden history, and of how fragile our world really is. Jason Hall, the protagonist, is the perfect character to guide us through this journey—he starts off as an ordinary man, but by the end, he’s something so much more. The way the story unfolds is brilliantly unpredictable, keeping you turning pages, eager to see what happens next.

But this book isn’t just about cosmic mysteries—it’s also about power, control, and the lengths governments will go to in order to keep the truth hidden. The political maneuvering and conspiracies add an extra layer of tension, making this feel grounded, thrilling, and disturbingly realistic.

If you love books that make you think—books that entertain, challenge, and inspire all at once—this is a must-read. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished, making you question everything you thought you knew. I can’t wait to see where Williams takes us next.
Profile Image for Rogan Joe.
51 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2025
If you’re a sci-fi enthusiast looking for a thrilling, mind-expanding journey, THING: First Contact by Kendall Williams delivers on every level. This book has all the elements of a classic, high-stakes space adventure a mysterious spaceship, an intelligent and likable protagonist, and deep, meaningful conversations between humans and an alien intelligence.

What sets this book apart is its bold and ambitious storytelling. Williams doesn't just throw an alien into the mix he uses the encounter to explore the complexities of human nature, time, and the very fabric of reality itself. There’s action on Earth, time travel, and fascinating geopolitical reactions to the alien arrival, making the story feel both grand and intensely personal.

The depth of thought that goes into this novel is staggering. String theory, multiple universes, and even philosophical reflections on God and higher intelligence Williams isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of sci-fi into thought-provoking territory. And while the deep science discussions may be challenging, they add a layer of intellectual curiosity that will stay with you long after you finish reading. This book is more than just a sci-fi story; it’s a philosophical and existential adventure that will make you question everything. If you love your sci-fi with a mix of action, intellect, and heart, this is a must-read!
Profile Image for Melissa Fox.
21 reviews
March 14, 2025
If you love sci-fi that makes you think, THING: First Contact is an absolute must-read. From the moment Jason Hall stumbles upon something beyond human comprehension, you’re hooked. The writing is cinematic, yet deeply philosophical. The stakes feel real, and the questions raised about artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the unknown linger long after the last page.

Williams doesn’t just throw an alien entity into the mix—he uses it as a mirror to reflect our own humanity, our weaknesses, and our strengths. Arkan, the alien intelligence, isn’t some cliché extraterrestrial figure; he is a complex being whose motives and origins remain a mystery. His interactions with Jason and the world leaders reveal a stunning contrast between human ambition and cosmic indifference.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its ability to balance thrilling action with deep existential questions. What does it mean to exist? How do we define intelligence? Can humanity overcome its self-destructive tendencies? The book doesn’t spoon-feed you answers—it makes you think. And that’s the mark of truly great science fiction.

Profile Image for Peter Robinson.
37 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2025
THING: First Contact is one of the most engaging and intellectually stimulating sci-fi books I’ve ever read. Kendall Williams takes what could have been a straightforward first-contact story and transforms it into an intricate blend of science, philosophy, and politics. The novel doesn’t just introduce an alien presence—it forces humanity to confront itself.

The presence of Arkan, the enigmatic alien intelligence, is mesmerizing. He isn’t just a visitor; he’s a catalyst for deep existential questions about free will, morality, and the fabric of reality itself. The way Williams weaves together global political struggles, technological advancements, and philosophical dilemmas is masterful. The story grips you with its intensity, and before you know it, you’re questioning your own perceptions of reality.

What I loved most was how THING: First Contact blurs the line between science fiction and contemporary reality. It’s a cautionary tale, an adventure, and an intellectual puzzle all rolled into one. If you want a book that challenges you while keeping you entertained, this is it.

Profile Image for Theodore  Hoyle.
36 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2025
THING: First Contact is not your average alien encounter story. It’s bold, visionary, and challenges the conventions of the genre. Kendall Williams asks big questions—What if aliens are nothing like we expect? What if they challenge not just our technology, but our very way of thinking?

From the first chapter, the book grips you with its eerie, almost surreal atmosphere. The Ark is not just a spaceship—it is an enigma, an entity that doesn’t obey human logic. Arkan is one of the most fascinating alien characters I’ve come across, and his interactions with Jason Hall are nothing short of mesmerizing.

But what really makes this book stand out is its ambition. It’s not just about first contact—it’s about human evolution, politics, and the nature of intelligence itself. The writing is compelling, the world-building is immersive, and the stakes feel incredibly high. This is the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you finish it.

If you’re tired of generic sci-fi and want something truly original, THING: First Contact is for you. It’s thought-provoking, thrilling, and utterly unforgettable.

Profile Image for Mady Poe.
56 reviews
April 15, 2025
This book floored me. "THING - First Contact" by Kendall Williams is not just another sci-fi novel—it’s a revelation. The way it interweaves current global tensions, quantum mechanics, and the ethical dilemmas of human expansion into the unknown is nothing short of brilliant

Jason Hall is an everyman who finds himself in an impossible situation—swept into a reality where first contact with an alien entity is not just happening, but happening in a way that challenges the very fabric of his understanding of life and the universe. Arkan, the alien intelligence, is a fascinating character, bringing humor, wisdom, and an eerie sense of foreboding to their interactions.

What struck me most was how real this book feels. It’s as if Williams is predicting a not-so-distant future, warning us about the consequences of our actions as a species. The book is thrilling, insightful, and, at times, deeply unsettling—just as great science fiction should be. If you want a book that will keep you up at night thinking about the universe and our place in it, look no further.
Profile Image for Peter Garcia.
47 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2025
Reading "THING - First Contact" was like stepping into a mind-expanding journey that twisted my perceptions and left me completely in awe. Kendall Williams has crafted a book that doesn’t just tell a story—it makes you feel it. The writing is personal and immersive, with no filler or dull moments. Every word feels intentional and hypnotic, pulling you deeper into the layers of metaphors, analogies, and profound ideas that challenge the very way we think about existence.

What makes this book so different is how it blends science fiction, philosophy, and raw human emotion into an unforgettable ride. It’s not just a book—it’s an experience. You don’t just read it; you live it. The way Williams weaves deep concepts into a thrilling narrative is entrancing, making it impossible to put down. And the ending? Let’s just say I am desperately waiting for the next book. If you want a novel that challenges, entertains, and stretches your mind in ways you never expected, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Samuel George.
42 reviews
May 1, 2025
I’ve read countless first-contact stories, but THING: First Contact is in a league of its own. Kendall Williams has created a mind-blowing, thought-provoking, and deeply immersive experience that left me questioning reality itself.

The book’s premise is wildly original not just about meeting an alien species, but about what it truly means to make contact with something beyond human comprehension. It’s not your typical sci-fi with battles and warships; instead, it delves into existence, intelligence, and the boundaries between reality and perception.

Jason Hall is a protagonist I instantly connected with. He’s not some action hero he’s a thinker, a scientist, a man struggling with the enormity of what he’s witnessing. His emotional turmoil and awe made me feel like I was standing right there beside him, trying to grasp the otherworldly intelligence of the Arkinians.

This book made me rethink what it means to be human. If you love sci-fi that doesn’t just entertain but expands your mind, this is an absolute must-read.
Profile Image for Nicole Aniston.
34 reviews6 followers
March 14, 2025
A sci-fi mixed with history, adventure, and deep questions about human consciousness, this book is a great pick. The story moves at a good pace, keeping you wondering about what’s coming next. Jason, the main character, tells the story in a down-to-earth, relatable way, but by the end, he turns out to be much more than just an ordinary guy. The way time travel and historical events are mixed into an unusual yet believable alien encounter makes this a really fascinating book.

The political side of the story shows how the truth gets handled by the White House and the hidden forces working behind the scenes for power feels very real. There’s adventure, mystery, suspense, and big questions about who we are as humans. Some moments were very funny, while others hit so hard I actually teared up. And the ending surprised me in a good way.

I’m really looking forward to the next book because, can't wait to see where the story goes next!
Profile Image for Sam Holland.
35 reviews
March 19, 2025
There are books that entertain, and then there are books that change how you see the world. THING: First Contact falls into the latter category. Kendall Williams doesn’t just tell a story—he immerses you in a thought experiment about existence, intelligence, and our place in the universe.

Jason Hall, the protagonist, is an everyman who finds himself at the center of something bigger than he could ever have imagined. His journey is emotional, intense, and at times deeply unsettling. The interactions with Arkan are some of the most fascinating parts of the book. The alien’s way of perceiving reality challenges everything we assume about consciousness and free will.

Williams’ writing is evocative, filled with awe-inspiring descriptions of space and time. The book left me feeling small in the best way possible—like I had just glimpsed something far beyond human understanding. If you love sci-fi that is both mind-expanding and deeply human, this book is an absolute must-read.

Profile Image for Robert Liam.
51 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2025
Finally read this book after putting it off for so long. I’m glad I read this. It is an interesting sci-fi with a mix of history, adventure, and exploring human consciousness. The story flows smoothly and keeps you wondering about what’s coming next.

Jason is the main character, who starts off as a regular, relatable guy but reveals a much deeper side towards the end. The book mixes time travel, historical elements, and an intriguing alien encounter in a near-future setting. There is political drama with the White House and also some dark conspiracies.

It’s an exciting mix of adventure & mystery. There are moments that’ll make you laugh, but also ones that’ll have you in tears. The ending shows a sense of hope, though not in the way you might expect. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Lucas Matt.
52 reviews10 followers
March 10, 2025
A sci-fi book that really makes you think about who we are as humans and where we might be headed. The author does a great job of going into big, philosophical ideas, like collective consciousness and the origins of cultural myths.

The story is exciting & it stretches your mind in ways you didn’t expect. The writing is engaging and personal, and you won’t find yourself skipping over boring parts,it keeps you moving forward. It’s a layered, thought-provoking adventure, and I can’t wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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